If the NBA Adds New Teams, Which 8 Cavaliers Would Be Protected in an Expansion Draft?

NBA Expansion Discussions

• 💡 The NBA is reportedly considering expanding the league from 30 to 32 teams.
• 🎯 Las Vegas and Seattle are the two projected cities that would receive new franchises if expansion occurs.
• 🔑 An expansion would necessitate an expansion draft, where existing teams protect a limited number of players.

Cavaliers Protection Strategy

• ✅ The Cleveland Cavaliers would be allowed to protect up to eight players from their current roster.
• 📌 The discussion focused on which players to protect as of the current day, rather than a future projection.
• ⚠️ A key strategic consideration involves whether to protect players with bad contracts or high salaries, or leave them exposed for potential selection.

Core Protected Players

• 🏀 There was a general consensus among the hosts on five core players who would be protected: Donovan, Harden, Tyson, Moy, and Allen.
• 🧠 These five players are considered the starting lineup when the team is fully healthy.

Debating Remaining Spots

• 🔍 The hosts debated extensively over the final three protected spots, considering various bench players and rookies.
• ⚡ Players like Sam Merrill were frequently mentioned as a strong candidate for protection due to his shooting ability.
• 🧩 Other specific players discussed for protection included Tyrese Proctor, Keon Ellis, Naqucoin Tomlin, Thomas Bryant, Max Strus, and Dennis Schroder.

Player Value and Trade-offs

• 📈 Arguments were made for protecting rookies like Tyrese Proctor due to high praise from within the organization, despite limited playing minutes.
• 📊 The value of players such as Naqucoin Tomlin was debated, with his energy and defensive impact weighed against his lack of shooting.
• 💰 The potential for Keon Ellis's upcoming large contract and the trade value of players like Max Strus were also significant factors in the discussion.

Final Protection Choices

• 🤝 The hosts ultimately had differing opinions on the final protected players, highlighting the complexities and various priorities involved in such decisions.
• 👏 The exercise was considered a "fun exercise" despite the disagreements, showcasing the strategic depth of an NBA expansion draft scenario.