3 Cavs transactions that might be waiting on LeBron James

3 Cavs moves that might be waiting on LeBron James: Cedi Osman trade

Cedi Osman is a decent wing player, with a decent outside shot and decent defensive tools. He’s not bad at handling the ball, not bad at rebounding, not bad at scoring. For a team in the lottery or even in the play-in mix, he’s a fine rotational wing.

The problem is that his shot isn’t consistent enough to be a weapon, his defense isn’t good enough to be a stopper, and his playmaking isn’t good enough to be a secondary creator. The Cavs have to get one of those three from players in their rotation, and Osman’s inconsistency and lack of a special skill are likely to see him on the outside of the rotation looking in this season.

As such, the Cavs are motivated to move him to another team that values his size and skillset. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets, the Sacramento Kings, the Chicago Bulls may be interested in Osman. Yet before the Cavs work out a trade, they have to know what their priorities are.

Do they want to move Osman for simply cap relief? A draft pick? Is taking back salary past this year fine, or do they need to get back an expiring deal in order to add to the cap space next summer? There are a number of players who may be worth max or near-max contracts next summer, but who besides LeBron might actually come to Cleveland? Working hard to keep open that space is because they think LeBron James might be coming.

Trades, signings and extensions are all somewhat on hold for the Cavs, at least until LeBron James indicates in early August whether he is committing to the Lakers or whether he may be open to the market. If the latter, expect the Cavs to diligently keep open next summer’s space. If James does sign that extension, there could be a flurry of moves as the Cavs conduct their business accordingly.