The Cleveland Cavaliers are vying to be top contenders in the Eastern Conference but appear to have fallen behind the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers this summer. Both of those teams made significant moves aimed at winning now, while the Cavaliers secured their competitive outlook by extending franchise star Donovan Mitchell’s contract.
Despite uncertainties surrounding Darius Garland’s future and Evan Mobley’s progress, the Cavaliers have a reason to remain patient and evaluate how the season unfolds. However, with the stronger talent on rival teams, the Cavaliers could benefit from acquiring a key small forward through a trade with the Trail Blazers, provided they don’t have to part with their core players.
Trade Details
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, 2026 Second-Round Pick (CLE), 2027 Second-Round Pick (DEN)
In this deal, the Trail Blazers would receive three players and two draft picks in exchange for taking on the challenging Jerami Grant contract. The Cavaliers are willing to accept Grant’s contract at present, as he is a top-tier wing player who has spent the past five years on struggling teams. While this could pose issues down the line, particularly when Evan Mobley’s contract comes into play, the immediate boost to the team’s competitiveness could make the trade worthwhile in the short term.
The Cavaliers Create A Stacked Starting Five
Executing this trade would require the Cavaliers to re-sign Isaac Okoro and include him in a sign-and-trade deal due to his long-term potential as a top defensive player in the NBA. Along with the declining Caris LeVert and rotational player Cedi Osman, the Cavaliers would significantly enhance their starting lineup by adding a 3-and-D wing like Jerami Grant.
Grant, who averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season while the Trail Blazers were in a rebuilding phase, would immediately become a key player for the Cavaliers. He could potentially be the third option on offense, or even the second if Darius Garland remains unsettled. Grant’s defensive capabilities would greatly bolster the Cavaliers’ perimeter defense, complementing the already strong frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
With a starting five of Garland, Mitchell, Grant, Mobley, and Allen, the Cavaliers would present a formidable challenge for most teams, thanks to their combined offensive and defensive strengths. Grant is an ideal addition for the Cavs, addressing key gaps in their roster. His arrival would likely push Max Strus to a bench role, which is advisable given Strus’s inconsistencies last season and subpar defensive performance.
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