How This Trade Impacts Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team that is way ahead of schedule, but their performance looks sustainable. Their success is dependent on their defense and they could certainly use some impactful offensive players.
It is a major risk, taking on the final two seasons of Gordon Hayward’s deal given his injury history, but if he can remain healthy, and that is a big if, he is a great fit in the Cavaliers’ lineup. Healthy, Hayward provides secondary playmaking, another go-to scorer and versatility on defense. At the very least, his 3-point shooting is a major upgrade.
Depending on when this trade is consummated, it could lead to the Cavaliers saving some money as well. Mason Plumlee can be waived for $4.2 million if the deal is completed during this league year. If not, the Cavaliers have a $9.1 million contract they can use to help make trades during the season.
This is a high-risk, high-reward trade for the Cavaliers. But, given the youthfulness of this roster, it is one worth taking. Even if things don’t pan out with Hayward, he will be a massive expiring contract in the 2023 offseason that they can try and flip for more pieces.
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Losing the veteran leadership of Kevin Love will hurt, and Cedi Osman has provided them with some highlights during his career, but the impact Hayward could theoretically have is more than what Love and Osman bring to the table as an upgrade on Isaac Okoro.
