Houston Rockets Receive: C Moses Brown, 2024 First-Round Pick (CLE – Lottery Protected)
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Jae’Sean Tate
The Cleveland Cavaliers enjoyed tremendous success with their jumbo frontcourt this season. It isn’t something they should get away from. They could still stand to diversify.
This deal helps them do exactly that. Tate has been playing the 4 for the Rockets for 2 seasons despite standing 6’4. At 230 pounds, he’s got a low center of gravity that allows him to tussle with the giants.
Presumably, he’d function as a reserve combo forward for the Cavs. He basically does everything but consistently space the floor. He’s a rugged perimeter defender, a strong inside scorer, and a good passer.
As for the Rockets, they’re starved for rim protection. Moses Brown provides an ample amount at 7’2. The 22-year-old fits the timeline of their rebuild as well. Realistically, he could be the perfect backup for the offensively gifted but defensively limited Alperen Sengun.
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The first-round pick is lottery-protected in this case. The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t receiving nearly as valuable a piece in Tate as they would be in Patrick Williams. They’re giving up less in order to receive less here.
They’re still getting a player who could play a critical role in a 2022-23 playoff run.
