King James Gospel
Fansided

NBA Trade Deadline: Cavs, League Thoughts the Day After

ByJared Mueller|

The NBA Trade Deadline was one of craziness. Player after player, pick after pick were moved in a fury of moves that left us all speechless. Who plays for what team? Where are all the picks? What does it mean for the playoff run? The Cleveland Cavaliers stayed pat but that doesn’t mean they were not impacted by yesterday, nor are they for sure done making adjustments to their roster.

So here are a few thoughts, first related to the Cavs then the rest of the league from some of the moves:

Cavs

  • I think think the Cavs found out that the Brendan Haywood contract was going to have more value this off-season than they expected. Sam Amico reported that they were getting a good amount of interest in the contract, that interest was from teams wanting to use it this off-season. The Cavs decided to hold on to the asset and see what they can do with it in the off-season. They can’t trade their 2015 First Round pick until after they use it in the NBA Draft but combining it with Haywood’s contract could bring some good value.
    • We expect to look at a variety of possible trade options for the team. They could go for one big contract or try to get a couple good players with it. A great asset for team building. The Cavs could lose J.R. Smith (Player Option), Matthew Dellavedova (Unrestricted Free Agent), Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert (Restricted Free Agents) after the season and will need to fill those important spots if any of them depart.
  • The Cavs had very little that interested other teams. While some in our comments were upset that the Cavs couldn’t get one of the big men who were moved, they could not. First, they do not have the contracts to put together to get a player with a decent salary. Second, they have zero players with much on the court value and the first 1st Round pick they can trade is in 2018. So not only did they not have the contracts to make the cap math work, they also didn’t have the on court value to make things work.
  • Unlike many other teams, who were adding starters or key reserves, the Cavs “needs” were 9th or 10th man. GM David Griffin and HC David Blatt like what Delly does as the backup point guard and have to hope one of Mike Miller, Shawn Marion or James Jones find the fountain of youth in the playoffs. The biggest need was a 4th big man behind Timofey Mozgov, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson, other teams were looking for their 1st or 2nd big.
  • The Cavs made their deals last month, adding Mozgov, Smith and Shumpert. Not only are those some of the better players moved this season they are also the best fitting players. One thing missed is that the Cavs are now in a groove with their roster. The value of that extra month of playing together is worth a lot more than can be quantified. Other teams are trying to incorporate key players.
  • The Cavs are in pretty good shape. It was fun for other teams and their fans yesterday but the Cavs are sitting pretty.
    • LeBron James even changed his thoughts on the roster, now believing they have a championship level one. That is a big change.

      • Miami Heat

      • Obviously nothing matters as much as the critical health of Chris Bosh. If you haven’t seen, he is at the hospital and being test for lung issues. Some reports are coming out that he has blood clots in his lung. That would end his season and could put his career at risk, Cleveland Browns lineman Jason Pinkston reportedly had similar issues. Bosh’s availability changes everything on the basketball court but that only matters after we know he is healthy.
      • If this is just a big scare, which we can hope for Bosh, and he is able to return this year the Heat are a scary team for the Cavaliers and other teams. Obviously with Wade and Deng “if healthy” is always a given. But with Goran Dragic running the point they would give the Cavs defense fits. Kyrie Irving would struggle to keep him in front and Dragic can stop and pop a three as well. Irving’s defense against point guards, while much improved from last season, puts a lot of pressure on Mozgov in the paint. Against Derrick Rose before the All Star break this caused Timo’s foul trouble. The lack of a backup big who can protect the rim a bit becomes an issue at that point.

      Philadelphia 76ers

      • Many are complaining about what the Sixers did yesterday. They traded young pieces that should fit into their rebuild plan. Many believe they are taking tanking to a whole new level.
      • I think differently. The Sixers look like they are going to build around Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, their two big man from this last draft. They also have Nerlens Noel, who I think they actually look to move in the next year. The Sixers added another likely Lottery pick, one that could be this year if karma keeps going against the Lakers. They also added Isaiah Canaan and a 2nd round pick from Houston.
      • So why do I like what they have done? Because the NBA is not just about talent acquisition but it is also about fitting talent together. Griff has made that clear for the Cavs. With Michael Carter-Williams and K.J. McDaniels the Sixers had two players who were good at what they did but would not fit great with the trio of big men that the team was building around. MCW and KJ both struggled with their deep shooting. With big men as the foundation of your team you need shooting. Canaan provides some of that, 38% from deep on almost 3.5 attempts a game.
      • I expect the Sixers to look for shooting in the backcourt with many of their assets but they won’t overdraft for need. They took the two big men even though they had Noel, which is why I expect them to move Nerlens for shooting or more picks in the near future.
      • The Sixers are trying to build a team that fits together, not just a team of talented players.

      Oklahoma City Thunder

      • Not sure of Enes Kanter and Stephen Adams combination. Who starts, how much will OKC pay Kanter and will both be happy? Big questions.
      • That said, the Thunder got a ton for a player that wasn’t happy and a 1st Round pick.
      • Kyle Singler is the best part of this trade that isn’t being talked about. The guy can shoot and is a solid defender when engaged.
      • The Thunder’s second unit now includes D.J. Augustin, Dion Waiters, Singler and Kanter along with others. Their bench depth is impressive as those 4 plus one other would likely beat a few teams around the league.

      Phoenix Suns

      • The Suns made the best of a bad situation and ended up with a team that fits together better.
      • They also added 3 first round picks in the process.

      Washington Wizards

      Minnesota Timberwolves