Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier

New York Knicks Receive: G Caris LeVert

There’s nothing too complicated about this one. Sometimes, the simplest solution is also the best one.

Evan Fournier and Caris LeVert each made about $18 million in 2021-22. It’s fair to say they occupy a similar tier in the NBA’s hierarchy. They also have different strengths and weaknesses. Fournier is the superior floor spacer. LeVert hits his threes with less consistency, but he’s a better initiator.

This deal finds each team coveting the other’s skill set more. It makes sense. The Cleveland Cavaliers roster Darius Garland, who made a leap to star status this year.

Surrounding him with a complementary player like Fournier makes sense. Meanwhile, they’d probably like to etch out a bigger offensive role for rookie sensation Evan Mobley next year.

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As for the New York Knicks, they need the offensive initiation. RJ Barrett had a quietly successful 2021-22, but he’s best utilized in a hybrid on-ball, off-ball role. Julius Randle had a loudly unsuccessful 2021-22. He can bounce back, but adding another ball-handler may help him do so.

This feels like a nice deal for both sides, but if either is uninterested, there may be another path that leads LeVert to New York.