The NBA offseason is in full swing. The draft just concluded last week and now free agency sits center stage as the month of June comes to a close.
Even with the additions that were made by President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman during the draft, the Cavs will be looking to add veteran help to the roster to help mentor the young kids. The oldest player on the team, runner-up for sixth man of the year Kevin Love, will turn 34-years-old by the time the 2022-23 campaign kicks off. Currently, the second oldest player title on the Wine and Golders of the guys under contract for next season belongs to Cedi Osman, who just turned 27-years-old in April.
Here are five unrestricted free agents the Cavs could target over the coming weeks.
Photo: Getty images
Ricky Rubio
It’s no secret the Cavs want the former 2011 first-round pick back in the 216, and Rubio feels the same way. The only question left is: Will a deal get done? Last season, before tearing his ACL against the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 28, Rubio was the sparkplug igniting the Cavs to their hot start. In 34 games, he averaged 13 points, four rebounds and seven assists a contest, while providing leadership and stability off the bench. The Cavs were 20-14 with Rubio in the lineup last season. Without him, they finished 24-24.
Photo: Getty Images
Joe Ingles
The 34-year-old veteran sharpshooter was shipped out of Utah to Portland at last year’s trade deadline after almost eight seasons with the Jazz. He never played for the Blazers, as he was recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January. The veteran had almost his lowest point production of his career in 21-22, averaging only seven per contest on only 35% from the 3-point line. The hope is he can bounce back from his injury and regain his form as a great shooter. At 6’8, he would be an ideal candidate to help at the small forward position.
Photo: Jim Dedmon - USA Today Sports
Montrez Harrell
Since coming to the NBA via the draft in the second round by the Rockets in 2015, Harrell has bounced around the league, playing for six teams in seven seasons, but he provides scoring off the bench and toughness to whatever team he joins. He won the sixth man of the year award during the 2019-2020 season with the Clippers, scoring almost 19 points a game while scooping up seven rebounds, a block and steal per game. Last season for both the Hornets and Wizards, he averaged 13 points and six rebounds. His natural position is power forward, but he has played some center at times due to his natural athleticism and ability to defend at only 6’7".
Photo: Alonzo Adams / AP
Dennis Schroder
If the Cavs are unable to keep Collin Sexton and are unable to lure Rubio back to The Land, Schroder would be an interesting option. His game is similar to Sexton’s in that he’s a scoring guard, but he can be a terrific sharer of the ball. While he’s started the majority of his career, his best years have been when he’s coming off the bench. The Cavs were reportedly interested in the 28-year-old guard at this year’s trade deadline before the Celtics shipped him off to Houston.He averaged 11 points, his least productive year in the last eight seasons, and six assists.
Photo: Getty Images
Lou Williams
He may be 35-years-old, but Williams is still valuable to a team due to his production and leadership off the bench. A three-time sixth man of the year award winner, Williams averaged almost a career low six points a game last season in 57 games for the Hawks. Another option for the Cavs at the backup point guard spot.
Use promo code BELIEVELAND for $20.00 your first ticket purchase with Seat Geek!