Grade the Trade: Cavaliers trade idea for an absolute bomber

Cavaliers trade for an absolute bomber

The Utah Jazz are having an unexpectedly strong season, perhaps in some ways the mirror image of what Cleveland accomplished last season. The team that was expected to tank after trading away All-Stars in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert is instead firmly in the playoff mix.

That being said, the Jazz are going to make the best decisions for their team long-term, not simply to maximize this season. That’s why it’s very likely they will move some of their veterans for future assets, including a certain sharpshooting wing they acquired over the summer from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Malik Beasley is shooting 38.7 percent on 8.6 3-point attempts per game; that volume places him eighth among accurate shooters this season, behind a collection of players making significantly more money than him. He loves to get up 3-pointers and can do so in a variety of ways.

To put this trade together the Cavs almost certainly need to trade both Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman so that the money balances out. The Jazz would get to take a flier on Okoro blossoming in a new spot, and get a useful wing in Osman. That may or may not be enough for the Jazz to play ball; the Cavs could toss in a second-round pick as well.

Would the Cavs want to do this trade? Let’s evaluate it.