Grade the Trade: Cavaliers find wing help and keep their core in proposal
Would the Nets do this trade?
As mentioned, the Nets probably will not get many first round picks in return for either Royce O’Neale or Dorian Finney-Smith this summer, considering the amount of disappointing postseason runs might lead to star trades being available. Players such as Deandre Ayton, James Harden, Khris Middleton, and more could all be on their way to a new team in either trades or sign-and-trades. Teams with first-round picks available to trade will be calling for these names before O’Neale or Finney-Smith.
With this Cavs trade, the Nets get three useful players and four second-round picks. Okoro and Wade might not be the same type of wing players as who the Nets lose, but they are young and on cheap contracts. Okoro has shown signs of improvement, but the Cavaliers are looking for a ready-to-win option. Even though it hurts, the Cavs are probably trading Okoro at some point it seems, and the Nets would be the perfect spot for Okoro.
The Nets’ breakout guard Cameron Thomas can put the ball in the basket in any way he wants. Where he lacks, though, is defensively. With Isaac Okoro next to him at either the two guard or three, Thomas’ drawbacks can be lessened through Okoro’s grit and defensive talent. Secondly, Ricky Rubio helped mentor Darius Garland to become the All-Star he is now. Rubio would be able to give Thomas the leadership and mentorship he needs to reach the next level he is clearly capable of reaching.
With Dean Wade, the Nets have another tall player who can shoot. While Wade can be streaky, Brooklyn’s system might unlock a consistency for Wade he could not find while battling for minutes against Kevin Love and Cedi Osman.
On top of the players, Brooklyn receives four picks. The Atlanta Hawks sent five second-round picks for Saddiq Bey from Detroit at the deadline. Bey, a young wing with immense talent, did not command a first-round pick in trade. As odd as it may seem, this trade is equal value for these players. Young talent that can either be developed or traded later and nearly half a dozen second-round picks is a fairly substantial haul for two players who do not fit your team’s timeline.
The Nets might ask for another pick, but this trade is a good return for Brooklyn. It builds around their two young stars and bolsters their defense going into next season. They should say yes.