Lauri Markkanen as Cavs potential trade candidate would seem premature

Theoretically, LeVert would be a more logical trade candidate than Markkanen

With that uncertainty in mind with Markkanen as more of a wing, I get that some might suggest the team look to trade Markkanen this offseason, or perhaps during this next season ahead.

To me, however, if the Cavaliers were to look to consolidate with a two-way wing in mind, I’d much rather the team look to hold onto Markkanen, and perhaps prioritize moving Caris LeVert, and picks instead. This would be with say, Cedi Osman/Dylan Windler as potential sweeteners, whether or not others pieces with a wing as cap filler were involved.

I just personally believe Markkanen as a potential Cavs trade candidate after just one season, and a season where he became more comfortable as the year progressed, would be premature. Even while this season, maybe he didn’t live up to $15.7 million in compensation, I thought he came on as the year wore on.

In LeVert’s case, it was a tough situation for him to be dealt from the Indiana Pacers near the past trade deadline, and he then missed a considerable stretch due to a foot sprain suffered before post-All-Star play commenced. Objectively, though, he was somewhat underwhelming, with 13.6 points per contest, and he connected on only 31.3 percent from three.

There were some encouraging signs, however, and LeVert looked more in-rhythm later on, on a number of occasions, but he wasn’t nearly the difference-maker one would’ve imagined he could be, and he’s had injuries throughout his career, unfortunately as well.

Plus, LeVert is extension-eligible this offseason, and while LeVert reportedly wants to be with the Cavaliers long term and I believe next season, he should be much more comfortable, if they were to have to choose in theory, I’d prefer Cleveland sign Collin Sexton long term.

Sexton is coming off a season where he only appeared in 11 games before a meniscus injury ended his season; on the plus side, he’s been very durable aside from that in his other three seasons, and he’s younger at 23. Perhaps both LeVert and Sexton could be around in coming years; it’s difficult to say on that, though.

So, anyway, circling back, based on Markkanen’s play, shooting and how he was better than most would’ve expected on defense, I’d personally rather Cleveland not trade him before next season, or early into it.

And maybe if Kevin Love is not extended, the soon-to-be-25-year-old Markkanen could carry on in his bench supersub shooter role looking onward, as an aside.