Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Grade: B+
Cleveland accomplished a lot in the trade. The Cavaliers acquired their top trade target in Ellis and didn’t surrender a first-round pick. Not that they have many to offer.
More importantly, the Cavaliers significantly reduced their tax bill. Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, “The trade saves Cleveland nearly $50M in salary and luxury tax this season.” The Cavs are now $13.9 million above the punitive second apron, which is about $8 million less than before the trade.
Cleveland is expected to trade Lonzo Ball, perhaps to Washington, to get under the second apron. The Cavaliers could also make a few other minor moves.
Ellis projects to be a major part of the Cavs second unit, backing up Donovan Mitchell at the two and Jaylon Tyson at the three. Ellis is on an expiring contract, but is eligible for a three-year, $52 million extension starting on February 9.
Dennis Schroder and Luke Travers
Schroder figures to serve as Darius Garland’s main understudy at point guard. Although Garland is out with a toe injury, Schroder figures to step into the starting role for the time being. Schroder and Ellis are questionable for tonight’s contest in Portland.
Since the Cavaliers were carrying 14 players before the trade, they don’t have to make a subsequent move. However, Sam Amico of Hoopswire reports that the Cavs are releasing Luke Travers from his two-way contract. Travers, the No. 56 pick by Cleveland in 2022, has spent most of his time with the organization in the G-League. He has seen action in 24 NBA games, including 12 this season.
The Cavs are waiving Travers to make room for Miller. Miller, on a two-way contract with Chicago, has spent most of his two pro seasons with the G-League’s Windy City. He has appeared in 11 career NBA contests, including five this season.
© Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
