07-07-2023, 08:26 AM
(07-07-2023, 08:15 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: They were ready to move on from Okoro at the TDL. Yes his stats show he's a good shooter with above average percentages, but he doesn't shoot the ball much at all. He averages 4.7 attempts a game. According to their locked on Cavs guys, he seems to suffer a similar affliction that Josh Green has where he actively avoids shooting the ball.
Further, his role on the Cavs has slowly diminished as he's been on the team. That's odd for a draft pick unless the team doesn't really value his contributions.
Further, the Cavs have gone out and signed (and resigned) 3 forwards: Strus, Niang, and LeVert. Where are there minutes for him now? They aren't going to bench Strus or Niang, whom they've signed for 64 mil and 26 mil respectively. Levert also got a similar extension at 2 years 32 mil. Okoro is due for an extension next year. Are the Cavs going to further invest in that role when they've already gone out to make it better?
Garland/Rubio/Ty Jerome
Mitchell/LeVert
Strus/Okoro/Bates
Mobley/Niang/Wade/
Allen/Damien Jones
Doesn't that roster seem a bit heavy on the guard/wing rotation but lacking hard in the big rotation? Regarding Allen, if the rumors are true they believe he can't hack it when the going gets tough in the playoffs, as evidence to his putrid performance against the Knicks. Mobley could be either a 4 or 5, but his natural position is a 5. Moving on from Allen+Okoro and getting a starting switch 4 in Maxi, and a bench 3pt shooter in THJ seems like a natural get.
Looking further at their roster, they seem to be pretty desperate for a backup big. I'd have thrown in Holmes in the deal, but now I can talk myself into them having a need and wanting a guy like McGee. They're at 162 mil in salaries. Even if we add McGee they'd be under the 1st apron and their new roster would be:
Garland/Rubio/Ty Jerome
Mitchell/THJ/
Strus/LeVert/Bates
Maxi/Niang/Wade/
Mobley/McGee(?)/Damien Jones
To me their bench got a whole lot better adding THJ. And their starting lineup got much more switchable with the addition of Maxi.
Anyways, those were my reasons and why I think the Cavs are going to look to trade Okoro. Allen could potentially be on the block as well, but who knows?
I'm sold. I think this trade is fantastic from the Mavs perspective. I can squint and see it from the Cavs perspective, although I think they could probably do better. If you can get Allen and a Josh Green clone, while keeping the real Josh Green and Hardy - you have to do it.