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INDEPENDENCE, OH - JUNE 24: President of Basketbll Operations Koby Altman introduces new draft picks of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts on June 24, 2022 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded the 29th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the 34th pick and a future second-rounder. The Kings selected UConn’s Alex Karaban with Cleveland’s pick.
Trading back has become more common in recent years as second-round talent increases in quality. Teams have found gems in the backend of the draft this decade and are more inclined to cut costs by trading back than they were before.
This applies perfectly to the Cavs, who are looking to trim the most expensive roster in basketball by any means necessary. They’re already working to restructure James Harden’s deal while considering choosing between some of their role players this summer. All of this comes with the goal of ducking the second apron.
Trading the 29th pick brings them closer to that goal. A rookie who is selected in the first round is guaranteed a $3 million dollar contract. But a second-round pick will only get $1.35 million. That’s not a huge difference in the grand scheme of things, but the Cavs are counting every penny right now.
Adding to this, the Cavs aren’t expecting to rely on a rookie next season. This is a team that made multiple midseason trades last year and fought through consecutive seven-game series to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. That means they are all-in on winning, and late first-round picks rarely contribute that quickly.
That’s why it makes sense for the Cavs to trade back. Their primary focus is on competing for a title in the immediate future, and a developing prospect naturally won’t be their priority. Trimming the payroll and having flexibility is more important.
Of course, it’s also important to keep searching for talent on the margins while you compete. There’s no reason the Cavs should overlook their 34th pick, as it could still reap rewards. A prospect like Henri Veesar, who can space the floor at seven feet tall, could be a useful pickup in the second round.
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