Cavaliers
The Cavaliers continue exploring ways to create financial flexibility, and veteran wing Max Strus appears to be at the center of those efforts.
According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Cleveland is attempting to trade Strus, who is owed $16.6 million next season, as the franchise looks to position itself for a possible pursuit of LeBron James.
As Hoops Wire previously reported, league sources have identified the Cavaliers, Warriors and Heat as the leading contenders for James after he informed the Lakers he will play elsewhere next season.
Vardon reported that James Harden‘s new contract is also expected to play a significant role. Harden declined his $42.3 million player option Monday and is expected to return to Cleveland, though the two sides are reportedly waiting to finalize a deal.
If Harden signs for roughly $30 million and the Cavs are able to move Strus without taking significant salary back, they could create enough room beneath the first tax apron to access the non-taxpayer mid-level exception — potentially allowing the team to offer James a deal worth about $15 million annually.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are believed to be pursuing a similar strategy after Draymond Green declined his player option, with Golden State also exploring ways to create access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Lakers
The Lakers continue searching for help on the wing following LeBron James’ decision to leave in free agency.
According to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, and Dan Woike of The Athletic, Quentin Grimes has emerged as one of Los Angeles’ top targets.
The Lakers are expected to have more than $50 million in cap space, though it’s unclear how much of that they’ll devote to Grimes as the front office also prioritizes adding an impact center.
Hawks
The Hawks have retained one of their frontcourt pieces.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Atlanta is bringing back center Jock Landale on a fully guaranteed one-year, $14 million contract.
The deal uses nearly all of the Hawks’ non-taxpayer mid-level exception and reflects the growing market for experienced backup centers after Robert Williams III also landed a lucrative new contract with the Trail Blazers.
Landale averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 games with Atlanta after arriving in a pair of deadline-day trades. He missed the Hawks’ first-round playoff series because of a high ankle sprain.
Before agreeing to return, Landale reportedly drew interest from several teams, including the Bulls, Lakers, Clippers, Sixers and Cavs.
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