The Cleveland Cavaliers have a roster stocked with talented players. On most deep rosters, the most talented players are the most expensive, while the smaller salary slots apply to role players and developmental projects. That’s not the case with the Cavs.
Kevin Love is the most expensive player on the Cavs, and although he used to be a star he’s now a talented bench player. While Jarrett Allen is next at $20 million, two potential starters in Lauri Markkanen and Caris LeVert are next. The team’s two brightest stars, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, will each make less than $9 million next year.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a trio of players eligible for an extension. Should the Cavs “Pass” or “Pay” on extensions for Love, Windler and LeVert?
While the future will be built around Garland, Mobley and Allen, the Cavs have some decisions to make about the veterans around them. Do they emphasize cap space for next summer, chasing big fish in free agency, and risk losing valuable rotation players in the process? Or do they lock them up now and try to make a run with this group?
Let’s break down the situation for the three players who are eligible to sign a contract extension sometime this season. Do the Cavs Pay up to extend these players, or Pass and let them reach free agency next summer?