NBA Trade Verdict

Even Trade

Cleveland exchanged first round pick (protected top 18 in 2015, top 15 in 2016-17, else 2018 second round pick and 2019 second round pick) (2016 #26-Furkan Korkmaz) and first round pick in first draft 2 years after Grizzlies send first round pick to Timberwolves via Rockets (protected #1-5, #15-30 in 2015-16, top 5 in 2017-18, unprotected in 2019) (2017 #20-Harry Giles III) for Timofey Mozgov and 2015 second round pick (less favorable of Blazers, Bulls picks) (#53-Sir'Dominic Pointer), with the two sides generating broadly comparable realized value.

January 7, 2015 Cleveland Cavaliers / Denver Nuggets Record confidence: Medium

Cleveland Cavaliers Received

  • Player Timofey Mozgov
  • Draft Pick 2015 second round pick (less favorable of Blazers, Bulls picks) (#53-Sir'Dominic Pointer)

Denver Nuggets Received

  • Draft Pick first round pick (protected top 18 in 2015, top 15 in 2016-17, else 2018 second round pick and 2019 second round pick) (2016 #26-Furkan Korkmaz)
  • Draft Pick first round pick in first draft 2 years after Grizzlies send first round pick to Timberwolves via Rockets (protected #1-5, #15-30 in 2015-16, top 5 in 2017-18, unprotected in 2019) (2017 #20-Harry Giles III)

Trade Analysis

Player production and draft value largely offset one another. Cleveland received Timofey Mozgov and 2015 second round pick (less favorable of Blazers, Bulls picks) (#53-Sir'Dominic Pointer) and sent first round pick (protected top 18 in 2015, top 15 in 2016-17, else 2018 second round pick and 2019 second round pick) (2016 #26-Furkan Korkmaz) and first round pick in first draft 2 years after Grizzlies send first round pick to Timberwolves via Rockets (protected #1-5, #15-30 in 2015-16, top 5 in 2017-18, unprotected in 2019) (2017 #20-Harry Giles III). The returns arrived on different timelines, but neither side captured enough extra production, draft surplus or financial flexibility to justify a directional winner. 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.