Way too early 2024 trade deadline candidates for the Cavaliers
Trade candidate No. 4: Dorian Finney-Smith
The Cavaliers seem likely at this point in the offseason to go into next season and give Dean Wade a chance to be their primary combo forward defender coming off the bench behind Evan Mobley. If he can’t regain his shooting form they then may pivot to finding another 3-and-D player to take on such assignments, and Dorian Finney-Smith could be a logical target.
The longtime Dallas Mavericks forward was traded to Brooklyn in the Kyrie Irving deal. He is better at the “D” part of the description, capable of checking most positions, but he is a career 35.7 percent 3-point shooter so he’s not completely underwater as a shooter. The Nets have a lot of similar players and could shop DFS, Royce O’Neale or someone else at the deadline.
Trade candidate No. 5: Jerami Grant
The boldest swing on this list, the Cavaliers could wade into expensive waters and trade for Jerami Grant. The two-way power forward just re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on a lucrative new contract. If Damian Lillard is traded and the Blazers do fully embrace a rebuild, they likely will shop Grant and see if he can be moved despite his large contract number.
The Cavs should look into the situation, as Grant looks like a natural fit alongside Evan Mobley and Cleveland can put together a package including Jarrett Allen and Isaac Okoro. Grant would step in a the top defensive option for forwards while having a diverse on-ball skillset as well. He isn’t quite a “star” but he is near the level of Allen and at a better position.
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Whether it’s one of these five players or someone else, the Cavaliers should be active in evaluating the league and the market to be ready to make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline.