Cavs: 2 realistic expectations for Denzel Valentine in 2021-22

The Cleveland Cavaliers a few weeks back made something of a splash for their recent standards in their sign-and-trade acquistion of then-restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen in a deal with the Chicago Bulls, which has been the most notable move of their offseason.

It did result in Larry Nance Jr., in the crucial part of the deal, being shipped to the Portland Trail Blazers, but I could understand Cleveland’s rationale there, as Markkanen should be a key shooter/scoring presence.

Since that point, the Cavs have made minor some training camp signings, and last week, they signed point guard Kevin Pangos via two-year, $3.5 million deal, who was playing in Europe since his collegiate career ended at Gonzaga in 2015. Pangos’ first season is fully guaranteed for roughly $1.7 million, and he could provide lead guard depth, and maybe aid Cleveland if injuries occur.

Lastly, as far as the offseason additions, later on Friday after the Cavaliers waived Damyean Dotson, which was for the best for both sides, Cleveland signed guard/wing Denzel Valentine via two-year deal.

The first year for him for this next upcoming season is partially guaranteed, with the second year being non-guaranteed; so the deal was team-friendly, with him I’d assume compensated via some of the $9.5 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Valentine, who was a teammate of Markkanen’s on the Bulls, was an unrestricted free agent that had his struggles in the past few seasons. He does have ability to create for himself offensively though, which could aid the bench.

So taking that into account, what should we expect in 2021-22 from Valentine for the Cavs?

As far as the first realistic expectation for Valetine for next season, him providing some meaningful rotational shooting/shot creation seems on-par.