Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 3 Protected – NYK)

Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Caris LeVert

New York Knicks Receive: C Clint Capela

This deal feels like it suits the original two teams involved more. If anyone is opposed to it, it may be the Cavaliers.

After all, they’re flipping LeVert’s expiring contract for Fournier’s three-year deal. At this stage in his career, the $18.5 million price tag attached to that contract is a net negative. Still, the Cavs can justify the expenditure.

Fournier is a more reliable floor spacer than LeVert. He may be generally less talented, but he’s more malleable. The Cavaliers have their core of the future established between Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland. They can afford one mediocre contract on the books. They’re also getting a first-round pick to sweeten the deal.

Meanwhile, Atlanta may be a nice landing spot for LeVert. In all likelihood, he’d operate as a sixth man there. As a ball-dominant scorer, he’s not an optimal fit with Trae Young. He is, on the other hand, a great option to spell the superstar point guard when he sits.

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With all the defensive attention he commands, who knows: LeVert may post career-best efficiency when they are forced to share the floor together.