Analyzing B/R’s suggested Cavs trade with Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers saw a vision last season, making aggressive moves that propelled them into the upper echelon of the NBA. The coming together of this team started with the draftings of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. This small backcourt has worked like Yin-and-Yang with Sexton’s aggressive scoring and Garland’s nifty playmaking.

The team has made numerous moves to make life easier for the two after what transpired just a season ago. The Cavs had some of the worst shot creation during the 2020-21 season. Players like Damyean Dotson and Cedi Osman received heavy on-ball minutes, which did more harm than good for the team.

The team vowed to improve the playmaking on the team, trading for Ricky Rubio. A more than solid option, Rubio had a career-year scoring the basketball until an ACL injury knocked him out for the year.

Now, that injury expects to keep him out until the new year, leaving a glaring hole in the backup point guard position.

Bleacher Report recently had an article suggesting a Kemba Walker-Cedi Osman swap between the Cavaliers and New York Knicks. Does this move make sense for the Cavs? Let’s discuss.

Looking at the trade as a whole, Walker was someone who was out of the Knicks’ rotation for most of the year. The 31-year-old guard has seen a decline in his play from his previous years as the numerous knee injuries he’s sustained have caught up to him. Kemba had some positive moments last season, however, starting the season shooting 41% from three during his first month, a 44-point game in late December, and a triple-double on Christmas day.

With his age and injury issues, Walker is still a better option than any ball-handler we have coming off the bench, in the event Caris LeVert starts.

Is it worth it to give up Cedi Osman?

Cedi Osman has finally found his role this season. Starting off as a flamethrower this season, Osman often delivered when his name was called on. The biggest issue with Osman is one that he’s dealt with his entire career, the highs were high but the lows were very low.

The wing position on the team has been rejuvenated with the additions of Caris LeVert and Lauri Markkanen over the last year. The progression of Isaac Okoro and the likely 14th pick, which could definitely be another wing, will only add more competition. It’s these factors that make Osman expendable.

So, should the team make this trade?

If it’s on the table, this move is one that would make sense. The Cavs have the necessary assets to cover for the loss of Cedi, and Walker’s shot creation is necessary.

More shot creators would only help to open the offense up for others and allow players to continue to play within their roles. With just a year left, if Kemba doesn’t work out, the team could simply move on from him.

I believe in a positive environment, with an established culture, and limited egos, Walker could find success comparable to his time in Boston with the Celtics. The production won’t be the same but the Cavaliers don’t need him to be that type of player.

This is a move that Koby Altman should look into and not have any regrets about if it’s pulled off.