Coming into the 2012 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers were one of a few teams that had multiple first round draft picks. After selecting Syracuse’s Dion Waiters with the fourth overall selection, the Cavaliers agreed to send their other three picks—24, 33, and 34—to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the rights to UNC’s Tyler Zeller and reserve guard Kelenna Azubuike. The Mavericks selected Zeller with the 17th pick of the draft while the Cavaliers selected Oregon State’s Jared Cunningham at number 24, Bernard James from Florida State University at 33, and Marquette’s Jae Crowder at 34.
Azubuike went undrafted in the 2005 Draft, but showed great promise as a youngster with the Golden State Warriors. In 2009, he tore his patella-tendon and was subsequently traded to and waived by the New York Knicks. The Mavericks signed him this past March before trading him along with Zeller.
If healthy, Azubuike can contribute to an NBA, but even still, this three-for-two trade gives the Mavericks a few nice young prospects.
Last season, the Cavaliers selected the reigning Rookie of the Year, Kyrie Irving, with the first overall pick and nabbed Texas’ Tristan Thompson with the fourth overall pick.
Now, after acquiring Waiters and Zeller, the Cavs have four young players upon which they’d like to build a foundation. At the very least, the Cavs have three offensive targets for Irving. Another major pro is that all four of their young guns will be playing their natural positions. They’ll continue to shop Anderson Varejao, as the club is looking to build its young nucleus.
As for the Mavericks, they’ve traditionally made good use of late draft picks and turning Zeller into three prospects could prove to be a good move. Jason Kidd and Jason Terry are both unrestricted free-agents, so at this point, the Mavericks look to be stockpiling assets so that they’ll be in a position to rebuild if they decide to go that route.
Fortunately for the Mavs, they’ve managed their cap situation well enough to be players once free-agency begins on July 1. It’ll be interesting to see if they are able to lure Deron Williams away from Brooklyn, since we all know that’s what their top priority is this offseason.
Grades
Cavaliers: B+
Mavericks: A-
Moke Hamilton is a Senior NBA Columnist for SheridanHoops.com. Follow him on Twitter.