4 burning questions for the Cavs ahead of free agency

4 burning questions for Cavs in free agency: Does Garland get the max?

Darius Garland just finished the third year of his four-year rookie contract, which makes him eligible for a rookie extension when free agency begins. The same goes for the rest of his draft class, and many of his peers look like they are in line for paydays as well, from max offers pending for Zion Williams and Ja Morant to a rumored $25 million per season for Tyler Herro.

Garland made his first All-Star Game this past season, and looks like an excellent fit for the modern NBA offense. He should continue to accrue All-Star appearances and could push for something more. He looks like the centerpiece of this Cleveland team, at least until Evan Mobley fully realizes his powers. So will the Cavs just offer him the maximum allowable contract the moment free agency begins?

A maximum rookie extension would be in the ballpark of $30.9 million for the first year, which is the 2023-24 season. Over five years it would total around $180 million. Do the Cavs try to negotiate off of that number in any way? Will they give up any additional concessions, such as negotiating down the “Rose Rule” bonuses that will increase Garland’s contract if he makes an All-NBA team or wins MVP?

The most likely outcome is Garland signing a full five-year maximum extension, but without a player option. Perhaps the Cavs also give tiered raises based on the Rose Rule instead of triggering the max if Garland makes, say, third-team All-NBA. In the end, though, it’s unlikely given his trajectory and production thus far, plus role on the team, that Garland won’t get a max offer before him.