The Cavaliers signaled their interest in being a contender in the East when they acquired Donovan Mitchell in a trade. The 2024-25 season will be the third one since this trade happened. They have had successful regular seasons (back-to-back fourth seeds). Unfortunately, these seasons have resulted in just one win beyond the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Cavaliers knew they needed some changes to improve on what they had achieved. J.B. Bickerstaff was the first domino to fall, and Kenny Atkinson was hired. This offseason has been characterized by the front office securing their “core four” to long-term deals. This trade sees the Cavaliers consolidate their core by building a true contender around it.
This Cavaliers Trade Sees Them Make Noise In The East
The trade details:
The Cavaliers get: Jerami Grant, Dennis Schroder, and Duop Reath
The Nets get: Georges Niang, Ty Jerome, and a second-rounder in 2025 via the Bucks and a second-rounder in 2027 via the Nuggets
The Trail Blazers get: Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, a top-eight protected first-rounder in 2031 & two second-rounders in 2026 and 2027 via the Cavaliers
Why the Brooklyn Nets agree to this deal
The Brooklyn Nets stand to benefit significantly from this trade by turning Schroder’s expiring contract into assets. By acquiring Niang, Jerome, and two future second-round picks, the Nets bolster their roster and future draft capital.
Niang is a key acquisition in this deal. He has been an elite shooter throughout his career, with a career three-point shooting percentage of approximately 40%. This shooting prowess makes him a valuable contributor to the Nets, especially if they decide to trade Cameron Johnson later this season. Niang’s ability to stretch the floor can complement the Nets’ offensive schemes, giving them an edge in spacing the court. Additionally, if the Nets decide to trade Niang to a contender later in the season, his shooting ability would make him an attractive asset, potentially fetching more draft picks or young talent in return.
Jerome adds depth to the guard rotation, providing a steady playmaker and shooter off the bench. His inclusion, along with the two second-round picks, gives the Nets a combination of immediate contributions and future flexibility. The second-rounders, while not as valuable as first-round picks, still offer opportunities to find solid role players or use as trade assets.
This trade allows the Nets to maximize the value of an expiring contract while potentially setting up future moves that align with their long-term strategy.
Why the Portland Trail Blazers do this deal
The Trail Blazers would benefit from this trade by positioning themselves better for the future while also getting solid value for Grant. Grant is owed about $32 million per year for the next four years. He has never been an All-Star and does not fit into Portland’s long-term rebuilding plans.
By accepting this deal, the Blazers receive LeVert, Merrill, and Wade, alongside a top-eight protected first-round pick in 2031 and two second-round picks in 2026 and 2027. This may seem like a modest return compared to the two first-round picks they sought in recent trade discussions, but it makes sense given Grant’s age and contract size. The Blazers also improve their financial situation by being $10.8 million under the luxury tax after this trade, giving them more flexibility to manage their cap in the upcoming seasons.
LeVert and Merrill’s expiring contracts further contribute to this financial flexibility, allowing Portland to re-sign their promising players in 2025 without entering the tax. The future first-round pick offers potential high value in the long term, and the two second-rounders add to their asset pool for future deals.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers make this trade
The Cleveland Cavaliers gain three immediate contributors in this trade, enhancing their lineup flexibility and overall depth. Adding Grant, Schroder, and Reath allows the Cavaliers to optimize their roster around their core of Darius Garland, Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Grant provides a much-needed solution to Cleveland’s spacing issues, particularly when they play two big men. Grant shot over 40% from three during the 2023-24 season. He can slot in at power forward, offering a more balanced lineup that spaces the floor effectively. Alternatively, he can play at small forward, creating a defensively potent lineup that can lock down opponents on the perimeter while still maintaining offensive efficiency.
Schroeder gives the Cavaliers an experienced backup point guard who can defend at the point of attack when the minutes of Garland and Mitchell are staggered. His ability to play alongside either guard allows for more versatile lineup combinations.
Reath addresses a critical need for a backup big man, particularly after the Cavaliers’ 2024 offseason moves. His 35% shooting from three adds another dimension to Cleveland’s offense, giving them the flexibility to run five-out lineups that can stretch opposing defenses and create driving lanes for their guards.
The Last Word
The Cavaliers currently have just 10 picks under their control until the 2031 season. This deal sees them use five of those picks. While it does drain their coffers, they can replenish them if they move on from any of their core players. Overall, this trade provides the Cavaliers with the necessary pieces to compete more effectively in the Eastern Conference, addressing both their immediate and long-term needs.
