Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal

The Cleveland Cavaliers move off of the best player involved in this deal. They’re doing it for increased depth and positional versatility.

Realistically, the best player they’re receiving is P.J. Tucker. The Cavaliers bucked leaguewide trends by playing “big ball” in 2021-22. Lauri Markannen at the 3 wasn’t on anyone’s NBA Bingo card last summer.

To an extent, it worked. It would still behoove this club to diversify. In Tucker, they’d be adding a player who can man the 3, 4, or even, in small bursts, the 5. He’s a stout perimeter defender who makes the hustle plays that can make the difference between the play-in tournament and the playoffs.

The Cavaliers could also make use of Robinson. After all, this team was 22nd in the NBA in three-pointers attempted last season. Granted, Robinson’s defense rendered him virtually unplayable in the 2021-22 postseason. The Cavaliers may be able to mitigate those shortcomings by featuring him in the backcourt alongside their big ball frontcourt.

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If all goes well, the addition of those two players could be worth the loss of Love. On the other hand, one team’s loss is another team’s gain.