Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Alec Burks, C Nerlens Noel

New York Knicks Receive: G Caris LeVert

This one finds the Cleveland Cavaliers adding two rotation players at LeVert’s expense. If the New York Knicks pull the trigger on this deal, we can assume they’re high on LeVert’s remaining upside.

The Cavs could certainly use Noel. Their defense cratered when Jarrett Allen got injured this season. They posted a 112.9 Defensive Rating with him, and 115.3 without him. Adding Noel would allow them to weather potential storms that arise out of injuries next season.

Meanwhile, Burks is a solid rotation piece also. Like Fournier, he’s a superior off-ball player than LeVert, even if he doesn’t boast his shot creation chops. This deal may be a talent downgrade for the Cavs, but in terms of fit, it’s an improvement.

The Cavaliers were surprisingly formidable in 2021-22. They’ll look to carry that momentum into next season. Either one of these deals raises their floor.

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In the same breath, they raise the Knicks’ ceiling. In other words, they provide both teams with what they need.