Trade Deadline Preview: What Can Koby Cook Up?

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The NBA Trade Deadline is under one week away – Thursday, February 8. As the buzzer rings at 3 p.m. (ET), rosters will be final sans buyout players becoming available. The Cavs are approximately $3 million under the luxury tax threshold, and still have ~$3 million available in their non-taxpayer mid-level exception and ~$2 million from their bi-annual exception.

Depending on how the deadline shakes out, the Cavs could be active on the buyout market – like targeting Danny Green last year. Although, the mid-level exception may be used on a CRAIG! Porter Jr multi-year deal which has been a staple during Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman’s tenure -- converting young, undrafted players to late season cost effective multi-year deals.

It's important to note: Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor said earlier in the year the Cavs have no plans to go into the luxury tax this season. With new luxury tax rules, the Cavs are likely avoiding starting the luxury tax clock when increased salaries over a period of time comes with increased penalties. Basically if you aren't ready to go all-in and the price it comes with, beware.

Buyout market aside, the Cavs have an interesting deadline ahead. While there is not an explicit need the question does remain whether the Cavs are good enough as currently constructed. And with injuries, the answer is they may not know.

One thing that can be ruled out is any movement of core pieces – Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Koby has reportedly told teams to “lose my number” on Mitchell, and taken Allen off the table.

We’ve detailed the evaluation Koby must face as it pertains to roster construction. The Cavs are heavy in backcourt assets, and could use a reconfiguration to reallocate assets to assist the frontcourt while opening up minutes for other viable options in the backcourt.

All that to say, any tinkering figures to be around the core and not with the core. Even within that, there’s a chance Koby decides a healthy Garland and Mobley are his trade deadline additions.

The difficulty in building out any Cavs trade is their limited ability to expend first round compensation (only their 2024 and 2030 1st round pick swaps are available) and not having any trade filler salary. To Koby’s credit, every Cavs contract has some positive value attached to it making it harder to match larger salaries due to the multiplication of value within some of those packages.

But they do have flexibility in their contracts – some expirings, lack of long-term and bad contracts. They have multiple 2nd round picks (8 through 2029), and they have some intriguing draft rights (Khalifa Diop, Luke Travers).

In any deal, the Cavs would be looking for quality not quantity. Depending on how you look at, they have 12 rostered players who could be in an NBA rotation today. If any trade is made, it’s to consolidate those assets to address a need or swap out talent for talent at another position of need.

Recently, Yahoo.com’s Jake Fischer said to “keep an eye on Cleveland sniffing around for reserve guards, sources said.”

The Cavs could also try to secure some big man insurance given Mobley’s long-term absence and Tristan Thompson’s 25 game suspension to ensure a repeat of last year’s New York series, exposing their lack of depth behind Allen and Mobley, doesn’t comes back to bite them.

Or, Koby could look to address the one of the true weaknesses on this team: Another two-way forward who can guard the East’s elite forward options. Come playoff time, the Cavs will have to deal with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, OG Anunoboy, Pascal Siakam, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, etc. Is Dean Wade, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro and maybe Mobley enough to stop them?

Understanding all of this, we take a look at two options to address each deadline possibility.

Point Guard​

If the Cavs bring in another guard with Ty Jerome sidelined with no publicly available time table and CRAIG! Porter Jr still on a two-way deal (remember, two-way players are not playoff eligible), then it’s likely a veteran is needed who can steer the ship if called upon and have enough defensive chops to be paired with Garland or Mitchell.

TJ McConnell
Why it makes sense: McConnell is buried behind so many guards on the Indiana team it’s even hard for Rick Carlisle to get him minutes. With another year remaining on his deal and the Pacers looking to be flexible this summer, they likely would be open to get his deal off the books. For the Cavs, McConnell represents the type of player fans and coaches love: scrappy, hard-nosed, unselfish and a strong defender. McConnell has consistently been tops at his position in assist rate, and defends his position well. The problem is he can’t shoot well enough to stay on the floor for long stretches (career 33% from 3 on 0.7 attempts in 21.7 minutes per game).
What it’ll take: If the Cavs could combine all of their backend roster fodder (Jones, Thompson, and Jerome), they’d have enough to make salaries match and stay under the luxury tax.

