Cavs Will Need To Add Another Player Within Next 10 Days

After the trade for De’Andre Hunter, the vibes have been great. The Cavaliers, after all, got the big wing they need.

Now all they need is another guy.

That’s because the Cavs have 13 players under standard contract. The NBA requires teams to carry 14. 

But the league gives you some time to find that player. For the Cavs, that means adding someone (or two someones) by February 20. Players signed to 10-day contracts count.

This is pretty straightforward. Sending two players — Georges Niang and Caris LeVert — to the Atlanta Hawks and getting back just Hunter is what put the Cavs in this situation. League sources have told Hoops Wire that adding another big is on the Cavs’ to-do list. 

Since the trade deadline has come and gone, that option is out. The Cavs’ lone option is to sign someone. (We have a full list of notable remaining free agents right here.)

They could wait out the entire 10 days. They could sign someone tomorrow. Either is a possibility. With a record of 42-10 entering Monday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, president of basketball operations Koby Altman is likely in no rush.

For now, it seems the plan is to get Hunter and the rest of the winning locker room acclimated. Adding personalities to such a tight knight group isn’t always easy. You have to find a fit. Altman, GM Mike Gansey and the rest of the front office have done a masterful job of that so far.

Another thing to consider is the Cavs and the rest of the NBA are nearing the All-Star break. Some believe that is when the Cavaliers will add a new face. They play Monday, then travel to Toronto on Wednesday (Feb. 12).

After that, they’re off for eight days and don’t play again until Feb. 20 — the deadline to have signed another player.