Who says no to this trade?
Cavs get: Zeller, Monk, McDaniels, Richards
Hornets get: Drummond
Fanspo.com
tradenba.com
On the surface may not seem like something the Cavs are interested in, but a few reasons the Cavs do it:
1. McDaniels and Richards are 2 young prospects that fit the style of players the Cavs are trying to get on this roster. McDaniels is a long and athletic combo forward with potential to be an adequate shooter from 3, while Richards fits the profile of a rim protecting/lob threat center.
2. While Drummond has made a significant impact this year, I could see Koby moving off of him even if the return is not overwhelming in order to move towards the future. While I get the team is much more competitive this year, I keep thinking back to how Koby traded Clarkson for 2 2nds in order to open up more opportunity for Garland, Sexton, and KPJ. I could see the same thing happening here in order to get Allen into the starting 5.
3. Koby also mentioned in the recent presser that this year was about figuring out who we were and not the year we would be "putting the foot on the gas". With Drummond all but gone after the season ends, there is a part of me that thinks Koby would be interested in getting Drummond off the roster to get a better idea of where this team is at without him given he is not a future piece.
Whether or not the Hornets would do this I'm not sure. They do have some young guards themselves and could use the benefit of having a guy like Drummond anchoring them defensively and providing an inside presence who can pass the ball on offense (when engaged). Would also give them a long look at Drummond to see if he is someone who could fit with them long-term for the low cost of some expiring contracts and a few marginal prospects.
As for the 4 for 1 trade, this was the only way to get to salary math that would work. Assuming McGee gets moved at some point as well (possibly into Brooklyn's disabled player exception), the roster is down to 13 and we would only need to waive Dean Wade (or possibly even waive Monk if the Cavs do not view him as a player they want to get a look at).