How This Trade Impacts Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are outperforming even the most optimistic predictions that were made for them coming into the season. Maybe they would sneak into the NBA Play-In Tournament picture, but at this point, that would likely be seen as a little bit of a disappointment.

With a chance to announce their presence, Cleveland makes a big move acquiring Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. He will help compensate for the losses of Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio with his two-way play.

Murray can help with the playmaking, something they have lacked without Rubio. He is a star defender, giving an already elite defense another above-average piece but one that doesn’t diminish the offense.

The Washington product is a walking triple-double every night as one of the best rebounding guards in the NBA as well. Standing 6’4” with a 6’10” wingspan, he is a perfect fit alongside Garland as his skill set enables him to thrive in any backcourt role.

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Parting ways with someone in Collin Sexton that was a big part of the rebuild may be tough, but he doesn’t have the ceiling that Murray does. Losing Cedi Osman on the wing, when the team is already thin there, is the toughest thing to overcome in this trade, but they may be able to swing another deal using Rubio’s expiring contract.

The two first-round picks would normally be looked at as a steep price, but it is one Cleveland can handle. They are on the up and up and in a position to become yearly contenders with the core they are building if they can add Dejounte Murray to it.