NBA Trade Deadline: Grading how all 30 teams performed at the deadline
Cleveland Cavaliers
Key Moves:
- Acquired Brandon Knight, Marquese Chriss and a 2019 first-round pick (via Rockets, lottery protected) in a three-team trade (per Shams Charania).
- Acquired Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin, 2021 second-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick for Rodney Hood (per Adrian Wojnarowski).
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t make any big moves at the NBA Trade Deadline, but did make two deals that helped other teams make a few bigger picture moves. The Cavs ranged to acquire Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss, in the end, two solid young pieces.
Neither of them will be changing this team’s ceiling anytime soon, but they are pieces that could be a good risk. If they work out, it could help this team as they continue to rebuild. If not, no loss no harm.
It was a bit surprising that the Cavs weren’t able – or opted against – moving J.R. Smith or Tristan Thompson. Kevin Love hasn’t been healthy for the most part this season, so that was never a real possibility.
Grade: C