NBA Trade Verdict

Bucks Win

Cleveland surrendered Rowland Garrett, 1977 first round pick (#11-Ernie Grunfeld) and 1978 first round pick (#12-George Johnson (Lee)) for Elmore Smith and Gary Brokaw, leaving the other team with a clear realized-value win.

January 13, 1977 Cleveland Cavaliers / Milwaukee Bucks Record confidence: High

Milwaukee Bucks Received

  • Player Rowland Garrett
  • Draft Pick 1977 first round pick (#11-Ernie Grunfeld)
  • Draft Pick 1978 first round pick (#12-George Johnson (Lee))

Trade Analysis

Cleveland’s return never matched the cost of the deal. Cleveland received Elmore Smith and Gary Brokaw and sent Rowland Garrett, 1977 first round pick (#11-Ernie Grunfeld) and 1978 first round pick (#12-George Johnson (Lee)). the other team converted the outgoing package into substantially greater production or premium asset value, while Cleveland’s return proved too limited to justify the cost. The grade reflects realized value, contract and age context, the eventual use of draft assets and the transaction’s effect on Cleveland’s competitive window.