Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Davis Bertans, 2023 First-Round Pick (DAL) 

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Cameron Johnson 

Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Jarrett Allen 

An important piece of context to take into consideration for this NBA trade scenario involves the first-round pick the Mavs would be sending out. It would require them to keep their top 10 protected pick, but if they were to get crazy lottery luck and shoot up the order, they don’t make this trade.

In fact, this dilemma points to a broader issue that teams face when constructing a roster. Is it better to be balanced or to double down on a skill? It’s not a simple question. In fact, it’s one that teams across the league struggle with. 

After all, doubling down on a certain skill set can give you an edge. If you can shoot threes, defend, or make plays better than any other team, you’ve got an advantage. 

With that said, you may create a disadvantage in the process. There are only so many players in the NBA. Often, in order to double down in one area, you’ve got to compromise another. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers & Brooklyn Nets Updates

That’s the problem the Cavaliers are facing. Sure, they’ve got elite interior defense, and Mobley is versatile enough to cover the perimeter. Unfortunately, the combined spacing between Mobley and Allen has been an obstacle in the playoffs. 

Does this deal give the Cavs better balance?