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by rusty2
Miles Bridges? Max Strus? Donte DiVincenzo? Seth Curry? Which players are the best free agent fits for Cavs?
Published: Jun. 29, 2023, 5:00 a.m.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in restricted free agent Miles Bridges. Can they afford him?
By Chris Fedor, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the span of about two months, a tame summer turned thrilling with the addition of star guard Donovan Mitchell. That was last offseason. Will there be an encore?
Probably not.
Free agency opens Friday at 6 p.m. and the Cavs are currently over the cap, about $38 million away from the luxury tax -- a number they would prefer to avoid.
On the surface, they don’t seem positioned to make a summer splash. President of basketball operations Koby Altman already said he wasn’t planning any sweeping changes to a roster that won 51 games and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in five years. Despite a disappointing -- and quick -- postseason exit, the organization doesn’t view the roster as fundamentally broken. None of the core four -- Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen -- are available. There’s also mutual interest in unrestricted free agent Caris LeVert returning on a deal that could land somewhere between $15-18 million annually.
Nonetheless, this is an aggressive and opportunistic front office that unloaded a bushel of assets and pounced on Mitchell last year. So, never say never.
As Altman discussed following the season, the non-taxpayer midlevel exception provides one path to external improvement. The Cavs have $12.4 million to spend on a player or two in free agency and sources tell cleveland.com they are prioritizing wings. Exploring sign-and-trades is another option, as the Cavs may hunt guys who will likely command a bit more than the midlevel -- even though sign-and-trades can get complicated.
One of their targets -- versatile Minnesota forward Naz Reid -- is already off the board, re-signing with the Timberwolves on a three-year, $42 million deal. But there are plenty of other helpful pieces out there -- albeit none that will lead to summer fireworks.
Forget the high-priced possibilities -- James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Khris Middleton, Kyle Kuzma and Draymond Green, among others. Cleveland can’t afford them. Many are likely to return to their former team anyway.
So, who are some realistic targets?
Max Strus
Max Strus would be near the top of Cleveland's wish list if he could be signed for the midlevel exception. AP
Unrestricted free agents
Max Strus, guard/forward, Miami Heat
An ideal fit for the shooting-needy Cavs on the wing, the once-undrafted Strus is likely to receive his first big payday. The two primary questions: Where will it come from and how much is he going to get? There are seven cap-space teams that could offer Strus -- a part-time starter for the Eastern Conference champion Heat who is coming off his best year and is a career 37% long-range bomber -- more than the midlevel exception, taking him out of Cleveland’s price range. Indiana and Orlando have been considered potential landing spots. Detroit would make sense too -- although the Pistons could be thinking bigger.
If Strus is in play for the MLE, sources say he will be near the top of the Cavs’ wish list. But Cleveland decision-makers are getting the impression Strus will be too expensive and their offer won’t be good enough. The 27-year-old sniper would provide shooting, spacing, gravity and off-ball movement -- all of which the Cavs lacked last season.
Donte DiVincenzo, guard, Golden State Warriors
Unsurprisingly, DiVincenzo declined his diminutive $4.7 million player option with the Golden State Warriors and entered free agency. He is now viewed as one of the most attainable -- and affordable -- wings on the open market.
One member of Cleveland’s front office started his career in Milwaukee and still had connections to that organization at the time DiVincenzo got drafted by the Bucks 17th overall in 2018. The Cavs have pursued him multiple times the last couple of years.
DiVincenzo is 26 years old. He is coming off a good season with the Warriors, averaging 9.4 points on 43.5% shooting and 39.7% from 3-point range to go with 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals while making 36 starts and outplaying his contract.
Despite being a reliable outside shooter and having playoff experience, both with the Warriors and Bucks, DiVincenzo is a bit undersized at 6-foot-4, especially for a team looking for a more permanent solution at small forward as opposed to another guard. Will that be an obstacle?
Kelly Oubre Jr., forward, Charlotte Hornets
The enigmatic swingman is hardly an ideal fit. But he may be the best Cleveland can afford.
