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5 most important deadline trades in Cleveland Cavaliers franchise history

By Chad Porto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 29: Kevin Love #0 and Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after the two connected on a pass during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 113-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 29: Kevin Love #0 and Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after the two connected on a pass during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 113-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND – MARCH 29: Baron Davis #85 of the Cleveland Cavaliers keeps the ball inbounds during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND – MARCH 29: Baron Davis #85 of the Cleveland Cavaliers keeps the ball inbounds during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

2011 NBA Trade Deadline

Honestly, I had an internal struggle about who went at number one and who went at number two. The Cavs changed the NBA’s rules forever because of their 2010 NBA Trade Deadline move. They made it so they can’t do something like trade Caris LeVert to the Utah Jazz for Lauri Markkanen. Yet, the 2011 NBA Trade Deadline was arguably the biggest deal in team history.

The Cavs had very little going on in the first season without LeBron James. The Miami Heat were doing well and heading to their first NBA Championship with James, while the Cavs didn’t even win 20 games in 2011.

Yet, at the deadline, the Cavs made a rather nothing trade at the time. They took advantage of the Clippers’ desire to free up cap space so they could potentially improve their roster, which they did. The move of Davis allowed the Clippers to seriously pursue Chris Paul in the 2011 offseason.

To get rid of Davis’ contract, the Clippers had to attach the 2011 first-round pick, unprotected. They ended up with the 8th best odds in the Draft Lottery that offseason. The Cavs were just happy to have two lottery picks, but obviously, as you know by now, that Clippers’ pick ended up becoming the first pick in the draft, which landed the Cavs Kyrie Irving.

Without Irving, the Cavs likely don’t re-sign LeBron James in 2014, trade for Kevin Love that same offseason, or win a championship two years later. It’s ultimately a trade that changed the fortunes of a franchise forever. And while it may not be an NBA rule still in place all these years later, it’s quite a significant moment in the history of the Cavs and the NBA as a whole.

Next. 3 NBA trades suggestions for the Cleveland Cavaliers and whether they would help or not. dark

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