3 buyout candidates for the Cavs to consider signing

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Goran Dragic, Toronto Raptors. Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images /

3 buyout candidates for the Cavs to consider signing: Goran Dragic

The Cleveland Cavaliers saw their greatest strength this season evaporate when Ricky Rubio went down with a torn ACL. Between Darius Garland breaking out with an All-Star campaign and Rubio in the mix for Sixth Man of the Year, the Cavs’ likely had the deepest point guard room in the league.

Their immediate stopgap response to losing Rubio was to trade for Rajon Rondo, and the veteran has provided a steady hand of sorts behind Garland. Trading for Caris LeVert a week ago as another perimeter ballhandler helped address the backup point guard position as well. Yet if Garland were to miss time in the postseason, or if Rondo’s shot completely deserts him (as it has been known to do), the Cavs could wish they had a steadier option there for the rest of the season.

Goran Dragic could be one such player. The Slovenian guard was traded to the San Antonio Spurs at the Trade Deadline and was just waived to kick off the buyout season in earnest. Any number of teams looking for an upgrade at backup point guard are likely to come calling.

Cleveland can offer more money than most, a potential piece of enticement for Dragic. They can also offer a steady role, as Dragic can replace Rondo and play behind Garland and alongside him at times, something the Cavs are reluctant to do with Rondo and Garland but did frequently with Rubio. Dallas, Miami, Golden State and Los Angeles (both) all offer enticing landing spots as well, but Cleveland can at least make a phone call and see if the buyout market’s best player is interested.