Despite playing on four teams in his nomadic career, Oubre is still just 27 years old with plenty of good hoops ahead. He is also coming off a breakout season that helped boost his value. Serving as one of Charlotte’s primary offensive options, Oubre averaged 20.3 points on 43.1% from the field and 31.9% from beyond the arc to go with 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 steals. He made just 32.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3s despite those looks accounting for about one-third of his shot profile.
While he’s a high-volume launcher capable of threatening opposing defenses in a way young incumbent starter Isaac Okoro doesn’t at this stage of his career, Oubre has never been efficient -- or reliable. He is a career 33% shooter from distance and has hit better than 34% just three times in eight years. The definition of streaky, Oubre is more of a backup than a starter-quality wing.
But in a weak free agency class, with a team desperate to fill a void …
Jalen McDaniels, forward, Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia’s bloated salary cap could lead to McDaniels becoming a casualty. After arriving from Charlotte in a deadline deal because of his multi-positional defensive skillset, McDaniels couldn’t consistently crack the rotation. Would another change of scenery do the trick? While he’s only a decent 3-point shooter -- and hardly the kind of shooting upgrade the Cavs covet -- his size (6-foot-9), age (25), athleticism, defensive capabilities, versatility and upside make him somewhat appealing if the Sixers can’t afford to keep him. He is unlikely to command the full midlevel, allowing the Cavs to use the other portion of it on a different area of need.
Cavs-Nets
Brooklyn Nets guard Seth Curry (30) is the best shooter available in free agency. Bebeto Matthews, AP
Seth Curry, guard, Brooklyn Nets
How about a return? Long before he found his NBA footing, first latching on with the Phoenix Suns and then playing for five other teams, Curry spent a few days with the Cavs.
A decade later, he (sort of) fits the profile of what they need.
Even though Curry’s role declined in Brooklyn this past season and he repeatedly gets hunted on the defensive end, he is a career 43.5% 3-point shooter -- quite possibly the best sniper available. The Cavs have the defensive pieces required to mask some of his limitations at that end.
Josh Richardson, guard, New Orleans Pelicans
Sources say the Cavs had general conversations about acquiring Richardson a few months ago, ahead of the February trade deadline. Only they opted to stand pat instead. Richardson isn’t a needle-mover. He doesn’t create much off the dribble and is a bit slender at 6-foot-6, 200 pounds. But the 29-year-old guard shoots well enough to keep defenses honest and is a feisty on-ball defender who could be a rotational piece while also coming at a slight discount compared to other targets.
Yuta Watanabe, forward, Brooklyn Nets
Despite a breakout season where he shot 44.4% from 3, Watanabe is unlikely to re-up with wing-heavy Brooklyn. He doesn’t do much on the offensive end. But Watanabe can ably stand in the corner and wait for Garland and Mitchell to snap passes his way. He hit 45.7% of his catch-and-shoots this past season with the Nets and having that threat on the perimeter would help open driving lanes for Cleveland’s guards. It’s unlikely Watanabe gets a chunk of the midlevel exception. He’s further down the priority list. But he would be worth a look at the back end of the roster on a minimum contract -- or something close to it.
Joe Ingles, guard/forward, Milwaukee Bucks
Reunited and it feels so good ...
Maybe? Possibly?
Since joining the Cavs last September, Mitchell has repeatedly spoken about Ingles’ unquantifiable impact on his career. And Ingles may still be an on-court plus in the right situation. At 35 years old, the crafty veteran returned from a torn ACL and put together a fine season, reaffirming his playmaking chops while shooting 41% from deep as key reserve for the Eastern Conference’s top-seeded Bucks.
Ingles is now further removed from that knee injury and is the kind of playoff-tested veteran who could help buoy a young team off the bench.
Troy Brown Jr., forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Brown is a limited shot creator. He doesn’t have much quickness. He had a limited playoff role for the Lakers after starting 45 games in the regular season. There are obvious flaws. But the 2018 first-round pick is still just 23 years old and shot a career-best 38.1% from 3 -- a problem area when he first came into the league. He isn’t a starter-quality wing and shouldn’t get paid as such. But he has an intriguing 3-and-D profile and signed a minimum deal with the Lakers last year. Brown shouldn’t break the bank.
Taurean Prince, forward, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves chose not to guarantee Prince’s $7.4 million contract for 2023-24 and will waive him to get further below the luxury tax. Minnesota’s loss will be someone’s gain. Why not the Cavs?
