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Three high-priority free agent targets for the Cavaliers next summer

By Evan Dammarell

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 22: Clint Capela #15 and Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets play defense against Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 22: Clint Capela #15 and Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets play defense against Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 26: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets seen in the locker room before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 26: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets seen in the locker room before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Cavaliers have been unable to be major players this summer during free agency due to salary cap limitations. But, next summer the books could clear for  Cleveland and there are three players they should target.

This summer’s NBA  offseason moves have been a nonstop roller coaster for fans. It started off with LeBron James leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

Then, injured superstar center DeMarcus Cousins joined forces with the Golden State Warriors. Just this week the San Antonio Spurs traded superstar forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. It is only mid-July and the league is shaking things up.

While a lot of teams are getting new faces, one team that is sitting on the sidelines are the Cavaliers. The reason? The Cavaliers are strapped for cash. Even with LeBron James gone, all the Cavs can offer are mid-level exceptions and veteran minimum as the team begins rebuilding post-LeBron (again).

But, next summer the Cavaliers could be major players in free agency. If the team were to waive the partially-guaranteed contracts of George Hill, JR Smith, and Kyle Korver they would have about $32.8 million to play around with. The team can also likely find a new home for Tristan Thompson and his bloated contract.

With both moves, they could sign Kevin Love to a contract extension and still have money to use to bring in another star.

Other than Kevin Durant, the biggest marquee free agent is former Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving. While Irving is the best point guard in the East, Cleveland should steer clear of him. The Cavs have already been burned twice by James and they should not want to by Irving either.

Cleveland does not want to build the reputation of being spurned by former players only to welcome them back with open arms.

Besides, the Cavaliers already have future franchise point guard Collin Sexton. Heading into the summer of 2019, the Cavaliers should instead look to build around both Sexton and Love. Thanks to the roster being so mediocre, the team can likely solve a need through the 2019 NBA Draft. Whatever position they do not fix, they can solve in free agency.