Despite some comments from an opposing executive, the Cavaliers are not actively shopping the No. 5 overall pick.
Instead, Cavs GM Koby Altman and his team are bringing in prospects for workouts this week, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, as they target selecting someone in the Nov. 18 draft.
An opposing executive recently told Amico Hoops/SI.com that he “strongly doubts” the Cavs intend to select fifth for the second time in two years. (They picked point guard Darius Garland in 2019.)
“They don’t want that draft pick,” the executive told SI.com. “I don’t know that for certainty — but I’ve spoken to enough people over there that I know they don’t really want to bring in another young unknown.
“I strongly believe they will end up trading it.”
Fedor reported the Cavs have already met virtually with Dayton power forwards Obi Toppin, as well as several other prospects, including Memphis center James Wiseman, Israeli forward Deni Avdija, Auburn guard/forward Isaac Okoro and USC power forward Onyeko Okongwu.
All of those prospects could potentially be available at No. 5 overall. Toppin is among those being brought in this week, Fedor reported.
The Cavs finished with 19 wins for the second straight season, but went 5-6 after J.B. Bickerstaff took over as coach in February.
According to the opposing exec and several other Amico Hoops sources, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has made one thing clear as he continues his recovery from a May 2019 stroke — he wants the Cavs to start competing for a playoff spot and generating interest.
“From my understanding, Mr. Gilbert is starting to put the pressure on Koby and the front office,” the opposing exec said. “There’s no ultimatum or deadline, as far as I know. But I think there’s a sense that it’s time to start making the playoffs and showing signs of progress.”
If true, it doesn’t appear the Cavs currently view shopping the fifth pick as something that needs to be done to get to where they want to go.
