Why proposed Cavs trade for Raptors forward isn’t worth the squeeze

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the best teams in the NBA this season. They have arguably the best pair of bigs in the league and are in the mix for the best backcourt as well. That quartet has carried them to a 16-9 record and a top-5 net rating in the league. It’s possible the Cavs are a true title contender already.

NBA teams play five players at once, however, and the Cavs have struggled to identify their fifth man. Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens have all taken a turn in that spot, but while each brings something great to the team, they each leave something off from a true 3-and-D piece at the 3. The Cavs’ goal at the trade deadline should be to find another option at the 3.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to upgrade on the trade market. This proposed Cavs deal for a Raptors forward is intriguing but isn’t worth the squeeze.

One such option to achieve that goal was recently suggested by a Raptors fan on Fanspo.com, a proposed trade that could help both teams out. It’s a simple enough move, a 1-for-1 swap that would send a disappointing Cleveland wing to Toronto for a versatile forward:

Is this a move that makes sense for the Cavs? On the surface it might seem to, given Isaac Okoro‘s poor start to the season and the presence of Otto Porter Jr. on the title winners a year ago. Let’s look at the positives before balancing the scale with the drawbacks, showing that ultimately this trade is not worth the squeeze.