CLEVELAND — If you're a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, there's a good chance you ran into a debate regarding the definition of "outlandish" on Tuesday.
That's because despite his attempt to not make headlines, ESPN's Brian Windhorst did just that when he told ESPN Cleveland's "The Really Big Show" that he's heard the Cavs could be in line to make an "outlandish" move in the coming days.
"I have some speculation, there's a couple of outlandish stuff that I'm not going to say right now because I'd get in trouble," Windhorst said. "I wish I could tell you more and I know I shouldn't tease you, but there's one thing that I heard -- just look on social media this last week and see what you see."
Windhorst's attempts to quell speculation, however, only had the opposite effect, with many taking to social media to theorize and debate what type of "outlandish" move Cleveland might make. With that in mind, here are five potential targets who might fit the description with NBA free agency set to begin on July 1:
Zion Williamson, F, New Orleans Pelicans
The idea of the Cavs trading for Zion Williamson would have seemed far-fetched merely a year ago when the Duke product signed a five-year, $192 million extension with the Pelicans. But following another injury-plagued season, questions about Williamson's future in New Orleans continue to persist, as he has thus far failed to live up to the considerable hype that he first entered the league with in 2019.
When healthy, the 6-foot-6, 284-pound forward has proven to be one of the most dominant players in the league. Acquiring Williamson -- who is still just 22 years old -- would certainly qualify as "outlandish," although it's hard to envision Cleveland putting together a trade package capable of prying him from the Pelicans.
Jaylen Brown, F, Boston Celtics
Entering the offseason, one of the most intriguing storylines is whether or not the Celtics will offer Jaylen Brown a five-year, $295 million extension, which would make him the highest-paid player in the NBA. While the Celtics will likely opt to sign the 2023 All-NBA second-team selection, it's possible Boston could also shop Brown following the Celtics' disappointing exit from this past season's playoffs.
If that's the case, Cleveland could make a call -- although acquiring Brown wouldn't come cheap. Considering the Cavs' lack of draft picks, trading for the two-time All-Star would likely require Cleveland to part ways with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland or Evan Mobley, something the team would likely be unwilling to do.
Paul George, F, Los Angeles Clippers
Having failed to establish themselves as a championship contender, the Clippers are reportedly willing to shake up their roster, which has already led to speculation regarding Paul George's future with the franchise. While his age (33) and considerable injury history are both causes for concern, the Fresno State product is coming off an All-Star season in which he averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
What's more is that as an athletic 6-foot-8 wing with 3-point range, George could fill the most glaring hole currently on Cleveland's roster. If the Cavs could acquire him without parting ways with Mitchell, Garland or Mobley, it would certainly be intriguing -- although doing just that would likely be easier said than done.
Draymond Green, F, Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green is technically set to become a free agent, but any scenario in which Cleveland could acquire him would likely have to be a sign-and-trade. While the four-time NBA champion is likely to re-sign with Golden State, he also appears poised to test the market for the first time in his career.
The 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Green would bring some much-needed toughness and experience to a Cavs roster that seemed to lack both in its five-game series loss to the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. A sign-and-trade involving Cleveland center Jarrett Allen could make sense for both sides, as the Warriors' height -- or lack thereof -- was an issue in their own playoff defeat.
Miles Bridges, F, free agent
While Cleveland acquiring the other players on this list would be "outlandish" due to their on-court abilities, signing Miles Bridges would be considered "outlandish" for another reason. A 2018 first-round pick, Bridges didn't play during the 2022-23 season after being arrested on domestic violence charges last June -- he later pled no contest.
From an on-court perspective, the addition of the 25-year-old forward would make a lot of sense, as his skill set -- he's a reliable wing defender and good enough 3-point shooter -- would make a lot of sense for the Cavs. It's also worth noting that Bridges -- who will serve a 10-game suspension to start the upcoming season -- is represented by Cleveland native Rich Paul, who has a strong relationship with the Cavs.
As for how Cleveland could acquire the Michigan State product, he's a restricted free agent, so any contract the Cavs offer him could ultimately be matched. Despite likely being the least costly player on this list, there's no question that Bridges is also the most polarizing potential target.