This Forward Should Be the Cavaliers’ Dream (and Realistic) Trade Target

It’s still up in the air whether or not the Cleveland Cavaliers will make major roster moves this offseason after being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The front office showed a willingness to move on from the initial core four when they traded away Darius Garland last February at the deadline.

If the Wine and Gold are willing to make another significant trade this offseason, there’s one player who would be a dream (and realistic) trade target for the Cavaliers, and that’s New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.

The Cavaliers have been searching for a wing to pair with Donovan Mitchell for essentially his entire tenure in Cleveland. 

Max Strus and Dean Wade have been serviceable in their roles but remain limited compared to what the Cavaliers need from that position. The hope was that De’Andre Hunter would fill that void, but that never came to fruition.

On paper, though, Murphy would be a perfect fit for this iteration of the Cavaliers roster.

Cleveland has really needed their forwards to create their own shots, especially without Mitchell on the floor, and Murphy has demonstrated that ability to do just that.

Over the last two seasons, the forward has averaged 21.4 points per game while shooting 46 percent from the floor on 15.9 attempts per game and 37.1 percent from behind the arc.

Murphy knows what it takes to be the number one option in an offense. His usage rating of 22.8 percent ranked second (min. 60 games played) on the Pelicans last season.

Even though Murphy can play on his own, he should still be able to co-exist when Mitchell or James Harden is on the floor, too. 

Murphy shot 44.4 percent on left corner threes and 53.1 percent on right corner threes. He also knocked down 37.9 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes. 

Defensively, Murphy would be a perfect fit for the Cavaliers, too. Murphy’s seven-foot one-inch wingspan allows him to guard several positions. 

What makes Murphy a realistic trade target, though?

Well, first, the Pelicans are reportedly fielding calls on the 25-year-old. 

However, Murphy is a valuable asset, and for the Cavaliers to get something of value, they’ll need to give up something of value, too. The Pelicans have reportedly expressed interest in Jarrett Allen in the past.

It is important to note that, with the Cavaliers currently a second-round team, some maneuvering would be needed before any deal between the two teams goes down. 

If the Cavaliers are willing to break up their core even further and leverage some future assets, exploring what it would take to trade for Murphy would be a wise decision this offseason. 

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