Cleveland Cavaliers struck while the iron was hot, beating out the New York Knicks and other suitors to add Caris..."/> Cleveland Cavaliers struck while the iron was hot, beating out the New York Knicks and other suitors to add Caris..."/>
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3 trades the Cavs can still make before trade deadline

By Josh Cornelissen

Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /
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Jerami Grant, Detroit Pistons. Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /

Trade No. 2: The combo forward

The Cavs are set at four positions now, the two guard spots and the two big spots. The gaping hole in their long-term core is at the 3, where last season they shoe-horned a 2-guard in Isaac Okoro, and this season they are trying out a stretch-4 in Lauri Markkanen. If they can find a way to add their small forward of the future, this team would be able to gain a Phoenix Suns-level of continuity and production from their starting 5.

Few difference-making combo forwards hit the trade market, but at least one is available this season in Jerami Grant. The Detroit Pistons forward is a strong defender with a great catch-and-shoot game and surprisingly strong self-creation and ball-handling. He would give this team the multifaceted forward they need to go out and defend opponents like LeBron James, Jimmy Butler and Kevin Durant.

The Pistons do this deal for Collin Sexton, a player they are rumored to have their eye on. Sexton could defend point guards while playing off-ball with Cade Cunningham, nearly the best scenario for him. The Pistons would also get back Lauri Markkanen, whose floor-spacing is a perfect fit with Cunningham.

Not for nothing, the Cavs also add a solid backup point guard in Cory Joseph, who can play a similar, lower-octane role as Ricky Rubio did earlier in the season.