Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Andrew Wiggins, C Kevon Looney 

Golden State Warriors Receive: C Jarrett Allen, G/F Caris LeVert

Small ball may be en vogue in 2022, but different teams use it to varying degrees. Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers disregarded it altogether. 

In fact, the Cavaliers took the opposite route. They played big ball. By starting 7-footer Lauri Markkanen at the 3, the Cavaliers zagged far from where the rest of the NBA was zigging. 

Perhaps it was never about small ball. In fact, it may be more accurate to call it skill ball. Size was never a disadvantage – it’s the lack of speed that can be problematic.

If you’re big and fast, that’s optimal. Even still, slow teams can still bludgeon opponents with size. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers & Golden State Warriors Updates

To an extent. The Cavaliers tried to do exactly that in 2021-22, and it resulted in a degree of success. With that said, they’ll be looking to take a step forward in 2022-23, having acquired Donovan Mitchell this summer. 

Does this deal lead them in the right direction?