NBA Trade Rumors: Analyzing the Cavaliers-Grizzlies trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies made the first major trade of the year. Ultimately, both teams did okay. The Grizz cut salary while the Cavs gained some future assets. Win-win, right?

Analyzing what Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington, and Josh Selby bring to Cleveland

If your first inclination is to think that the future first round pick Cleveland will get from Memphis is the best asset the Cavaliers got from the trade for Jon Leuer, you won't find any argument from me. In all likelihood, Cleveland will get a late lottery pick from Memphis in either 2015 or 2016. It is going to be awesome. But the trade also brings back a couple players who have some real NBA skills. Let's take a look.

Cavaliers and Grizzlies finalize trade, Cavs acquire guaranteed lottery pick

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been working on a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies all morning. It seems as though the trade is now finalized. And the Cavs did pretty well for themselves.

Update: Cavaliers receive top-5 protected 2015 first round pick from Memphis

This trade just keeps getting better for the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to multiple reports, the pick that the Cavaliers will receive in the trade is NOT a second rounder. Instead, it is a first round pick in 2015 with top-5 protection.

Chris Grant got a first round pick for Jon Leuer. Read that sentence again. That's crazy.

Memphis gets: Jon Leuer, lots of cap relief

Cleveland gets: Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby, top-5 protected 2015 first round pick

The Cavaliers do not have room to take back three players, so somebody will have to be cut. Kevin Jones is the most likely candidate.

Grizzlies reportedly sending Wayne Ellington to Cleveland

According to Brian Windhorst, the Memphis Grizzlies will also send shooting guard Wayne Ellington to the Cavaliers as part of the deal. Ellington is an above average three-pointer shooter, but hasn't played a very big role on the Grizzlies this season.

Wayne Ellington also going to Cavs as part of deal. Will save Grizzlies $6 million, get them safely under tax line.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 22, 2013

At this point, the deal looks like this:

Memphis gets: Jon Leuer

Cleveland gets: Marreese Speights, Josh Selby, second round pick, Wayne Ellington

So far, I really like the deal for the Cavaliers.

NBA Trade Rumors: Cavaliers and Grizzlies close to deal involving Jon Leuer, Marreese Speights, picks

Talk about blockbusters! The Cavaliers and Grizzlies are reportedly close to a deal that would involve swapping Jon Leuer, Marreese Speights, Josh Selby, and a draft pick. WHOA.