The Staff: Analysis of Cleveland-Chicago-Seattle Trade

NBA Ultimate Resources
Analysis of Cleveland-Chicago-Seattle Trade
by KFL Writer Min Lee

Just when it seemed that teams were done dealing and wheeling before the trade deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled a trigger on yet another deal with playoff implications. The trade ultimately benefits the Cavaliers, bringing in a solid defensive presence and a sharpshooter that can take the load off James’s back. Let’s look at the key pieces of this deal:

Larry Hughes (traded from Cavaliers to Bulls): Hughes seemed to be getting back on track in Cleveland before being traded. He averaged 25.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in his last four games as a Cavalier, including a 40-point performance against Orlando. Trade to the Bulls, however, will most likely force him to share playing time with Ben Gordon, hurting both players’ values. Unless Hughes can become the distributor he used to be earlier in his career, his fantasy value will be limited. Bulls have enough shooters.

Drew Gooden (traded from Cavaliers to Bulls): Gooden is currently penciled in as the starter at power forward so his fantasy value should not change much. The Bulls have more offensive threats than the Cavaliers and may be able to open things up for Gooden inside. Tyrus Thomas, however, is a more athletic and talented forward and should get more minutes with the departure of Ben Wallace and Joe Smith. Look for Thomas to steal starter’s minutes from Gooden.

Ben Wallace (traded from Bulls to Cavaliers): His injuries aside, Ben Wallace has been a fantasy enigma this season. He has been getting starter’s minutes and yet he is averaging only 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. One reason for his struggles may be his lack of motivation. If so, playoff-bound Cleveland should be a nice change of atmosphere for Wallace. I expect him to at least match last season’s numbers of 10.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. He will also show the same energy that Shaq has been showing after being traded to the Suns.

Joe Smith (traded from Bulls to Cavaliers): Smith had some nice games for the Bulls, but Cleveland simply has too many big men to give Smith enough playing time. Wallace and Ilgauskas will start at frontcourt, and the Cavaliers paid too much for Varejao to let him dawdle on the bench. Smith has minimal fantasy value at this point.

Wally Szczerbiak (traded from Sonics to Cavaliers): Szczerbiak has had a disappointing season in Seattle, averaging only 13.1 points and 2.7 rebounds. Playing alongside LeBron James in Cleveland should definitely improve his numbers across the board. James has been thirsting for consistent perimeter shooters who can convert when he sets them up for open shots. Szczerbiak has shot a decent 46% from the field and is still averaging 1.4 treys per game. His stats should hover around 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.8 treys.

Delonte West (traded from Sonics to Cavaliers): Here is the piece in the deal that makes no sense to me. The Sonics agreed to this trade because they wanted to rebuild around young, promising players like Kevin Durant. So why did they offer a 24-year old who had two stellar seasons in Boston instead of the older Earl Watson or the softer Luke Ridnour? And why did they not ask for a young player in return? As it stands, West will start for the Cavaliers because of Daniel Gibson’s ankle injury Wednesday night. I like West’s playmaking ability and expect him to put up 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists daily as long as he’s starting.