NBA trade to send Dellavedova back to Cavs

Australian guard Matthew Dellavedova is heading back to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team NBA trade.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova

Matthew Dellavedova was big contributor to the Cavaliers' title team before he joined the Bucks. (AAP)

The Cavaliers have re-acquired popular Australian guard Matthew Dellavedova in a three-team NBA trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards.

Cleveland have also received forward John Henson and 2021 first- and second-round picks from Milwaukee, and a 2022 second-rounder from Washington.

The Cavs sent guard George Hill and a 2021 second-round selection to the Bucks, and forward Sam Dekker to the Wizards. Milwaukee also got forward Jason Smith from Washington.

Affectionately known to Cleveland fans as "Delly," Dellavedova was a key member of the Cavs' 2016 title team before signing with the Bucks later that season.

He's not the same player and the Cavs are far from being the same team but his return will soften what has been a difficult season.

Cleveland are just 5-20 and rebuilding in the wake of LeBron James' departure.

"I'm glad my Aussie brother is back," Cavs centre Tristan Thompson said following a 129-110 loss to Sacramento on Friday.

"Brings us veteran leadership, a guy that's won before, a guy that's going to push (point guard Collin Sexton), control the game for the second unit and he'll make shots. He's good at throwing lobs to me, so I'm really happy about that."

Hill helped the Cavs reach the Finals last season but the team wanted to unload his contract while giving rookie Sexton more playing time.

The All-American teenager has already heard stories about Dellavedova.

"Everybody said he's a real good guy, a real good locker-room guy," he said.

"We lost George, which was my vet, so I'll have to talk to Dellavedova and he'll be able to lead me how George led me. They say he practices hard too, so we're going to have some battles."

The 28-year-old Australian will get a chance re-start his career with the Cavs. He had been buried on Milwaukee's bench and was averaging just 1.7 points and 2.4 assists in 12 games.


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Source: AAP



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