Cleveland Cavaliers: Complete 2021 NBA Free Agency preview

Complete 2021 NBA Free Agency preview: Free Agent targets

Barring the unexpected, the Cleveland Cavaliers will almost certainly stay “over-the-cap” and prioritize re-signing Jarrett Allen. That means that they will have two primary tools to add to this roster in free agency, the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (commonly called the “Mid-level” or “MLE”) and the Bi-Annual Exception, or “BAE”.

Those exceptions allow a team over the cap to sign a free agent, up to a certain maximum amount. The MLE for this season starts at $9.54 million and can be used for a contract up to four years in length, while the BAE is up to two years and starts at $3.73 million.

Mid-level Targets

The team’s primary needs are backups at the 2, 3 and 5. The team could certainly use a better option at the starting small forward spot, but that’s unlikely to be found at the mid-level and Okoro deserves more time to see if he can build into a future starter.

With that in mind, asset allocation between center and the wing suggests targeting a backup wing with the larger exception. What players could be available in that price range for the Cavs?

Doug McDermott is a clear example and would check multiple boxes. He can play at the three as a capable defender, but his true weapon is his 3-point shot. He can shoot it coming off movement at a high volume, and then capitalizes on the threat of that shot to cut inside for open looks. Something a little shy of the full midlevel could bring him in; perhaps three years, $24 million.

There are more natural small forwards available on the market as well, especially if the Cavaliers use the full mid-level. Will Barton opted out of $14.7 million with the Denver Nuggets and will almost certainly get a contract starting higher than the MLE, but if the Nuggets use their own midlevel and elect not to bring him back the market could squeeze him a little.

Josh Hart is another intriguing option, a tough defender and excellent rebounder who has never quite taken the necessary step forward offensively to be a clear cut starter. Finally, the Cavs could go for more of a pure sniper to fill a hole this roster has, picking up a guy like Furkan Korkmaz or Reggie Bullock for less than the full midlevel. Malik Monk probably got squeezed out in Charlotte and could be a gunner and shot creator off the bench as well.

Bi-Annual Exception Targets

If the Cavs don’t bring back Isaiah Hartenstein, or especially if they don’t sign Jarrett Allen to a long-term deal, they could go shopping in the bargain center market for a backup big. Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. can play minutes at center, but they will want an “innings eater” at the 5.

The center market collapses very quickly, so there should be plenty of options. If the team wants a more established veteran, players such as Cody Zeller and Alex Len could be available around that level. Australia’s Jock Landale could be worth a look, and he has been impressing scouts with his play in the Olympics for Australia this summer.

Minimum Targets

Finally, the team could go for a reclamation project. Harry Giles was onetime the best player in his high school class, but a series of injuries sapped his athleticism and he hasn’t been able to establish himself as an NBA player yet. Tony Snell continues to hit nearly every shot he takes, but his low usage and inability to do much else with the ball have depressed his value. The team could even decide to take one more flier on Dante Exum and bring him back on a minimum deal.