The Cleveland Cavaliers had a massive advantage in their heavyweight clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led side didn’t have a recognized center. With two towering giants in their ranks, the Cavs were supposed to be the side to exploit their weakness. Instead, the script took an uncalled turn. The Thunder attacked the Cavaliers’ flaws, crushing them virtually within three quarters.

The lead went as large as 42 points, as SGA scored 40 to exact revenge. And it exposed a grave weakness for the Cavaliers. They need a perimeter presence to tackle the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That was how the Thunder turned the tides tonight, launching 18 threes. Six of those came from Lu Dort. And the Hoops Collective crew feel they need to strengthen themselves in order to be true title contenders.

“What I will say is, if you watch this game and you watch how easy it was for Shea, who is maybe the MVP of the league, to get wherever he wants, and you talk about the impact Lou Dort can have on the other side. My biggest concern about this Cavs team, when you’re talking about them trying to get to the absolute apex, getting to the finals, winning the title with this group, they really don’t have any perimeter defensive athleticism on the team,” Tim Bontemps pointed out.

It seems the franchise is well aware of this flaw, and they have a target in mind. Cameron Johnson of the Nets, an enticing trade target around the league is also on the Cavaliers’ radar according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon. However, they aren’t placed well for it. The 6’8″ forward is having a breakout season, drastically raising his trade value.

As for the Nets, who are after ways to add dynamic talents as soon as possible, the Cavaliers do have some real estate. They can put together a package around Levert and Okoro. But as far as draft capital goes, they don’t have a first-round pick until the 2030 draft class. For a rebuilding team. waiting that long would be the last thing on their agenda.

Regardless, if they manage to do so, it could mean huge things for the number one seed in the NBA.

Cameron Johnson could transform the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers’ defense has been robust primarily due to their interior protection. Both Allen and Evan Mobley have a sublime partnership deterring shots in the paint regularly. However, preventing teams from shooting threes has been a problem area. The Cavaliers allow teams to shoot 36.5%, the ninth-highest mark in the league.

Cameron Johnson could change that entirely. Firstly, his height plays a huge factor. At 6’8″ with a long wingspan, he would become their tallest starter behind the two centers. In addition, even on a Nets team that allows a higher percentage than the Cavs, Johnson defends the perimeter quite well.

When defended by him, players are restricted to shooting just 34.1% from three. Furthermore, Johnson can cause severe damage as a shooter, converting 42.8% of his three-point attempts this season. But to add to his defensive activity, he averages 2.1 three-point contested shots per game.

It’s the highest mark on the Brooklyn Nets and subsequently would also lead Cleveland in that statistic. The only way standing in their way is the opposition they will face. Several teams have inquired about the 28-year-old, those with a large pool of draft capital available. While the Cavs have the allure, the Nets will certainly set a high price tag for Cam Johnson.

Even with all these obstacles, do you think the Cavaliers could succeed in signing him? Let us know your views in the comments below.