The Cavaliers’ Free Agency ApproachThe Cavaliers’ Free Agency Approach The NBA free agency period has been fast-paced and full of movement since it began on Sunday night. Many teams and players have already negotiated and agreed to terms, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the few teams that have yet to sign a player without a contract. As a result, they are running out of options if they want to add another player to their roster. Several players who could have been a good fit for the Cavaliers (but have already signed with other teams) include Royce O’Neale, Derrick Jones Jr., Kyle Anderson, Jalen Smith, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Joe Ingles. What all of these players have in common is that they play in wing or forward positions, which is still a glaring hole in Cleveland’s roster. The Cavs could still address this need through a trade, but finding a suitable trade partner is not always easy and would likely require Cleveland to give up one or two of its own players. Despite the fact that the Cavs have not yet signed any free agents, it is possible that this was never their plan this offseason. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported on Saturday that Cleveland would focus on its own players during this offseason. The team has already agreed to an extension with Donovan Mitchell, is negotiating a rookie extension with Evan Mobley, and has made a qualifying offer to Isaac Okoro, making him a restricted free agent. It would be surprising if the Cavs did not make any moves this offseason, whether through signing a veteran free agent or making a minor trade. Not adding more depth to their wing position would be a mistake, given Cleveland’s significant weaknesses in this area over the past two seasons. Only time will tell whether their strategy of being less aggressive in free agency is the correct one.
The NBA free agency period is known for being fast-paced and moving quickly once it begins. Teams and players began negotiating and agreeing to terms as soon as they became available on Sunday night.
however, the Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the few teams that have yet to sign a player without a contract, and they are running out of options if they want to sign another player in that market.
Some players who would be a good fit in Cleveland (but have already signed with a new team) include: Royce O’Neale, Derrick Jones Jr., Kyle Anderson, Jalen Smith, Kelly Oubre Jr.And Joe EnglishWhat all of these players have in common is that they are wings/forwards, which is still a big hole in Cleveland’s roster.
The Cavs could always fill this need on the trade market, but finding a trade partner isn’t always the easiest task and it also means Cleveland would have to give up a piece or two.
Even though the Cavs haven’t signed any free-agent deals yet, that may never have been their plan this offseason. Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor reported Saturday that Cleveland would be focusing on its own players this offseason.
For example, the team agreed to an extension with Donovan Mitchellnegotiates with Evan Mobley about his rookie extension and has made a qualifying offer to Isaac Okoromaking him a restricted free agent.
Mar 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers bench reacts to a three-pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
It would be shocking if the Cavs didn’t make a move this offseason, whether it’s via a veteran free agent signing or a minor trade. Not adding more wing depth to the roster would be a mistake given Cleveland’s weaknesses over the past two seasons.
It remains to be seen whether their plan to be less aggressive in free agency is the right strategy.
