Cleveland latest: Mock Trade Has Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire Elite Nets Forward

Mock Trade Sees Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire Top Nets Forward

The Cleveland Cavaliers might need to part with several players and draft picks in a potential deal for Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson.

Over the past year, the Cavaliers and Johnson have been frequently linked in trade rumors, with the versatile forward seen as an ideal addition to address Cleveland’s wing position. The Cavaliers should be actively pursuing this opportunity to secure him.

So, what would a trade between the Cavaliers and Nets look like for Johnson?

Derek Parker of Brooklyn Nets on SI proposed a mock trade scenario where Cleveland acquires Johnson, and Brooklyn receives multiple future assets in return.

The proposed trade is:

Cavaliers Receive: Cameron Johnson
Nets Receive: Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, Cleveland’s 2031 first-round pick, and second-round picks for 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Although this is a significant amount to give up for one player, if these are Brooklyn’s demands for Johnson, the Cavaliers should strongly consider agreeing to the deal.

Okoro, who recently signed a team-friendly contract through the 2026-27 season, is still young and already one of the league’s top perimeter defenders. He’s also developing into a reliable three-and-D player. Even if the Nets don’t see him in their long-term plans, they could trade him for further assets down the line.

Veteran Georges Niang brings important leadership to the locker room and has played valuable minutes off the bench, but Johnson would be a clear upgrade over both Niang and Okoro.

The biggest concern for the Cavaliers in this trade is the draft picks they would be giving up. A future unprotected first-round pick six years from now is a gamble, regardless of a team’s current roster. While Cleveland should be willing to part with it, they might try to negotiate some protection or consider a pick-swap.

It’s important for the Cavaliers to consider how this trade might impact their team chemistry, which has been key to their success. However, adding Johnson would solidify their position as championship contenders, making this mock trade a compelling option.