King James Gospel
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of Round One of the 2018 NBA. Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of Round One of the 2018 NBA. Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Khris Middleton

If Thompson were to elect to stay in Oakland, another player for the Cavaliers to target is Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton. Like Thompson, Middleton has the perfect skillset to play alongside Sexton.

The biggest boon to Middleton’s game is his three-point shooting. During last year’s NBA Playoffs, Middleton was sizzling from three, connecting on 61% of his attempts.

Middleton’s shooting played part in keeping the Bucks alive against the Boston Celtics, and went down swinging in Game 7:

Middleton is also a stout perimeter player, like Thompson. He has averaged1.4 steals per game in his career and can defend ones all the way up to fours. Defensive versatility is a must in the NBA, and Middleton would fit in perfectly in Cleveland.

While his skill set is similar to Thompson’s, Middleton is unique in his ability as a playmaker. Last season Middleton averaged 4.0 assists per game and that playmaking would be a welcome addition to the Cavaliers roster.

Middleton could also help Sexton’s development off the ball as well as the Cavs experimented in summer league with that.