5 point guards the Cavs could sign to back up Darius Garland

5 point guards the Cavs could sign: Ricky Rubio

Everyone’s favorite point guard reunion is absolutely still on the table. The Cavs traded with the Timberwolves for Rubio last summer and he was a perfect addition, giving the Cavs 48 minutes of high-level point guard play and often playing, and thriving, alongside Garland. Rubio’s defense and passing filled in the gaps around Garland, and his career-best scoring season kept defenses honest.

Then Rubio went down 34 games into the season with a torn ACL, and the Cavs were never quite the same. At the NBA trade deadline the Cavs used Rubio’s salary to bring back Caris LeVert, and as Rubio hits unrestricted free agency this summer it is accordingly the Indiana Pacers who have Rubio’s Bird Rights.

The Cavs are reportedly still interested in a reunion with Rubio, but with Rubio likely out rehabbing until after the calendar flips to 2023, signing him becomes tricky. They could offer him a long-term deal at a strong number, something like the full mid-level exception, but then they would need to secure a third point guard who could back up Garland admirably for a few months.

Perhaps the Cavs draft a point guard or decide to play Caris LeVert at backup point guard to start the season. They could bring back Brandon Goodwin and let him run the point, or sign a veteran at the minimum to hold down the fort. The Cavs and Rubio could even work out a deal for a one-year make-good at the minimum or close to it, letting Rubio rehab with the Cavs as a veteran presence and allowing the Cavs to use a larger amount of money to go after another point guard.

Whatever the stopgap, by the end of the season the Cavs would hopefully have Rubio at full speed and the Cavs blitzing teams once again.