The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2026 offseason with one need that is abundantly clear: a true point-of-attack defender, and Herb Jones could be that.
All postseason, the Cavs were getting fried on the perimeter, leading to clean looks at the rim, as Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen looked like they had forgotten they could contest at the basket. While the idea of Donovan Mitchell being traded has been tossed around with Kenny Atkinson set to return as head coach next season, it appears there are no plans to hit the big red reset button. If their front office wants a different result in the 2026-27 season, they should explore Herb Jones trades with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The first place this trade proposal appeared was on the Instagram account nbatradecenter, in their Cavs offseason game plan post.
Herb Jones is the perfect player for the Cavs
Immediately, what stands out is Cleveland giving up two picks for Jones, who is coming off a horrific shooting season and has been injured for the last couple of years. The more you look back at how bad things were defensively for the Cavs in the playoffs, it makes you think about the desperation that they could have to fill that need this offseason. No matter what you want to say about Herb Jones' offensive game recently, there's no denying that at full health, he is still the league's best perimeter defender.
The deal also sees the Cavs land Yves Missi to be their backup center, and while it would be tough to see him go, New Orleans does have the resources to find a replacement in free agency.
It's also worth noting that this deal helps Cleveland cut back on some costs, and for a team with as hefty a tax bill as they have, that's also another reason to be drawn to this trade.
The Pelicans side of the deal
Now to the main event, why the Pelicans would and should do this trade if it makes its way to Joe Dumars' office. Firstly and most importantly, New Orleans needs shooters, whether it's off the bounce or off the catch—they need floor spacers, and this deal gives them two high-level perimeter creators.
Starting with Max Strus, who this postseason has easily become one of my favorite players in the league. He plays with that grit and sandpaper that Jamahl Mosley and Dumars talk about wanting this team to have, and we saw him step up his game defensively to a level that I didn't really know he could play at. Between the regular season and postseason, Strus shot a combined 38 percent from three. He had some explosive performances, including his 20-point Game 5 performance against the Pistons in round two, where he shot 6-for-8 from three and the field.
Slotting him into the off-guard spot next to Dejounte Murray next season would add spacing and continue to give the Pelicans a ton of size and length.
As far as Jaylon Tyson goes, he'd be a fun long-term project for new assistant coach God Shamgod, who really helped Anthony Black in his breakout this past season. Tyson had a strong regular season, shooting 44.6 percent from three and averaging 13.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Tyson did struggle in the postseason, but I chalk that up to a lack of experience, as his Swiss Army Knife skill set makes it impossible not to see him being an impact player for years to come.
It's no secret New Orleans is looking for draft picks and floor spacers this summer, and if the Cavaliers make an offer like this for Herb Jones, Joe Dumars would be a fool not to accept.
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