How can the Cavaliers build for a championship this summer? U.S. media lists three targets: Antetokounmpo tops the list, Harden's former teammate included.

On May 26, Beijing time, the Cavaliers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals this season but were swept by the Knicks. They took a huge risk at the trade deadline by acquiring James Harden. This bet apparently didn't deliver the desired payoff.

Even though the team wasn't operating with a "win or fail" attitude, they had intended to advance further. This loss might compel management to reevaluate the existing core. Conversely, if they can sign long-term deals with Harden and Mitchell, the Cavaliers can still build around these two stars and push for a championship.

Bleacher Report states that if the Cavaliers stick with a win-now approach to contend, their summer trade targets will likely include the following players: Giannis Antetokounmpo at the top, and a former teammate of Harden on the list.

3. Justin Champagnie (Wizards)

The Cavaliers have defensive weaknesses in the backcourt and offensive shortcomings in the frontcourt, but both positions feature elite stars. Therefore, if the team decides to only tweak the supporting cast, the wing will be a key area for reinforcement.

Quality wings who excel on both ends are rare, and landing them at a low price is even harder—something the Cavaliers know well. If they can acquire Champagnie from the Wizards, they could add a two-way player. At this stage, his overall performance isn't enough for the other side to demand a high price, making the trade cost relatively manageable.

The key to this acquisition lies in whether the Cavaliers believe he can develop a reliable outside shot. Once his three-point ability solidifies, he would become a typical 3-and-D wing and also one of the best rebounders among similar players.

But so far, he is willing to shoot threes but his percentage is not ideal. If his long-range shooting never improves, he will likely remain a hustle-oriented role player. Even so, he is still a value option. A hardworking attitude is itself a skill, and combined with his rebounding and defensive fit, he can provide solid immediate contributions.

2. Derrick Jones Jr. (Clippers)

Jones Jr. can be seen as a "more polished" version of Champagnie. However, his ceiling is limited, and the Cavaliers need to accept his average scoring and low three-point volume.

But the Cavaliers can certainly live with that.

The team's offense is built around Mitchell and Harden, so scoring firepower is already abundant. Jones' output of around 10 points per game is sufficient. Over the past two seasons, he has shot a steady 35.8% from three, allowing him to stretch the defense and punish teams that pack the paint. He is fully qualified as a floor-spacing role player.

As long as the Cavaliers can overlook his weaknesses, they can fully leverage his strengths: he can guard multiple positions, finish at the rim with explosiveness, and energize the team. A player who creates opportunities on defense and finishes on offense fits well with the core roster. Additionally, he was previously a teammate of Harden, which should make his integration smoother.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)

If Antetokounmpo requests a trade, it will likely spark a league-wide bidding war, and the Cavaliers hold highly attractive assets, giving them a chance to take the lead in this pursuit. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, when the Bucks previously received multiple offers, they clearly identified Mobley as a preferred young cornerstone.

The 24-year-old Mobley was named Defensive Player of the Year last season and also made the All-NBA Second Team. The Cavaliers would hardly consider trading him. But chasing "Giannis" is definitely one of the few exceptions.

Some may worry that the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo is getting older and more injury-prone, but across the entire league, a star of this caliber is virtually flawless. He is one of the top active players, capable of altering a game on both ends, and can dominate single-handedly.

If the Cavaliers want to convince Mitchell that the team is a championship contender, acquiring Antetokounmpo would be the most direct statement. This trade would come at a high cost and carry significant risk, but if it happens, the reward could be legendary.

Watch NBA on Migu Video. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers were swept 0-4 by the Knicks, marking the first time Harden has been "swept" in his career. No team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in NBA history, and the Cavaliers were no exception. Tomorrow's Western Conference Finals will see the Spurs and Thunder face off in a pivotal Game 5, with the series tied 2-2. The team that wins this game will undoubtedly have a psychological advantage! Now, the Knicks have advanced to the NBA Finals, with more rest time to await their final opponent. Follow Migu Video for NBA playoffs, and see which two teams will meet in the Finals. Feel free to leave comments and share your thoughts.