Cavaliers get major Evan Mobley-Giannis Antetokounmpo trade update

Dec 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drive to the basket while Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Technically, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ NBA Finals hopes were still alive and well following their unfathomable 22-point blunder to begin the Eastern Conference Finals.

However, it was clear that Cleveland's stunning defeat would set the tone for the rest of the series, and so far, that has proven true. The Knicks have bested the Cavaliers in the execution and defensive effort departments, helping them secure a 3-0 series lead ahead of what could be Cleveland’s final game of the series.

Looking ahead to the offseason, is there a chance the Cavaliers could make noise on the summer trade market by trading Evan Mobley to the Milwaukee Bucks for a clear upgrade in Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Perhaps, but the Athletic’s Joe Vardon reported that it isn’t a realistic scenario at the moment.

“The Cavs, probably soon, are going home for the summer with the most expensive roster in NBA history and no finals berth to show for it,” Vardon wrote Sunday.

“The rules are written such that it is unlikely some key role players will be back, and it is nearly impossible to bring in better replacements without first making significant moves to shed salary.”

“Otherwise, you’re looking at something drastic like trading Evan Mobley for Giannis Antetokounmpo — though two league sources say Cleveland has shown no interest in that move as of now.”

Considering a Mobley-Antetokounmpo swap would likely be the easiest method to complete a blockbuster deal with the Bucks for their generational forward, Vardon’s report essentially pours cold water on the idea of the two Eastern Conference franchises becoming trade partners this summer. 

Will the Cavaliers still be open to trading Mobley this offseason? Perhaps, but Antetokounmpo, who appears eager for a fresh start after regularly bumping heads with the Bucks, likely won’t be the other end of a noteworthy deal.

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