NBA Trade Deadline: 3 players the Cleveland Cavaliers should keep out of trade talks

LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second time in the summer of 2018, however, unlike back in 2010, the Cavs were confident that they could remain contenders in the East. After all, the team was coming off of four consecutive NBA Finals appearances, and in the aftermath of James' departure, the Cavs successfully managed to convince Kevin Love to sign a new four-year $120 million extension.

In addition to retaining their 5-time All-Star, the team also drafted an exciting rookie in Collin Sexton, however, the Cavs season has quickly turned into a disaster. Head coach Tyronn Lue was fired after Cleveland started the season with a 0-6 record, and since the change of coach, the Cavs' plight has only gotten worse.

At the midway point of the season, the Cavaliers have a record of 9-35, which is currently the worst in the entire NBA. Nevertheless, there have still been a few bright spots in a dark season for the Cavaliers, and here we will look at three players that the team should keep out of trade talks as we approach the February deadline.

#3 Cedi Osman

Cleveland Cavaliers v Los Angeles Lakers

Cedi Osman was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 31st overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, although his rights were quickly traded to the Cavaliers, although Osman didn't his breakthrough with the team until the 17-18 season. Last season, the 23-year-old played in 61 games, averaging 11.0 minutes per night, although Osman has this year assumed a larger role thanks to a depleted Cavs roster.

So far this season, Osman has started 41 times for Cleveland and is currently averaging 11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. The small forward is locked into a contract until 2020, and the Cavs should continue to play Osman, as the forward has shown flashes of brilliance, and still has plenty of time to get better.

#2 Collin Sexton

Cleveland Cavaliers v New Orleans Pelicans

After playing a season of college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Collin Sexton announced his decision to forgo his final three seasons of college eligibility and declared himself for the 2018 NBA draft. Despite last years draft being packed with talent, Sexton was selected with the 8th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While Sexton has faced the increased scrutiny of being the Cavs first draft pick since the departure of 14-time All-Star, LeBron James, the 20-year-old has managed to overcome a difficult start and has since established himself as one of the most exciting rookies in the NBA.

So far this season, Sexton is averaging 14.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game and the point guard recently excelled during his teams surprise win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Ultimately, Sexton looks as though he could play a major role in the Cavs future, so the team should look to build around him, rather than entertaining trade offers.

#1 Larry Nance Jr.

Despite the Cavaliers' disastrous season, Larry Nance Jr. has continued to demonstrate that he is a player that the Cavs should be looking to retain as a part of their future. The 26-year-old has played in 39 games this season, including 17 starts, and Nance Jr. is currently averaging 8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

The former Lakers man has also managed to develop a three-point shot this season. Lance Jr. is currently shooting at a rate of .333 from beyond the arc, which is a big improvement over the percentage of .125 that he posted last season.

Nance Jr. is also an individual that gives his all on every night, and the center rarely has a game where he doesn't contribute at either end of the court. During his 12 months in Cleveland, Lance Jr. has demonstrated that he can play a role in the Cavs' future, and it would be a short-sighted decision for the franchise to trade him away.