NBA Trade Grades: Bucks acquire George Hill from Cavaliers and Jason Smith from Wizards

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team that is now looking toward the future. As such, they need to start clearing some game time for first round draft pick Collin Sexton. While George Hill has started the 13 games he has played, Sexton has shown great signs for the future, averaging 15.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Hill has been quite injury-prone over the last few seasons. He has managed to play more than 70 games only once since the 2014-15 season. This season, when he’s been on the court, Hill has averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game. He’s been shooting well from deep, hitting 46.4 percent of his looks from the perimeter.

By replacing Hill with Dellavedova, the Cavaliers look to all the world like they are really tanking. However, Delly is a pass-first point guard on a team full of scorers. He has the tremendous ability to find the open man. This will be incredibly valuable on this Cavaliers team. He is also a favorite son whose return should strengthen the Cavs both on and off the court.

The other player from the Bucks in this trade is John Henson, currently sidelined through wrist surgery. Henson is a solid defensive player with the ability to rebound and has developed a 3-point shot this year. When he returns, he will be a good role player behind Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr.

The picks the Cavaliers have received are both in the 2021 NBA Draft. The first round pick is highly protected. If not conveyed by 2025, it converts to two second round picks. The second round pick may be valuable as the Cavaliers continue to show they are willing to accumulate assets.

Grade: B+