The Cavaliers are sitting on 13 standard contracts with one roster spot still up for grabs, and there’s no clear indication of which direction they’ll go, as relayed by Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
While Cleveland could opt for a versatile wing to fit Kenny Atkinson’s switch-heavy defensive system, there’s also internal discussion about adding another ball-handler to bolster the backcourt.
Ball-Handling a Priority?
Darius Garland is working his way back from toe surgery. Lonzo Ball, acquired in the Isaac Okoro trade with the Bulls, has played just 35 games across the last three seasons due to persistent knee issues. And while Craig Porter Jr. is a promising young guard, it’s unclear whether the team trusts him in an expanded role right away.
Donovan Mitchell is capable of taking on more ball-handling duties, but the Cavs don’t want to burn him out in the early going. That opens the door for a veteran addition, and one name to keep an eye on is Victor Oladipo.
Fedor reports that a Cavaliers front office executive attended Oladipo’s recent workout in Las Vegas. Team owner Dan Gilbert is said to be a longtime fan of the former No. 2 overall pick and had even pushed to draft him No. 1 overall in 2013, before then-assistant GM David Griffin convinced the front office to take Anthony Bennett instead.
Trade Talk Around Wade
Elsewhere on the roster, there was “chatter” in Las Vegas about the possibility of the Cavs moving on from forward Dean Wade, as we relayed here, citing interested teams. Wade is on an expiring $6.6 million contract for 2025-26, and given Cleveland’s cap situation, he may not be viewed as a long-term piece.
Tomlin on the Rise
If Wade is dealt, one internal candidate to take his spot is second-year forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Fedort wrote. The 24-year-old impressed during Summer League, averaging 20.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three. He made just five NBA appearances as a rookie but could push for real rotation minutes this fall.
Two-Way Slot Still Undecided
Former Cleveland State wing Tristan Enaruna is also in the mix for the Cavs’ final two-way spot, joining Tomlin and Luke Travers as candidates. Enaruna averaged 13.3 points and shot 56.8 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from deep during Summer League play.
Defense Remains a Focus
Fedor notes that after being exposed defensively in the second-round loss to Indiana, the Cavaliers made defense a priority this offseason. That includes the decision to retain Sam Merrill over Ty Jerome. The belief is that Merrill, along with new additions Ball and Larry Nance Jr., will be able to hold up defensively in the playoffs.
Training camp is still a few months away, but the Cavaliers are already tinkering. One roster spot remains. Multiple paths are on the table.
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Fedor said Dallas may be interested in Wade. I would try Wade for Omax Prosper from Dallas and Daquan Jeffries from Charlotte. Both possibly on trade block. Both strong. Both good defenders. I think Wade is better but he someway gets injured multiple times every year. By getting 2 for 1, Cavs save like 15 million also.
Oladipo is like seeing your hs crush at the 25 year class reunion. Might be ok but she ain’t the same as you remember. What you have is better.
Jaylon Tyson can support ‘Dipo and Ball at the PG spot. And create some stuff in ways they can’t, at that spot.
Jaylon Tyson can do most of what D Wade was doing, somewhat at a higher level. He should have some of those minutes too. He’s a creator on offense but can also spot up for catch and shoots. He’s a threat to score from anywhere, front or back to the basket. He can play 1 thru 4 on offense in today’s NBA.
On the Anthony Bennett draft, didn’t we read that Mike Brown was a big part of that pick?
Was it a collaboration with Griff? Or Griff gave Brown the green light and took the blame?
I believe now that both versions have been stated on hoopswire over the years, you now have to come clean with more details on that draft, Sam. Thank you.