Three realistic trades the Cavs could make to improve their roster

A lot of trade rumors surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers involve the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo or LeBron James being dealt for. Others have guys like Donovan Mitchell getting traded away. We even have a few hoping for a James Harden for Kyrie Irving swap. 

While all those rumors and fantasy bookings are technically possible, the fact is the Cavs are looking for more mild moves. Less flash, more  substance. The Cavaliers don't need big names who can change the course of a game on both sides of the court. They're already supposed to have that. No, instead they need more aggressive wings that can play two ways and slow down opposing stars. 

That's who we're looking at, guys who can impact the game without the ball in their hands.

Trade #1

LA Clippers: Max Strus
Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Jones

Derrick Jones is a great glue guy for the LA Clippers. He's not a big three-point shooter, nor is he a strong rebounder, but he offers size and good all-around defense. The Cavs had enough three-point shooting this past season; they have plenty of shooters and can spare one in a trade. Max Strus played well for the Cavs, but they need better all-around defense. Jones would be a great pairing with the likes of Dean Wade when the Cavs want a heavy defensive lineup off the bench. He's not going to blow anyone away offensively, but he can add to the win column when given a chance.

Trade #2

New Orleans Pelicans: Max Strus
Cleveland Cavaliers: Hebert Jones

Staying in the same mindset as long defenders is the idea of trading for Herbert Jones. He's a lengthy, two-way wing who can make an impact defensively at a given notice. Offensively, he's an upgrade over some targets the Cavs could go after, but Jones' shooting has been streaky the last two seasons, dropping from 41.8% from three in 2023-2024 to 30.9% this past season. He showed promise early in his career, so maybe he can once again find that stroke. Regardless, he'd improve the team's perimeter defense, and that is a goal for the offseason. So giving up Strus isn't the worst idea.

Trade #3

Phoenix Suns: F Max Strus, G Dennis Schroder
Cleveland Cavaliers: G Grayson Allen, F Royce O'Neale

Dennis Schroder did the best he could for the Cavaliers, as did Keon Ellis, yet the Cavs need a better version of both those players. Being able to replace both men with just one player is an even better scenario to find yourself in. The Cavs could and should land Grayson Allen, as he's an aggressive defender, a solid ball handler, and a great shooter. This is the kind of addition that just makes your team better, and it's easy to see why. Allen seems gettable, especially when you see who's going back for him. The Suns may need a new starting or backup point guard, and you get a viable three-point shooting replacement for Allen in Strus.