Cleveland Cavaliers’ Four Trade Possibilities for Luol Deng
Feb 3, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Luol Deng (9) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks center Samuel Dalembert (1) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Cavaliers 124-107. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
This morning we looked at 2 trades that were proposed by a Golden State writer that included Luol Deng. That article, the Cavaliers’ struggles and reports that Deng is not going to resign in Cleveland led to the possible options new interim GM David Griffin has related to Deng. Owner Dan Gilbert said following the loss of Lebron James that it is better to trade a player then to be left with nothing. While the Cavs didn’t trade much to get Deng, Andrew Bynum’s contract, a protected 1st rounder from the Kings and a couple 2nd rounders, they still may want to recoup value.
(Quick reminder: Because Deng was traded during the year, and the Cavs are over the cap, he can only be traded by himself, no other Cavalier could be added to the trade. This means some trades between the Cavs and another team could be 2 trades instead of one.)
Now on to the four trade proposals that are realistic for the Cavs. First we had to find teams that were competitive this year and would have interest and use of Luol Deng. Then we had to eliminate teams that did not have the type of contracts available to match salaries to trade for Deng’s $14 plus million contract. Finally, besides the already mentioned Warriors deal, we found 4 Western Conference teams that could swing a deal for Deng and keep their nucleus basically in tact.
Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Luol Deng to the Houston Rockets for Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin
ESPN Trade Machine Confirmation
For the Rockets they add Deng in between Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons as a small ball power forward to go along with James Harden. With Parsons’ shooting, Harden’s driving and Howard’s interior presence Deng is able to do what he does best. Slash and cut to open spaces provided by those 3. With Howard on the interior and Deng locking down the top wing threat the Rockets defense takes a tremendous step forward. The Rockets also get out of the two poison pill years on both Asik and Lin’s contracts.
For the Cavaliers this is not an optimal trade. Even if they receive draft considerations the Cavs do not pickup pieces that fit greatly with their current team. Asik is another low offensive talent in the front court and Lin is a duplication of Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. The Rockets do not have contracts that easily fit in this scenario meaning the Cavs don’t add any young talent either. The Cavs are also not interested in adding those two poison years to next years books.
Verdict: Cavaliers Pass
Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Luol Deng to the Denver Nuggets for Danillo Galinari and Darrell Arthur
ESPN Trade Machine Confirmation
For the Nuggets this trade gives them a defensive minded player to go along with their all offense. Brian Shaw, a Laker by heart and a recent assistant coach with the Pacers, has designs on a running team but needs defenders to start the job on the other end. While giving up Galinari with 3 years left on his contract is difficult the Nuggets hope that Deng can push them into the playoffs and they can convince him to resign with the team. Galinari’s injury makes this trade somewhat easier for the Nuggets.
For the Cavaliers this is a trade for the future. Galinari has had some injury history, been out all year with a knee injury, but has youth and talent on his side. Galinari is a big small forward who can shoot, dribble and pass. His defense has never been stellar but he could be a great running mate with Kyrie Irving. The Cavs give up cap space for next year but if Galinari returns healthy, they can let him heal up the rest of this year, this is a big pickup for the 2014-15 Cavaliers.
Verdict: Nuggets pass, politely.