Cleveland Cavaliers - TBT 23/24

The Cavaliers had a successful 23/24 season, with Shams working his magic behind the scenes to create a roster that could pretty much do it all. Brunson proved the elite star that he is, leading the team, with Scottie Barnes playing the second most in a team that saw many shifts and redirections. Never static, Shams 

Highlight

46-36 - The Numbers that matter. The Cleveland Cavaliers had a plus .500 year, and they pushed contenders. They were the most rounded they have been with Brunson/ Hart/ Barnes/ Porzingis/ Ayton putting together a supremely talented starting 5. The fruits of labour for GM Shams - making the right moves at the right time and never staying static in his approach. Furthermore, developing a depth of talent to be adding value and building a roster, not just a team, with the likes of LeVert and Alvarado playing an excellent supporting role. 

Lowlight

The Playoffs were the lowlight for this team that showed significant promise throughout the regular season. The Cavs were poised to shake things up and sadly found it too hard against Tatum’s Celtics. In a 4-2 series, Cleveland was unable to get the better of Boston. Brunson would shine for the team averaging 26/2/8 for the 6 games. It was not where they wanted to find themselves especially against a familiar opponent in Boston. 

Best Trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers send Kyle Kuzma and John Konchar to the Sacramento Kings. The Sacramento Kings send Cameron Johnson to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers send a 1st-Rounder (Mil) to the Sacramento Kings. The Sacramento Kings send a 1st-Rounder (Tor), 2nd-Rounder (Ind) and 2nd-Rounder (SA) to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

An ever active GM, Shams had a FULL page of transactions in 23/24. This was a deal that would ultimately set up many falling pieces, this trade was a helpful chain, as it brought Cameron Johnson in. Relinquished the inconsistency of Kyle Kuzma and handy role player in John Konchar. And flipped picks from the Milwaukee pick to Toronto, and added seconds. But, Johnson is the key here. Johnson would then become the piece that would be necessary in landing Porzingis, who would have a part to play in the fortunes of the team, but without this master stroke by Shams, that does not come to fruition. A real sliding doors moment, and in the NSL, of paramount importance. *Footnote - alternate deal from a value standpoint for team - Step 2 in the OTHER TRADES section.  

Worst Trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers send Miles McBride to the Dallas Mavericks. The Dallas Mavericks send Jose Alvarado to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Hard to knuckle a worst trade down as Shams has proven a savvy dealer throughout his GM tenure. And the list (look when you get a chance) is impressive! This is more from a longevity and age perspective - hindsight playing the biggest factor. McBride has become a more rounded player and at 24 years could pave a seriously impressive career. We know what GTAlvarado can do - slightly older at 26. Splitting hairs. 

Other Trades (earliest to latest)

This is a journey. Follow the process. 

The Chicago Bulls send Anthony Davis and Bryce McGowens to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Cleveland Cavaliers send Mikal Bridges, Gregory Jackson and Isaiah Wong to the Chicago Bulls. The Cleveland Cavaliers send Jrue Holiday to the Indiana Pacers. The Cleveland Cavaliers send C.J. McCollum to the Miami Heat. The Cleveland Cavaliers send Isaiah Hartenstein to the Phoenix Suns. The Detroit Pistons send John Konchar to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Golden State Warriors send Zach LaVine to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Golden State Warriors send Jalen Wilson to the Detroit Pistons. The Indiana Pacers send Furkan Korkmaz to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Indiana Pacers send Jordan Poole to the LA Clippers. The LA Clippers send R.J. Barrett and Julian Phillips to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The LA Clippers send Jalen Pickett to the Detroit Pistons. The Miami Heat send Buddy Hield and Collin Sexton to the Golden State Warriors. The Milwaukee Bucks send Larry Nance Jr. to the Chicago Bulls. The Milwaukee Bucks send Leonard Miller to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Minnesota Timberwolves send LaMelo Ball and James Nnaji to the Chicago Bulls. The Minnesota Timberwolves send Scottie Barnes to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Minnesota Timberwolves send Al Horford to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Phoenix Suns send Nassir Little to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Portland Trail Blazers send Davion Mitchell to the Golden State Warriors.

The Chicago Bulls send a 2nd-Rounder (Por) and 2nd-Rounder (Cle) to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Cleveland Cavaliers send a 1st-Rounder (Ind) and 2nd-Rounder (Cle) to the Golden State Warriors. The Cleveland Cavaliers send a 1st-Rounder (Ind) to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Phoenix Suns send a 2nd-Rounder (Orl) to the LA Clippers.

