Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C Jarrett Allen, G/F Cedi Osman 

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Jerami Grant 

With that said, the Blazers have been busy running the opposite experiment for years. They’ve been trying to make an ultra-small backcourt work.

At first, they tried to pair Damian Lillard with CJ McCollum. It didn’t work. Then, Anfernee Simons emerged as a player too talented for Portland to deny. 

On the other hand, the Cavaliers have been trying that experiment, too. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are both small guards. Cleveland’s roster was generally unbalanced this season. 

All told a balanced roster is probably best. Teams can try to double down on a skillset to gain an edge, but the NBA champions are usually able to at least field some more conventional lineups. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Cleveland Cavaliers & Portland Trail Blazers Updates

The Cavaliers would still have work to do as far as roster construction is concerned. They need to find additional wings to add depth, especially if Allen is moved in exchange for one.

Does this deal improve Portland’s balance?