3 free agents Cavs can sign to a max contract in 2023

3 free agents Cavs can sign to a max contract in 2023: Andrew Wiggins

The Golden State Warriors bought low on Andrew Wiggins, who was an empty-calories scorer on a number of bad Minnesota Timberwolves teams (and one good one) before he was traded with a draft pick for D’Angelo Russell. He has since reinvented himself in Golden State, buying into team-centered responsibilities like lockdown defense, cutting and rebounding.

Wiggins was an essential part of the Warriors winning the title last month, and had at least a little buzz for Finals MVP – that isn’t to take away from Stephen Curry winning it, but to illustrate how well Wiggins played all throughout the playoffs.

It would seem crazy that the Warriors would let him walk next summer, but their payroll is already through the roof, and they ostensibly drafted his replacement in Jonathan Kuminga. It’s been reported that Wiggins on a max deal may be too expensive for the Warriors to stomach, and if that means he hits free agency next summer, the Cavs should be the first ones lined up for a meeting.

Cleveland was the team that first drafted Wiggins, trading his rights soon after the draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Kevin Love deal. Could Wiggins turn around and replace Love in Cleveland? He is 6’7″ with the ability to defend 1-4 and a smooth jumper. He could be the Cavs’ secondary scorer and primary perimeter defender. His fit with the Cavs is basically perfect.

Is Wiggins worth a maximum deal? Barring some sort of unexpected decline or resumption of bad habits next season, he is exactly the type of player to entice with a max deal; a fringe All-Star with good size to play the 3 or 4, a good outside shot and excellent defensive abilities. Even if it’s an overpay, that’s what it takes to lure in free agents, and Wiggins would help the Cavs reach the next level.