Cavs had contact with Gabe Vincent before running out of room

The Cavaliers apparently kicked the tires on Gabe Vincent earlier this offseason. They’re just not in position to do much about it anymore.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Cleveland had contact with Vincent before subsequent moves left the Cavs right up against the first-apron hard cap. So consider this one a road not taken.

Vincent, 30, remains a free agent and was also on the Kings’ radar before Sacramento signed Ben Simmons. Interestingly, Fischer said there was some mutual interest between Vincent and the Kings, though Vincent “wasn’t exactly itching to go to Sacramento.”

Cleveland’s situation is different now than it was when those conversations with Vincent took place.

The Cavs have since reshaped the roster, including the trade for Peyton Watson and the re-signing of James Harden. Those moves required some financial maneuvering of their own, and there simply isn’t enough room below the first apron to squeeze Vincent in now.

Still, the earlier interest makes some sense. Vincent would have provided another experienced ball-handler and perimeter option off the bench. Instead, the Cavs appear largely set as training camp approaches, and Vincent remains available.

Sometimes that’s NBA free agency in September. There was interest. There was contact. Then the money disappeared.