Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Let’s be honest: if the Cavaliers are hoping to land a top-tier 3-and-D wing this offseason, they should be bracing themselves for disappointment.
Simply put, they don’t have the assets. That’s a consequence of sinking the bulk of their draft capital into acquiring Donovan Mitchell. At this stage in their rebuild, trading for a star was a smart decision, but it still limits their ability to make further moves.
The Cavaliers will likely have a committee that splits duties at the small forward position. As constructed, they’d have Richardson compete with Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman for the lion’s share of the minutes. It’s hard to be sure who would emerge victorious in that scenario.
Okoro likely has the highest ceiling as well as the lowest floor. The Cavaliers are now contending – they’ll no longer be content to play Okoro heavy minutes if his three-pointer doesn’t come around. Meanwhile, Osman is a fine 3-and-D, but not an exceptional one.
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Neither, for that matter, is Richardson. On the other hand, he does offer a semblance of secondary playmaking in addition to his 3-and-D abilities. Between the three, the Cavaliers should have enough to manage what will remain their weakest position.