The 29-year-old swingman spent 29 games in Cleveland a few years ago, arriving as part of the Allen deal that helped transform the franchise’s rebuild. Then Prince got moved again. This time, to Minnesota in a draft-day deal for veteran guard Ricky Rubio. In two seasons with the Wolves, Prince became a fixture of the rotation, coming off the bench and starting in a pinch. He is a career 37.2% 3-point shooter who can play either forward spot.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Georges Niang
What would it cost for the Cavs -- or another team -- to sign Georges Niang?AP
Georges Niang, forward, Philadelphia 76ers
Beyond continuing their pursuit of two-way wings this offseason, sources say the Cavs are also looking for more frontcourt depth. The Kevin Love buyout was regrettable -- in part because Dean Wade wasn’t ready to fill Love’s shoes. It left Cleveland a big man short during its first-round matchup with New York. The Cavs don’t need much inside. Allen and prized youngster Mobley will occupy most of the 96 available minutes. But Niang brings a different skillset. He’s a low-calorie Love -- a floor-stretching forward who has hit 40% from 3-point range throughout his career and played alongside Mitchell in Utah.
Trey Lyles, forward, Sacramento Kings
Lyles is an unrestricted free agent -- and the Kings may not be able to afford him, especially if he has a line of suitors willing to reward him for an impactful year. The 27-year-old Canadian forward has already played for five teams in his eight-year career. But he looked at home in Sacramento as a backup power forward, shooting at least 36% from 3 in back-to-back seasons and averaging double-digit points for the first time in his career in 2021-22. He’d be an ideal stretch forward to play behind Mobley.
Mason Plumlee, center, Los Angeles Clippers
Given the Cavs’ twin towers, it’s unlikely they would make a large financial commitment to a third big. It’s certainly not the best use of the midlevel exception, one of their primary resources for external improvement. But Cleveland is still reliving the non-competitive playoff series with burly New York in which it got pounded on the glass. Plumlee is an elite rebounder who can also playmake out of the roll and from the elbows. He has good size and enough mobility in a defensive system that requires bigs to guard in space. He would theoretically provide quality backup minutes -- unlike last year’s signing, Robin Lopez.
Christian Wood, forward/center, Dallas Mavericks
Why did the Mavs sour on Wood? Was it those glaring issues on defense or something more? Whatever a team thinks about his capabilities on that end of the floor, he is arguably the best available big man who will switch teams this offseason. And he is an offensive sensation, with 3-point range combined with an ability to attack off the dribble and the skill and mobility to pop and roll.
Allen and Mobley give the Cavs a pair of non-shooters. It congests the offense at times. Adding Wood, who can play the 4 or 5, would provide a different look on offense while giving coach J.B. Bickerstaff much needed lineup diversity. It’s possible Wood ends up out of Cleveland’s price range. But how many teams are making a defensive liability at center their Plan A? Every offseason there are guys who end up being underpaid. Could Wood qualify?
Dwight Powell, center, Dallas Mavericks
Adding another rim-running lob threat should be appealing to the pick-and-roll heavy Cavs. But Powell’s rebounding numbers and foul proneness are concerning depending on cost.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets, February 23, 2023
Will Denver Nuggets center Thomas Bryant change teams once again?John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Thomas Bryant, center, Denver Nuggets
The 25-year-old Bryant was having a bounce-back season with the Lakers. In 41 games, including 25 starts, Bryant averaged 12.1 points on a career-best 65.4% from the field to go with 6.8 rebounds. Then he got traded to NBA champion Denver for three second-round picks to become Nikola Jokic’s backup ... and got plastered on the bench.
Defending in space is Bryant’s Achilles heel. It makes him a wonky fit in Cleveland. But he’s got the kind of offensive arsenal to help a team that ranked a horrendous 28th in bench scoring last season.
Bismack Biyombo, center, Phoenix Suns
An offensive nonfactor who clogs the paint and can’t hit free throws isn’t the most alluring signing. But Biyombo can still be a defensive terror. His 9.0% block rate was second only to Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., and he can hold his own on the boards.
