Cavs should try to trade for perfect fit Dejounte Murray

Cavs should try to trade for Dejounte Murray: What a trade would look like

At first glance, a trade package for Dejounte Murray would figure to be steep. Murray is more expensive than Darius Garland but likewise made the All-Star Game last season for the first time. While he is not much of an outside shooter, he is one of the very best defensive guards in the game.

Yet the Spurs are reportedly not looking for multiple blue-chip prospects in return for Murray; they seem to be after draft capital. The Cavs would need to match salary to trade for Murray, who makes $16.57 next season. That could come by pairing two contracts such as Cedi Osman and Isaac Okoro, or more likely by sending Caris LeVert to the Spurs.

The Spurs could use his secondary ball-handling and could showcase him before flipping him at the deadline. The Cavs would then send a couple of draft picks to the Spurs; perhaps their 2025 and 2027, Top-8 protected or something along those lines.

The Cavs wouldn’t have to move Lauri Markkanen in this scenario, who is more valuable to the Cavs because of his shooting versatility in the frontcourt and long-term viability to replace Kevin Love’s role. Markkanen is less valuable to the Spurs because of his long contract, as the Spurs want to clear space for next offseason and beyond.