The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors could explore an unlikely trade deal that would benefit both teams in their campaign this season.
The Cavs and Warriors have built quite a rivalry in the NBA, having been featured in the last two Finals. Several teams were able to upgrade their roster during the offseason, but the Cavs and Warriors are still the heavy favorites to battle it out for the Larry O'Brien trophy.
However, any chances for a third-consecutive Finals appearance for both teams rests in the hands of how their respective talented roster would translate in the regular season.
The Cavs secured the team's most important signing this summer after securing LeBron James to a three-year $99.8 million contract. But Cleveland lost a handful of key players this summer and there is still a possibility the Cavs lose JR Smith, who remains unsigned.
On the other hand, the Warriors are entering the regular season with new weapon in Kevin Durant. The former OKC Thunder star decided to join the Warriors' already talented roster earlier this summer in hopes of winning his first ever NBA championship. But there are concerns whether Golden State could has the same depth in their bench after losing several key players in free agency.
If things don't go according to plan for both teams, exploring a deal midseason is certainly a possibility. There would be plenty of trade scenarios available, depending on the Cavs and Warriors' needs, but Quentin Albertie of King James Gospel, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, believes the "best trade" is for both teams to swap key players.
In Albertie's trade scenario, the Cavs would send Iman Shumpert to the Warriors for Andre Iguodala, two players essential in both teams' championship runs in the past two seasons.
"Shumpert, like Andre Iguodala, is a superb perimeter defender. Shumpert will be able to guard all three backcourt positions well but is also a far more reliable three-point shooter than Iguodala," Albertie wrote.
"While Iguodala was a pro's pro for the Warriors and accepting of a bench role, the Cavs are getting a starting small forward."
Shumpert's defensive upside and reliable shooting percentage from the three-point area would make him an ideal fit for the Warriors.
Shumpert only played 54 games with the Cavs last season, with a career-low average of 5.8 points per game on 37.4 percent shooting from the field, including 29.5 percent from downtown. But playing for a Warriors team that has plenty of shooters should boost his percentage and give him open shots beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Iguodala would give the Cavs an intelligent veteran who can do all the works for the defending champs. Iguodala's versatility as a defender and scorer would take off some pressure on LeBron James, and should give Cleveland a reliable second unit leader.
Iguodala is also entering the final year of his contract, and at 32, the Warriors could see him an expendable piece to make cap room for next summer, when Stephen Curry becomes and Durant become free agents.
It remains to be seen whether the Cavs and Warriors workout a trade to help in each other's campaign this season, but the chances are highly unlikely.
The Cavs may not have a significant addition to their roster, but they should still be the top contenders in the East if they could keep their core roster healthy. It would also be wise for the Warriors to keep hold of Iguodala, especially after most of their championship pieces this summer.
Nevertheless, anything can happen in the NBA, and it remains an intriguing option for the Cavs and Warriors if they do not live up to their expectations this season.
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