NBA Trade Deadline: Grading all 30 teams on their trades

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 09: Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pauses between plays during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, NBA Trade Deadline: Grading all 30 teams on their trades. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

NBA Trade Deadline Grades: Early Birds

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers made their move early, trading for Caris LeVert on Sunday just hours before they were to play the Indiana Pacers; gamesmanship, anyone? They beat out the New York Knicks and other suitors to add the combo guard, a player capable of getting his own shot but also an underrated passer, especially in the pick-and-roll. He will be able to regrow the chemistry with old teammate Jarrett Allen.

LeVert didn’t come cheap, as the Cavs sent Ricky Rubio’s expiring contract, a 2022 first-round pick, Houston’s 2022 second-round pick, and a future Utah pick. They are hoping LeVert is the long-term answer at the two, either providing insurance if Collin Sexton walks this summer or pushing him to the bench.

LeVert’s lack of an off-ball game and his defensive deficiencies might mean he isn’t raising their ceiling much in the playoffs, but at the very least he will help them with seeding down the stretch.

Grade: B-

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are a sleeping giant, a title contender missing two of its best four players. The Nuggets were quiet at the actual deadline, but they kicked the season off a couple of weeks ago when they traded for San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes, a sharpshooter who will be a nightmare to defend on relocations when Jokic has the ball.

Denver otherwise stood pat, trusting that the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to give this team the jolt it needs. That’s a big “if,” though.

If they aren’t back close to their former selves, the Nuggets are looking to next year; if they are back at full strength, the Nuggets vault into the title conversation. That uncertainty kept the Nuggets from going all-in at the deadline.

Grade: B