Grade the Trade: Proposed Cavs deal swaps LeVert for Hart

With the trade deadline coming around the corner, there have been many rumors and mock trades thrown around for Caris LeVert. The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently sitting at the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference and are looking for ways to improve their small forward position. The Cavs are currently first in opponents points per game (106.8) and in defensive rating (110.2).

Many names have been linked to the Cavs such as Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bojan Bogdanovic. The main trade chip in these rumored deals has been Caris LeVert. LeVert is currently on an expiring contract and is putting up decent stats as a bench player. He has stepped up when players like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are injured, but the Cavaliers seemingly think they can find a better option.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for wing help, and one candidate is found in Portland.

Another player that has been linked to the Cavs has been Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers. Josh Hart has been a strong vet for the Blazers and has performed well as a starter. His points don’t jump out, but his contribution to the team has been a major factor for his success. This is a mock trade for a LeVert for Hart deal from trade site Fanspo.

The Cavs would do this deal to receive Hart as a starter and Justice Winslow for wing depth. They could both be key contributors in the Cavaliers’ rotation and be helpful for the Cavs stifling defense. Hart is on a two-year deal while Winslow is on an expiring deal. The Cavs will have the ability to move on from Winslow this offseason if they please. This deal saves the Cavs money as well as give them a new wing for their starting lineup.

The Trail Blazers would probably take this deal for the expiring contracts and the picks. The Blazers are 11th in the Western Conference and might be focused on the draft for next season. By picking up LeVert and Stevens, they are able to gain cap space for the offseason for a possible star.

The Cavs would probably receive a B+ for the trade due to Hart being the same size as LeVert. The Cavs might want someone taller. The Blazers would probably receive a B or C due to it being a deal that doesn’t benefit them on the court. This trade is a win-win deal for both teams. The Cavaliers want to continue to go up while the Blazers might be focused scaling back and the draft.

The Cavs might also have boosted championship chances with Hart on the roster as well.