Step 1 - Acquire Barrett, Barnes, and LaVine 

The Charlotte Hornets send P.J. Tucker to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Charlotte Hornets send Luka Doncic to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Charlotte Hornets send Garrison Mathews to the Phoenix Suns. The Cleveland Cavaliers send Zach LaVine to the Phoenix Suns. The New Orleans Pelicans send Ja Morant to the Charlotte Hornets. The New Orleans Pelicans send Obi Toppin to the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns send Derrick White to the Charlotte Hornets. The Phoenix Suns send Jalen Brunson to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Charlotte Hornets send a 2nd-Rounder (NO) and 2nd-Rounder (Cha) to the Phoenix Suns. The New Orleans Pelicans send a 1st-Rounder (NO) to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets receive 20 GM points. The Phoenix Suns trade -20 GM points.

*Step 2 - Flip Zach LaVine into Brunson (discussed in the BEST TRADE section)

The Cleveland Cavaliers send Derrick White to the New York Knicks. The Dallas Mavericks send Aleksej Pokusevski and JaeSean Tate to the New York Knicks. The New York Knicks send Bobby Portis to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The New York Knicks send Marcus Smart to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks send a 1st-Rounder (SA) to the New York Knicks.

Step 3 - Flip White to Portis

The Cleveland Cavaliers send Grayson Allen to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Cleveland Cavaliers send R.J. Barrett to the Phoenix Suns. The New Orleans Pelicans send Marvin Bagley III to the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns send Zach LaVine to the Washington Wizards. The Washington Wizards send Deandre Ayton to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Washington Wizards send Jaden Ivey to the Phoenix Suns.

The New Orleans Pelicans send a 2nd-Rounder (Pho) to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Step 4 - Turn Allen and Barrett into Ayton 

The Cleveland Cavaliers send Brandon Clarke to the Toronto Raptors. The Portland Trail Blazers send Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Toronto Raptors send DAngelo Russell to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers send a 1st-Rounder (Tor) to the Toronto Raptors. The Portland Trail Blazers send a 2nd-Rounder (Sac) and 2nd-Rounder (Min) to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Toronto Raptors send a 1st-Rounder (OKC) to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Step 5 - Turn Clarke into LeVert 

The Brooklyn Nets send Kyrie Irving, Daniel Theis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Cleveland Cavaliers send Kelly Oubre and Bobby Portis to the Brooklyn Nets. The New Orleans Pelicans send Brandon Ingram and Dereck Lively II to the Brooklyn Nets. The New Orleans Pelicans send Austin Reaves to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Step 6 - Turn Portis and Oubre into Reaves 

The Cleveland Cavaliers send Cameron Johnson and Daniel Gafford to the New York Knicks. The New York Knicks send Kristaps Porzingis to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers send a 2nd-Rounder (Dal) and 2nd-Rounder (Cle) to the New York Knicks

Step 7 - Turn Johnson and Gafford into Porzingis

The Cleveland Cavaliers send Austin Reaves to the New York Knicks. The New York Knicks send Josh Hart to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers receive 10 GM points. The New York Knicks trade -10 GM points.

Step 8 - Turn Reaves into Hart

Star

Jalen Brunson

What a story! He had his doubters and his critics constantly as shown through both NBA and NSL chats, but he has shown his abilities and skills time and time again. What an asset he has been for the team! His efforts ensured their success and path to the playoffs. His averages of 26/3/7 throughout the season were monumental for the team - a catalyst for the team to get going and space the floor. 

Flop

Josh Hart (in the playoffs)

He is an amazing role player, but he didn’t step up enough in the playoffs. His production wasn’t what they needed it to be and they faltered. I think in part due to Hart and his inability to shut down Tatum or Barrett for that matter - which would have hurt GM Shams to see his old player. 

Free Agency

The Cavaliers enter/ed free agency not needing much. They had one or two roster spots to fill - they can play in the playground so to speak. They have/had enough to make a max bid and bring in a stud to bolster, and have/had a cap to move. They are primed to land a big shark in the FA; plenty on offer to snipe.

Draft

The draft went very well in my opinion as the Cavaliers picked up Bub Carrington who has always looked like a player. Bub brings an extremely versatile skillset and has the ability to play a well-rounded role in the NBA and NSL. He would find his way to Phoenix. They also selected KyShawn George (who would go to Sacramento), once again another player who looks like they can have a career in the early stages of their career - both at the Wizards and will have time to find their role in the Washington outfit. Two quality first round selections. A stash in Nunez whose rights would go to Philadelphia, and a late selection in Justin Edwards rounded out their draft day experience, who would become a 2-way. 

It has to be an A for the Cavaliers - selecting two promising talents in the first round who have already seen game time and one who is shining nightly. 

Future