The Cleveland Cavaliers had an incredible regular season.
With 64 wins and the number one overall seed, it’s safe to say the team felt good entering the postseason.
But just a few weeks later it was a miserable disaster.
The Cavs fell in five games to the Indiana Pacers amid a flurry of second round injuries.
The disappointing exit has left fans and analysts alike wondering what’s next for Cleveland.
Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo of The Ringer discussed a potential trade on a recent podcast that could change the Cavs forever.
Cavs trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The trade is not complex, but it has a variety of layers to analyze.
Cavs receive:
Bucks receive:
Antetokounmpo has been rumored as open to exploring other teams for the first time in his career. Cleveland could give him a fresh start with a talented roster.
Mobley, a former third overall pick, would be given free reign in Milwaukee with an even higher workload. He would have every opportunity to reach his full potential.
“I guess the question for Cleveland is do you overreact to what happened in these playoffs?” Simmons said.
It would be an even more aggressive push for a title with 30-year-old Antetokounmpo who only has two years left before he’ll need a new, expensive deal.
Mobley is the inferior player but is younger, cheaper, and has potential to be even better than he already is. He won his first Defensive Player of the Year award this season.
“Comparing Mobley to the rest of the potential stuff that we’re doing here, it’s better than even Amen Thompson,” Russillo said. “It’s better than the number two pick or the number three pick.”
Evan Mobley for Giannis, straight up. Done deal?@BillSimmons @ryenarussillo pic.twitter.com/mmaI7k11Rd
— The Ringer (@ringer) May 19, 2025
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Mobley could be the best asset the Bucks could find depending on what the market offers. It depends if they want future picks or win-now assets.
Either way, this trade would rupture the Eastern Conference as we know it and change the NBA landscape.
Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun summer.
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