Three Trades For The Cleveland Cavs To Pursue

The Cleveland Cavaliers turnaround is remarkable. Not quite halfway through the season, Cleveland matched its win total of 22 from last season. The Cavs are getting it done on the defensive end, with a 104.6 defensive rating entering Monday’s game, which is third in the NBA. Their net ratings is fourth overall — 4.9 — and the best in the Eastern Conference.

Their efficiency on that end has been a turning point under JB Bickerstaff, and the development of third-year guard Darius Garland — who is having an All-Star-caliber season — could turn the Cavs into contenders.

Here are three trades to assist their playoff push and into the postseason:

Trade No. 1

Cavs send: Kevin Love + Collin Sexton

Trail Blazers send: CJ McCollum + 2nd round pick

It’s a deal that has been rumored for several years from when Kevin Love has been disgruntled. This proposed trade makes more sense now as it would get two players to their respective hometown teams. Love, a Portland native, would add a floor spacer at the forward position and give the Blazers a bit more depth in the frontcourt. Last offseason he said it would be “special” to play for his hometown team. The 33-year-old has two years left on his deal at $31.2 million per. In a rotational role, he’s averaging 14.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest while shooting 41.7% on 3s. With Sexton out for the season, Portland has a guard to pair with Damian Lillard or a reset option with Sexton still on his rookie deal.

McCollum, a Canton native, could bolster the backcourt that has been depleted. The 30-year-old is scoring 20.6 points per game and with three years left on his deal, he could be a solid option with Darius Garland taking a step forward this season.

Trade No. 2

Cavs send: Collin Sexton + Cedi Osman + Lauri Markkanen + 2022 1st (top 10 protected)

76ers send: Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons has 275 starts under his belt and the three-time All-Star is looking for a new home. Cleveland has been a rumored destination and a lucrative trade asset such as Sexton could sway Daryl Morey, who has been patient in dealing Simmons. The 2017 first overall pick missed his rookie season but has been solid since as a 6-foot-11 point forward who averages 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game throughout his career.

Garland is showing consistency as a 3-point shooter and adding a second ball-handler who thrives at getting downhill toward the basket to pair with him could unlock a different look to Cleveland’s attack.

Trade No. 3

Cavs send: Isaac Okoro + Cedi Osman + Dean Wade + 2022 1st

Pistons send: Jerami Grant

With Cleveland soundly in the playoff hunt and the sixth spot in the East at that, a move for a playoff seeding push and to add a veteran is warranted. Jerami Grant is one of the hotter commodities after betting on himself in signing with the Pistons. He’s averaging 21.6 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 78 games since signing with Detroit.

At 6-foot-8, Grant could add an element with the ability to defend multiple positions, including either forward position. Cleveland’s frontcourt depth would get an added weapon that can play on the perimeter, opening up space for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.