Others to watch: Malik Beasley, Lonnie Walker IV, Terence Davis, Hamidou Diallo, Keita Bates-Diop, Torrey Craig, T.J. Warren, Oshae Brissett, Drew Eubanks, Dario Saric and Cody Zeller.
Restricted free agents
Miles Bridges, forward, Charlotte Hornets
Sources say the Cavs are interested in Bridges -- even though they don’t have nearly enough money to sign him. At least, that’s the way one source close to the situation put it. Bridges received a $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Charlotte Hornets, giving them the right to match any offer sheet he receives. Even after using the No. 2 overall pick on Brandon Miller, it would likely take a lucrative offer for the Hornets to balk. They would match the midlevel in an instant and sources say the Bridges camp (he is represented by Klutch Sports) is expecting a much higher per-year salary.
Any conversation surrounding Bridges is complicated and goes beyond the court.
He missed all of last season following a domestic violence arrest on June 27, 2022 -- the eve of last summer’s NBA free agency.
Bridges pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and later pleaded no contest to a charge of domestic violence toward a spouse or other cohabitant in a plea agreement with prosecutors. He served no jail time and was ordered to undergo domestic violence counseling and parenting classes while conducting 100 hours of community service. He was also forbidden from owning a firearm or any dangerous weapons.
The NBA conducted its own independent investigation of the allegations and announced in April that Bridges would be suspended 30 games without pay. The league determined 20 of those games were “already served” and he is set to miss the first 10 in 2023-24.
On the court is where things become compelling.
Before his troubles, Bridges had a breakout season, which put him in line for a huge payday as a cornerstone piece for Charlotte. In most situations, Bridges is the kind of guy who either nets around $25 million annually or never reaches free agency. But a unique set of circumstances is making it tougher to predict.
Even with a suspension looming and off-the-court questions, Bridges -- a 25-year-old two-way forward who has improved as 3-point shooter and still has untapped upside -- is one of the few difference-making wings, which means he will likely get paid by someone other than Cleveland. And maybe even stay with the Hornets.
cavs-nets
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to match offers for restricted free agent Cameron Johnson. AP
Cameron Johnson, forward, Brooklyn Nets
Another pipe dream target. The Cavs have had an affinity for Johnson since he was the No. 11 pick in the 2019 draft. It’s easy to understand why. He’s a 6-foot-8 low-maintenance wing with a silky shooting stroke and ability to guard 2-4. Given that he was part of the Kevin Durant trade with Phoenix it’s unlikely Brooklyn -- just about $10 million from the tax line -- lets him leave. And if the bidding gets out of hand, it’s improbable that Cleveland can present the best offer sheet or sign-and-trade package. Still, the interest is there. He is the piece they need to round out a formidable starting 5.
If only …
Grant Williams, forward, Boston Celtics
The tough, hard-nosed and mouthy Williams is more of a 4 than a 3. Sometimes he will even play small-ball 5. This will be a fascinating negotiation considering his pedestrian career numbers don’t dazzle. He’s never averaged double figures, is a career 38% 3-point shooter and has limited playmaking chops. But he can defend multiple positions, help space the floor and won’t get played off the floor in any situation. He also has 61 games of postseason experience. That’s an enticing package, especially if a smart team sees him as an underutilized piece capable of evolving with more opportunity.
Given that he seemingly fell out of favor and Boston is staring down a tricky luxury-tax crunch, it’s possible the Celtics won’t be willing to match an offer sheet in the mid-to-high teens. The Cavs are monitoring the situation and Williams likely won’t have as many suitors as fellow restricted free agents Bridges, Johnson, Rui Hachimura or even P.J. Washington.
Cedi Osman’s expiring contract combined with some added salary filler and future second-round picks could be appealing to a cap-strapped organization in a possible sign-and-trade deal that would allow the Cavs to sign Williams for more than midlevel exception -- similar to what they did a few years ago with Lauri Markkanen. Would that be enough?
Then again, is there any suitor willing to commit more than the $12.4 million he was offered a year ago -- and ultimately rejected? Could the Cavs take advantage and steal him away with the midlevel? If the midlevel is a realistic option, there will be plenty of competition.
As the playoffs showed, the Cavs need a physical player -- perhaps one who could be seen as a bully. There’s a clear role waiting for him in Cleveland.