Regrading the Cavs' sign and trade for Lauri Markkanen

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Lauri Markkanen, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) /

Regrading the Cavs’ sign and trade for Lauri Markkanen: Final grade

To summarize, the Cavs’ made a curious choice last summer that seemed more asset-play (pouncing on an available young talent) than targeting the “perfect fit” for the roster. That being said, starting Markkanen at small forward absolutely worked, both in the regular season and the play-in game.

If Markkanen’s shot is back to the 39-41 percent range next season, suddenly the upside on the Triple Towers lineup goes through the roof. The switchability of Markkanen, Mobley and Allen as similarly-sized players is a true weapon against most lineups in the league, even if they are susceptible to teams with multiple dynamic guards.

If the Cavs want to unlock their ceiling they probably need a wing-sized wing at the 3, but that assumption could be incorrect. It seems that Markkanen was buoyed by the other two bigs more than he carried them; another floor-spacer at the 3 who could more easily defend small forwards would likely be even better. Lineups with Dean Wade in place of Markkanen were a hair better than those with the Finnish marksman, a possible hint that this could be true.

Markkanen is a solid midrange salary the Cavs can keep around and use in a trade for another key piece; he would likely be expendable if the team made a play for Jerami Grant, for example, or Harrison Barnes. They will likely also consider drafting a small forward in the NBA Draft; they took LSU forward Tari Eason in our latest mock draft. Markkanen’s spot isn’t locked in.

Next. Mock Draft 2.0: Highlighting team needs for the lottery. dark

Yet he is also not on any sort of a hot seat. Markkanen did exactly what the team asked of him and the results were strong. The Cavs don’t need to rush him out of there just to find a more conventional fit. While the Cavs likely could have signed Markkanen for less, and probably could be maximizing lineups with a more classic 3, Markkanen has been really good. It’s hard to fault them for the move and the re-grade comes in surprisingly strong.
Grade: B+