Aaron Holiday
Why it makes sense: Houston’s early season run was cute but not sustainable. They’re 9-15 in their last 24 games and continue sinking fast. With the playoffs likely just outside their reach, Holiday is the type of veteran moved for some assets to allow the younger kids to play. For the Cavs, Holiday is exactly the type of low-risk move they’d be interested in. Holiday has been a staple in Ime Udoka’s rotation due to his dependability and consistency as a backup guard. He’s a strong defender (67th percentile Crafted Defensive Plus Minus), shoots the ball well (40% back-to-back years from 3P) and can do enough to run a second team offense.
What it’ll take: Throw-in a salary match (Jerome or James) and a 2nd round pick or two (either Golden State’s protected 2024 or Milwaukee’s 2025) and you likely strike a deal.

Forward​

If the recent stretch of play proved anything, it’s you can never have enough two-way players around the core. The balance of Strus, Wade and Okoro in the starting lineup provided strong point of attack defense and floor spacing allowing Allen and Mitchell to succeed. If the Cavs want to have a sustained playoff run, it may require acquiring a reliable, consistent two-way threat who is not going to be ignored offensively and will be able to withstand the East’s toughest scoring challenges.

Brooklyn wings
Why it makes sense: The Cavs have long been linked to the both Finney-Smith and O’Neale with O’Neale’s interest extending back to last deadline when the Cavs were unable to strike a deal due to Brooklyn’s insistence on including Okoro. The fit is clear: both Finney-Smith and O’Neale are versatile, effective defenders (DFS is 59th percentile in Crafted Defensive Plus minus; O’Neale is 74th percentile) and can space the floor at a high volume (DFS three-point rate is 67.6% at a 38.3% clip; O’Neale three-point rate is 81.2% at a 36.2% clip). Either contract have an upside to them: DFS is locked up below the non-taxpayer mid-level exception for another year with a player option while O’Neale is an expiring that can be extended this off-season.
What it’ll cost: The Nets have told teams it’ll cost two first-round picks for DFS while they’re seeking to recoup their first round pick cost for O’Neale. Considering the Nets have no incentive to tank with their first-round picks being in the hands of other teams, they’ll want current value for either player. DFS would likely cost the Cavs LeVert in any deal while O’Neale could cost Wade or Okoro.

Patrick Williams
Why it makes sense: In an alternative reality, the Cavs could have ended up with Williams over Okoro in the 2020 NBA Draft but here we are years later with both set to hit free agency this summer. The Bulls and Williams were unable to reach an extension before the deadline to start the season, and it sounds like that may not be coming with what Williams wanted. With the Bulls stuck in the mud, they may look to move on from Williams to bring back assets while they can. For the Cavs, Williams is the type of long, two-way forward they’ve been craving. He’s hovered around 40% from three on 3.4 3PA the last two years while being in the 52nd percentile in Crafted Defensive Plus Minus. Williams has underperformed a bit in Chicago however last time the Cavs picked up an underperforming, former high draft pick forward from Chicago it worked out quite well.
What it’ll cost: Again because of Williams salary ($9.8M), it makes it hard to build out a trade without giving up a key rotation player or stacking several depth players together outweighing the value the Cavs could be sending out. A Wade or Okoro led package would likely be the beginning with some draft assets attached to it.

Bigs​

With Tristan Thompson suspended for 25 games and Damian James being on the outskirts of the rotation, the Cavs may choose to seek some veteran insurance for their playoff run. Last year’s series against the Knicks exposed their lack of viable big men behind Allen and Mobley. They’ll need an alternative option in case of foul trouble or early, or just to give either a breather and soak up some fouls. This role doesn’t require much, and the Cavs should be able to weather the storm for Thompson’s return before the playoffs.

