Regrading the Cavs’ entire 2021 offseason move by move

Regrading the Cavs’ entire 2021 offseason: Sign-and-trade for Lauri Markkanen

After trading for Ricky Rubio and re-signing Jarrett Allen, all by the first day of free agency, the Cavs went silent. While outsiders speculated on what other moves the team could make, nothing concrete floated its way out of Koby Altman’s office.

Then seemingly out of nowhere, the Cavs struck, trading Larry Nance Jr. to the Portland Trail Blazers and receiving Lauri Markkanen back from the Chicago Bulls in a three-team sign-and-trade. Markkanen was in a state of limbo, with a shot that ran hot and cold and a Bulls organization that didn’t really want him anymore.  He found his home in Cleveland.

Markkanen started at the 3 for the entire season, another surprise move, this time by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The Cavs’ “Tower City” lineup was very effective, with a +7.9 net rating when Markkanen shared the court with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. His shot was somewhat cold, as he hit only 35.8 percent from outside, but teams still defended him out there.

The Cavs could theoretically have found a true 3-and-D wing on the market, but Markkanen has filled in capably and with his shot falling would be even more valuable. Long-term he looks like the heir apparent to Kevin Love’s role as the stretch big backing up Mobley and Allen, but for now he looks penciled in for the starting small forward position again this year. The salary is a little high, but fine, and giving up Nance was painful but helped make this roster work a bit more.

New Grade:  B+