News from Brett Seigel
https://clutchpoints.com/are-bucks-serious-jimmy-butler-trade-deadline-suitor-siegels-scoopThe idea of Cleveland leveraging LeVert has been met with hesitance around the league. Still, the belief is that the Cavs will make some sort of move to bolster their overall depth. Like Johnson, Jerami Grant continues to be a name associated with Cleveland if this organization were to swing for the fences before the deadline.
and I bet Grant would come at a cheaper price...
What about a trade that did not involve a 1st round pick?
POR sends Grant + cash
for
Strus\Niang, Jaylon Tyson and (3) 2nd's - Let's say 25' MIL 2nd, 27' DEN 2nd & 31' CLE 2nd
Right now CLE is about $1.68mil over luxury tax threshold, with a tax payment around $2.52mil
This trade would add $2.7mil = $4.38 over tax, so about a $6.6mil tax bill, which POR could cover ($7.5 max in cash allowed) OR CLE could opt to take another player from POR (Walker\Reath\Banton) back in the deal, POR offers the $7.5mil to offset as much as is allowable
POR would have to trade\waive (2) players if they trade Grant alone or just (1) if they include another player. 2nd's are fungible, but getting a 25' back in the deal seems reasonable (CLE has (2) 25' 2nd's) any additional 2nd's are gravy
If the Blazers do look to move Williams at the trade deadline, they will not do so with the intention of dumping him for whatever assets they can get. Portland truly views the 27-year-old as a positive asset, and they would be more than comfortable keeping him on their roster through the end of the 2024-25 season as a mentor to rookie Donovan Clingan, sources said.
In other words, 1st round pick or a young player of interest, no multiple 2nd's
The possibility of Grant suddenly becoming the best player to be moved at the trade deadline is real, but Portland is a major question mark. If they make a move, it will come out of nowhere and develop over the course of a 24-48 hour period.
This is looking positive, especially if BRK holds firm to their high asking price for Johnson.
As far as Simons and his future with the Blazers, the organization is not opposed to hearing offers for the 25-year-old guard. Neither the Blazers nor Simons are actively seeking a trade, yet it does appear as if this team is beginning to give more opportunities to Scoot Henderson as the primary guard in their backcourt. What his value would look like on the trade market is unknown at this time.
Let's hope that Cronin has finally started to embrace reality