Mike Muscala
Why it makes sense: Anybody on the Pistons needs rescued. Muscala ended up in Detroit after a series of trades, and at this point needs his knight in shining armor to relieve him of his veteran duties with the Pistons. For a rebuilding team, any assets for veteran expiring contracts is a move they’ll make. Muscala isn’t too far off from having a mini career renaissance with Oklahoma City, finding his way as a glue guy, spacing center who makes others better while on the court. Muscala was moved for a pair of 2nd round picks at last year’s trade deadline seeking to bring Boston some veteran depth, and could be on the move again in a similar manner.
What it’ll take: A salary match (James) and a future 2nd round pick.

Xavier Tillman
Why it makes sense: Just like every other Grizzlies player this year, Tillman suffered an injury that setback what looked to be a promising year after breaking out last year in his third NBA year. So far, Tillman has been unable to replicate his defensive presence shown in years past and has been wholly inefficient offensively (44% TS, 22.6% 3P%, 40.8 FG%, 41.9 FT%) dragging down his offensive metrics. Tillman is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason and with the money owed in Memphis next year, he may be free for greener pastures. For the Cavs, this may be a buy-low opportunity to take a shot on a depressed asset who is only 25-years old and shown signs of being a valuable role player. If he can recapture some semblance of previous play, he would be a valuable resource to have behind Mobley and Allen.
What it’ll take: ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently recommended a Tillman to Cavs trade which saw Jones, and two 2nd round picks (their own in 2025 and Denver’s in 2027) go to Memphis.

---

Last season, Koby Altman did not make an in-season trade for the first time since 2017. Will he double down on this roster and see if they can overcome last year’s playoff failure? Or will he make a move to improve this roster with the eyes set on bigger and better things this year?

Only time well tell, and it will tell soon.

 

[natedagg]

View attachment 18802
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The NBA Trade Deadline is under one week away – Thursday, February 8. As the buzzer rings at 3 p.m. (ET), rosters will be final sans buyout players becoming available. The Cavs are approximately $3 million under the luxury tax threshold, and still have ~$3 million available in their non-taxpayer mid-level exception and ~$2 million from their bi-annual exception.

Depending on how the deadline shakes out, the Cavs could be active on the buyout market – like targeting Danny Green last year. Although, the mid-level exception may be used on a CRAIG! Porter Jr multi-year deal which has been a staple during Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman’s tenure -- converting young, undrafted players to late season cost effective multi-year deals.

It's important to note: Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor said earlier in the year the Cavs have no plans to go into the luxury tax this season. With new luxury tax rules, the Cavs are likely avoiding starting the luxury tax clock when increased salaries over a period of time comes with increased penalties. Basically if you aren't ready to go all-in and the price it comes with, beware.

Buyout market aside, the Cavs have an interesting deadline ahead. While there is not an explicit need the question does remain whether the Cavs are good enough as currently constructed. And with injuries, the answer is they may not know.

One thing that can be ruled out is any movement of core pieces – Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Koby has reportedly told teams to “lose my number” on Mitchell, and taken Allen off the table.

We’ve detailed the evaluation Koby must face as it pertains to roster construction. The Cavs are heavy in backcourt assets, and could use a reconfiguration to reallocate assets to assist the frontcourt while opening up minutes for other viable options in the backcourt.

All that to say, any tinkering figures to be around the core and not with the core. Even within that, there’s a chance Koby decides a healthy Garland and Mobley are his trade deadline additions.

The difficulty in building out any Cavs trade is their limited ability to expend first round compensation (only their 2024 and 2030 1st round pick swaps are available) and not having any trade filler salary. To Koby’s credit, every Cavs contract has some positive value attached to it making it harder to match larger salaries due to the multiplication of value within some of those packages.

But they do have flexibility in their contracts – some expirings, lack of long-term and bad contracts. They have multiple 2nd round picks (8 through 2029), and they have some intriguing draft rights (Khalifa Diop, Luke Travers).

In any deal, the Cavs would be looking for quality not quantity. Depending on how you look at, they have 12 rostered players who could be in an NBA rotation today. If any trade is made, it’s to consolidate those assets to address a need or swap out talent for talent at another position of need.

Recently, Yahoo.com’s Jake Fischer said to “keep an eye on Cleveland sniffing around for reserve guards, sources said.”

