Similar to the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ main goal this summer was to recover their core roster from last season. While the Cavaliers have not yet re-signed a couple of their major pieces, a deal is expected to be done soon.
Cleveland began their offseason by almost instantly retaining Kevin Love, signing the 6-foot-10 stretch four to a five-year, $110 million maximum deal. Love’s intentions were to remain in Cleveland, and the feeling was mutual. The Cavaliers did not allow other teams to entice Love, as they locked him up on the first day of free agency.
The same day, the Cavaliers also re-signed Iman Shumpert to a four-year, $40 million deal. Shumpert, who was acquired mid-way through the season, became a huge part of Cleveland’s success during the playoffs. His perimeter defense was crucial and his three-point shooting came as a bonus. Although Shumpert struggled late in the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers had no desire of letting him walk.
Of course the biggest priority for Cleveland was to present LeBron James with a new deal. James signed the same type of contract he did last summer, a ‘one-plus-one’ deal. He will earn $22.9 million for the upcoming season and will have a player option to exercise next summer to become an unrestricted free agent again and re-sign a larger deal.
James still wants to bring a championship to Cleveland and will do anything in his power to do so. Last year, he singlehandedly led them to the Finals and put up monstrous numbers only to come up short in the Finals. With a healthier team, he is hopeful he could fulfill his promises to the city.
James Jones and Matthew Dellavedova were the most recent players to get a new contract. Jones’ three-point shooting is vital for the team, as the 12-year veteran hit many timely threes during the playoffs to aid the Cavs.
Dellavedova, who actually accepted his qualifying offer to stay on the team, broke out during the playoffs especially when Kyrie Irving went down with a knee injury. His energy, defensive intensity, and hustle put a smile on David Blatt’s face and helped the Cavaliers win a couple of crucial games. He earned his keep and became a key contributor. Keeping him was a must.
Not only have the Cavaliers retained their core, but they have added a couple of helpful pieces. Mo Williams has made his return to Cleveland to reunite with LeBron James. Williams is expected to become a major cog in Cleveland’s rotation for the upcoming season. The 32-year old is instant offense off the bench and will also provide play making and ball handling.
Richard Jefferson spurned the Dallas Mavericks to ultimately sign with the Cavaliers. Although he is slowly regressing, Jefferson could earn some minutes as the backup to LBJ. The once super-athletic wingman has lost most of his jump, but he has transformed into an efficient three-point shooter, hitting 42.6 percent of his threes last season for the Mavs.
With the addition of Jefferson, the Cavaliers comfortably included Mike Miller in the Brendan Haywood trade. Cleveland wanted to trade Haywood’s $10.5 million unguaranteed contract since the offseason began, and they most recently notched a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Finally ridding themselves of Haywood’s contract, the Cavaliers now have more financial flexibility to re-sign J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson. Both players are expected to return as no other teams have shown interest in them. The Cavs have held discussions with each of the two and could get a deal done very soon.
Of course we cannot fairly judge Cleveland’s offseason until they officially re-sign Smith and Thompson, but they have already done a wonderful job of maintaining their talent from last season and adding some more pieces to their championship caliber roster.
The Cavaliers have unfinished business. They came close to winning a title last season but injuries tainted their chances. Nonetheless they have used free agency to rejuvenate their roster to make another long playoff run, and if health permits, they may possibly go all the way this time.
Off-Season Grade: B+