Cavs: Grading the Lauri Markkanen deal from all angles

The Cleveland Cavaliers made their surprise move of the offseason weeks after the dust had cleared, trading forward Larry Nance Jr. for a mirror version in Lauri Markkanen. Where Nance is a veteran defensive force, new Cavs big man Markkanen is a young sharpshooter.

With Lauri Markkanen a restricted free agent, and the Cavs over the cap, the deal was a sign-and-trade that was expanded to include three teams. The Portland Trail Blazers are taking back Nance, while they send Derrick Jones Jr. and a lottery-protected first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls. The Cavs send a protected Denver second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls as well, bringing in Markkanen on a four-year, $67 million contract.

The Cavs traded Larry Nance Jr. for the right to sign Lauri Markkanen to a four-year deal. How should we grade the deal from all angles?

There are a number of facets to this transaction that all have to be unpacked, examined, and held up to the light. A player can be a good on-court fit but be overpaid; they can be on a great contract but the trade cost could have been too much. It could be a slam dunk from all angles; it could also be an absolute bust (hello DeMar DeRozan deal!).

There are reasons to like this trade for the Cavs, no question. Markkanen adds a lot to this team. While we all have an instant reaction, it will take time for perspective to come. Taking everything into account, was this the right move for the Cavaliers? Let’s break this down in four parts: the contract, the trade cost, the on-court fit and the long-term layout. What grade did the team earn in each area?