The Cavs could also try to secure some big man insurance given Mobley’s long-term absence and Tristan Thompson’s 25 game suspension to ensure a repeat of last year’s New York series, exposing their lack of depth behind Allen and Mobley, doesn’t comes back to bite them.

Or, Koby could look to address the one of the true weaknesses on this team: Another two-way forward who can guard the East’s elite forward options. Come playoff time, the Cavs will have to deal with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, OG Anunoboy, Pascal Siakam, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, etc. Is Dean Wade, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro and maybe Mobley enough to stop them?

Understanding all of this, we take a look at two options to address each deadline possibility.

Point Guard​

If the Cavs bring in another guard with Ty Jerome sidelined with no publicly available time table and CRAIG! Porter Jr still on a two-way deal (remember, two-way players are not playoff eligible), then it’s likely a veteran is needed who can steer the ship if called upon and have enough defensive chops to be paired with Garland or Mitchell.

TJ McConnell
Why it makes sense: McConnell is buried behind so many guards on the Indiana team it’s even hard for Rick Carlisle to get him minutes. With another year remaining on his deal and the Pacers looking to be flexible this summer, they likely would be open to get his deal off the books. For the Cavs, McConnell represents the type of player fans and coaches love: scrappy, hard-nosed, unselfish and a strong defender. McConnell has consistently been tops at his position in assist rate, and defends his position well. The problem is he can’t shoot well enough to stay on the floor for long stretches (career 33% from 3 on 0.7 attempts in 21.7 minutes per game).
What it’ll take: If the Cavs could combine all of their backend roster fodder (James, Thompson, and Jerome), they’d have enough to make salaries match and stay under the luxury tax.

Aaron Holiday
Why it makes sense: Houston’s early season run was cute but not sustainable. They’re 9-15 in their last 24 games and continue sinking fast. With the playoffs likely just outside their reach, Holiday is the type of veteran moved for some assets to allow the younger kids to play. For the Cavs, Holiday is exactly the type of low-risk move they’d be interested in. Holiday has been a staple in Ime Udoka’s rotation due to his dependability and consistency as a backup guard. He’s a strong defender (67th percentile Crafted Defensive Plus Minus), shoots the ball well (40% back-to-back years from 3P) and can do enough to run a second team offense.
What it’ll take: Throw-in a salary match (Jerome or James) and a 2nd round pick or two (either Golden State’s protected 2024 or Milwaukee’s 2025) and you likely strike a deal.

Forward​

If the recent stretch of play proved anything, it’s you can never have enough two-way players around the core. The balance of Strus, Wade and Okoro in the starting lineup provided strong point of attack defense and floor spacing allowing Allen and Mitchell to succeed. If the Cavs want to have a sustained playoff run, it may require acquiring a reliable, consistent two-way threat who is not going to be ignored offensively and will be able to withstand the East’s toughest scoring challenges.

Brooklyn wings
Why it makes sense: The Cavs have long been linked to the both Finney-Smith and O’Neale with O’Neale’s interest extending back to last deadline when the Cavs were unable to strike a deal due to Brooklyn’s insistence on including Okoro. The fit is clear: both Finney-Smith and O’Neale are versatile, effective defenders (DFS is 59th percentile in Crafted Defensive Plus minus; O’Neale is 74th percentile) and can space the floor at a high volume (DFS three-point rate is 67.6% at a 38.3% clip; O’Neale three-point rate is 81.2% at a 36.2% clip). Either contract have an upside to them: DFS is locked up below the non-taxpayer mid-level exception for another year with a player option while O’Neale is an expiring that can be extended this off-season.
What it’ll cost: The Nets have told teams it’ll cost two first-round picks for DFS while they’re seeking to recoup their first round pick cost for O’Neale. Considering the Nets have no incentive to tank with their first-round picks being in the hands of other teams, they’ll want current value for either player. DFS would likely cost the Cavs LeVert in any deal while O’Neale could cost Wade or Okoro.

