In three-team deal, Cavaliers bring back Matthew Dellavedova

The Cavaliers have made another trade and are bringing home one of the more popular players in franchise history while continuing to acquire assets.

As first reported by ESPN, the Cavs and Bucks are finalizing a deal that will send George Hill and Sam Dekker to the Bucks in exchange for Matthew Dellavedova, John Henson, a future first-round pick and a future second-round pick.

In dealing Hill, the Cavs used perhaps their biggest trade chip. A veteran guard who just returned from injury, Hill gives the Bucks some needed guard depth. And due to only a $1 million guarantee on his contract for next season, he helps the Bucks create financial flexibility for next year. In return, the Cavs get picks. It also means that Cleveland is essential punting on any real spending next summer, unless it flips other contracts.

Dekker, who has been out with an ankle injury, gets a second new start this year. He played a total of nine games in Cleveland after being acquired from the Clippers this summer.

In taking back Dellavedova, who left the Cavs in a sign-and-trade after the 2016 title win, Cleveland is getting back a popular player and someone who can be a backup point guard. He’s struggled to find time with the Bucks this year, but perhaps a change of scenery will help him. He also should be a good practice partner for Collin Sexton. He’s under contract through next season and will make $9.6 million in 2019-20.

As for Henson, he is also signed through next year and will make $10.4 million next season. He is currently out with a wrist injury after having surgery in early November. When he does return, he would seem likely to ride the bench behind Kevin Love (once he’s healthy), Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr., not to mention Ante Zizic. Henson could also be someone Cleveland looks to flip again.

Per ESPN, the picks the Cavs are both in the 2021 draft. However, the Bucks owe the Suns a pick that may not convey until 2021, which would then push the pick the Cavs get back to 2023. It has the following protections attached to it, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe:

ith the Kyle Korver trade and the Hill trade, the Cavs are showing that they are looking for assets and are willing to eat some bad salary to make it happen. Getting Dellavedova back is fun and he’ll be well received. But the highlight of this trade is the Cavs setting up their future by acquiring more assets. And they might not be done dealing yet.

Update - 7:16 p.m.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards have gotten involved in the deal as a third team and Dekker will actually end up in Washington. Jason Smith and a second-round pick are headed out of D.C. to Milwaukee.