The Blazers would have to be really down on Meyers Leonard.
To entertain the idea of trading for Korver or Smith, the Blazers would have to be down on Meyers Leonard. Like, really down.
The reasoning: Leonard is – by my estimates – the youngest, most give up-able player with the highest ceiling. He is 26-years-old and at seven-foot-one, he would give Cleveland some much needed length in the front court.
Sending someone away like Anfernee Simons or Gary Trent Jr for Korver or Smith seems shortsighted, as does even Maurice Harkless who we still haven’t seen healthy this year.
Leonard, though… Leonard seems to have failed in securing a spot in the rotation again this year, only nine games into the season. As of late, Caleb Swanigan has infringed on his minutes.
This isn’t to say that Leonard doesn’t have talent. But it is to say that the Blazers may just not have the time or the environment to hone it – and he is only getting older.
The Blazers are then trading their spark-plug shooting big man who they do not think will pan out in time to be effective with their core for a veteran knockdown shooter. The Cavs are getting rid of a disgruntled player and adding someone who’s length, shooting ability, and timeline all help the organization.
This is all to explain why both trade scenarios include Meyers Leonard, as I feel he is the best, most realistic asset I could see the Blazers trading for either Cavalier.