Patrick Williams
Why it makes sense: In an alternative reality, the Cavs could have ended up with Williams over Okoro in the 2020 NBA Draft but here we are years later with both set to hit free agency this summer. The Bulls and Williams were unable to reach an extension before the deadline to start the season, and it sounds like that may not be coming with what Williams wanted. With the Bulls stuck in the mud, they may look to move on from Williams to bring back assets while they can. For the Cavs, Williams is the type of long, two-way forward they’ve been craving. He’s hovered around 40% from three on 3.4 3PA the last two years while being in the 52nd percentile in Crafted Defensive Plus Minus. Williams has underperformed a bit in Chicago however last time the Cavs picked up an underperforming, former high draft pick forward from Chicago it worked out quite well.
What it’ll cost: Again because of Williams salary ($9.8M), it makes it hard to build out a trade without giving up a key rotation player or stacking several depth players together outweighing the value the Cavs could be sending out. A Wade or Okoro led package would likely be the beginning with some draft assets attached to it.

Bigs​

With Tristan Thompson suspended for 25 games and Damian James being on the outskirts of the rotation, the Cavs may choose to seek some veteran insurance for their playoff run. Last year’s series against the Knicks exposed their lack of viable big men behind Allen and Mobley. They’ll need an alternative option in case of foul trouble or early, or just to give either a breather and soak up some fouls. This role doesn’t require much, and the Cavs should be able to weather the storm for Thompson’s return before the playoffs.

Mike Muscala
Why it makes sense: Anybody on the Pistons needs rescued. Muscala ended up in Detroit after a series of trades, and at this point needs his knight in shining armor to relieve him of his veteran duties with the Pistons. For a rebuilding team, any assets for veteran expiring contracts is a move they’ll make. Muscala isn’t too far off from having a mini career renaissance with Oklahoma City, finding his way as a glue guy, spacing center who makes others better while on the court. Muscala was moved for a pair of 2nd round picks at last year’s trade deadline seeking to bring Boston some veteran depth, and could be on the move again in a similar manner.
What it’ll take: A salary match (James) and a future 2nd round pick.

Xavier Tillman
Why it makes sense: Just like every other Grizzlies player this year, Tillman suffered an injury that setback what looked to be a promising year after breaking out last year in his third NBA year. So far, Tillman has been unable to replicate his defensive presence shown in years past and has been wholly inefficient offensively (44% TS, 22.6% 3P%, 40.8 FG%, 41.9 FT%) dragging down his offensive metrics. Tillman is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason and with the money owed in Memphis next year, he may be free for greener pastures. For the Cavs, this may be a buy-low opportunity to take a shot on a depressed asset who is only 25-years old and shown signs of being a valuable role player. If he can recapture some semblance of previous play, he would be a valuable resource to have behind Mobley and Allen.
What it’ll take: ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently recommended a Tillman to Cavs trade which saw Jones, and two 2nd round picks (their own in 2025 and Denver’s in 2027) go to Memphis.

---

Last season, Koby Altman did not make an in-season trade for the first time since 2017. Will he double down on this roster and see if they can overcome last year’s playoff failure? Or will he make a move to improve this roster with the eyes set on bigger and better things this year?

Only time well tell, and it will tell soon.

Damian JONES man!! Mash that edit button! Great job as always.

I like Saric from GSW as a bargain bin player who can do it all. They need to shed salary anyway.

I think we hit the buyout market. Damian JONES should still see the floor and honestly I hope we keep him. At least you get a mobile strong big for foul trouble purposes. This is his “next man up” moment, so we should see what we’ve got unless he wants traded. Saric is very similar contract and height/weight, but obviously more dynamic on offense. I would trade DJ for Saric and 2nds for sure tho. Saric is the type of player who could, in some instances, be an unlock to Mobley and Allen structural issues. I don’t know what compensation moves the needle but I would love to run the experiment with him.

