Now the Cavs absolutely have to trade away Caris LeVert

Cavs absolutely have to trade Caris LeVert: What they need instead

If the Cavs don’t need a player like Caris LeVert, what do they need? Their current starting lineup features two 6’1″ guards with spotty defensive histories and two defensively dominant big men. The opening at small forward is the starting lineup’s only chance at a stopper to take on opposing backcourt players.

The Cavs are also starting two bigs, one of whom doesn’t attempt 3-pointers and one who does so sparingly. The Cavs could absolutely use shooting from the starting small forward spot. For those keeping track at home, that’s defense and 3-point shooting that this team needs in the starting lineup: let’s say they need a “D-and-3” player. Err, maybe 3-and-D has a better ring to it.

Isaac Okoro has the defense part down but not the 3-point shot. Cedi Osman is mediocre at both. Dylan Windler hasn’t proven to be an NBA-quality player. Dean Wade looks like the guy among the current roster players, but the team absolutely needs to look for opportunities to upgrade the 3.

Even if Wade or (more likely) Okoro start, the Cavs need forward options who can shoot and not die on defense, the kind of player they hoped Ochai Agbaji would be. The long-term vision of the bench is Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio running the show, and shooting around them. The problem for Cleveland is there aren’t any anymore, with Lauri Markkanen, Agbaji and Collin Sexton all gone. They need shooting off the bench, ideally with a player who doesn’t capsize on defense.

Adding a starting-level 3 is the best way to meet the Cavs’ needs, but they at least need an upgrade of some kind at small forward, be it as a starter or a bench player. Caris LeVert isn’t that player, but can he be turned into one?