Of course, we know what Afflalo can do in terms of scoring at this point. Let's just say the Cavs pull the trigger and draft Vonleh at No. 4 and Hood at No. 12. Does Vonleh, Hood and Afflalo equate to Wiggins or Parker alone in terms of value?It really might.For Cleveland, this deal comes down to just how much it values Wiggins and Parker at No. 1. If the Cavaliers aren't completely sold on either of them as franchise players, this has to be a deal worth doing.For the Magic, I'd imagine trading up to No. 1 means they badly want Wiggins, who'd replace Afflalo alongside Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris.Parker is more of a combo forward, just like Harris, while Wiggins projects as a wing, whether it's at the 2 or 3 position.Based on the draft order and the Magic's current spot (without making a trade) at No. 4, you'd like to think Australian point guard Dante Exum would be a target. Only there's a strong chance Exum won't be there.If Exum is gone at No. 4, then the Magic would likely have wished they got a deal done for the first pick. Of course, it's tough to know who will and won't be there at No. 4 prior to the draft.
The Magic probably aren't interested in finding themselves in a position where Wiggins, Parker and Exum are off the board. To avoid this possibility, a trade for No. 1 means dealing three assets for one unproven prospect—a risky play. However, dealing Afflalo, who's under contract for two more years, might ultimately be addition by subtraction. And there is obviously no sure things at No. 4 and No. 12. This is a solid deal for both parties involved. Orlando gets a potential centerpiece in Wiggins or Parker, something it desperately needs. And Cleveland gets to fill multiple holes on a roster that already has a star.Grantland's Bill Simmons sure likes this particular deal for the Cavaliers:That's a lot for Parker or Wiggins, who will both enter the league with questions to answer. If you're the Cavaliers, this has to be something you consider, especially if Embiid remains the apple of your eye. Cleveland was likely going with Embiid at No. 1 before he suffered a foot injury—now, it's possible it can get him at No. 5, along with Favors, Burks and another first-round pick.
This deal will likely come down to just how much the Cavaliers think of Parker and Wiggins. If they truly believe these are future franchise players, then the choice is simple—sit tight at No. 1. But if Cleveland has any doubt or skepticism regarding its projections, whether it's questioning Wiggins' killer instinct or Parker's defensive ability, moving down to No. 5 could be the wise move to make. If you're Utah, you're putting all your stock into and plenty of pressure on whoever you take at No. 1. Even if it's just Favors and No. 5 for Parker, you're still looking at holes and a lack of upside in the lineup.But if the Jazz consider Parker or Wiggins as that must-have prospect, then quite frankly, it's tough to blame them for making this deal—because Favors and Burks aren't must-have cornerstones.Still, this would be a major risk-reward play for the Jazz. They'd be blatantly overpaying on potential, which doesn't offer certainty.
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