 

[cliffdawg]

Best trade this year is probably not making a trade, with Garland and Mobley coming into form, and we will be getting Thompson back before the year up , I’m good,,,,

PS, Hopefully Thompson can find another Supplement that works for him….haha

 

[kookoo]

Best trade this year is probably not making a trade, with Garland and Mobley coming into form, and we will be getting Thompson back before the year up , I’m good,,,,

PS, Hopefully Thompson can find another Supplement that works for him….haha

I don't think that would be the best trade. We have a team ready for the regular season but not built for the playoffs. Too many one way players. Okoro is great defensively, but when it comes to needing shooters to bring us back in games while also providing some defense, he's not going to be out there in the last few minutes of a game. But it's also going to be tough to trust Garland out there next to Mitchell while both are roughly the size of the point guard or smaller. And then our 3 is the size on most 2s...

We know Porter isn't going to play, so we don't really have a point guard outside of Garland who is getting playoff minutes. Who knows if Jerome is going to be back this season or if he'd even get minutes. So we have Mitchell and IsoVert as our backup ball handlers. Vert being more selfish than a Kardashian in heat.

We also don't know how Tristan is going to come back. Is he going to have the same level of physicality without the juice?

I think we need to trade for a backup point guard, a starting small forward and a PF/C who can body up the bigger players. Wade showed he can play the 5 against more mobile centers.

If not trade, get one or two players off the waivers. And trade away Caris at his peak value. That's what the Lakers are trying to do with Russell.

 

[cliffdawg]

I think we need to trade for a backup point guard, a starting small forward and a PF/C who can body up the bigger players. Wade showed he can play the 5 against more mobile centers.

Stuff your asking for is offseason moves , What players you have in mind that are available and could move the needle…….Keep in mind We have great Chemistry with what we have right now,

 

[kookoo]

Stuff your asking for is offseason moves , What players you have in mind that are available and could move the needle…….Keep in mind We have great Chemistry with what we have right now,

I don't know if you watched the last two games but the chemistry was suspect. Reintegrating Garland and Mobley is like adding new players into the roster so it's not that big of a deal. Literally any of the players in the post by Smooth would be great. I'm not asking for a bonafide superstar. Role players since whoever you get is going to be at the best a 5th option in the starting lineup or 7th-8th off the bench. If you can do something like Caris plus a first for Patrick Williams and Caruso then trade Okoro for a backup big, that's a huge win.

 

[Smooth]

Damian JONES man!! Mash that edit button! Great job as always.

I like Saric from GSW as a bargain bin player who can do it all. They need to shed salary anyway.

I think we hit the buyout market. Damian JONES should still see the floor and honestly I hope we keep him. At least you get a mobile strong big for foul trouble purposes. This is his “next man up” moment, so we should see what we’ve got unless he wants traded. Saric is very similar contract and height/weight, but obviously more dynamic on offense. I would trade DJ for Saric and 2nds for sure tho. Saric is the type of player who could, in some instances, be an unlock to Mobley and Allen structural issues. I don’t know what compensation moves the needle but I would love to run the experiment with him.

Thank you, nate..

Damian Jones, Damian James, Damon James, it's all too much!

 

[Smooth]

With Tristan coming back, they should be okay when it comes to the playoffs... Tristan has shown he has some juice (no pun intended) left in him and for what they need, maybe 10-12 minutes in situations, he's shown to be proficient... However, the long-term answer behind Allen and Mobley is not on the roster and whether they acquire that now or in the offseason, it's needed..

The report of the Cavs sniffing around veteran guards didn't make sense but if view it from how JBB has approached this roster (only playing CPJ when he HAS to) then it makes sense... And with Jerome now looking like he's out for the year, the Cavs are probably thinner then they want to be at that spot... While there aren't any veterans sitting at home that could provide some minutes the good news is some of these veterans shouldn't cost much... But it begs the question: Is a 2nd round pick really worth giving up for a guy who you get for 30 games + playoffs?

The wing is without a doubt the biggest need and where they can make the biggest splash... However, it also requires the biggest roster shakeup with the assets needed to be going out... If they can find the right one, which may cost more than they want, then it's a no brainer... If not, some smaller salaried guys like Jae'Sean Tate, Naji Marshall and Torrey Craig may all make sense... Otherwise, I could see this being a point to target in the buyout market with eyes on guys like Otto Porter Jr and Reggie Bullock..

With the Bulls now seemingly being sellers with LaVine out, Craig really becomes an interesting option and one I'd move up the list..