Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 bold predictions for a hopeful 2023
Bold Prediction No. 4: The Cavaliers will re-sign Kevin Love
In contrast to the last two summers, this upcoming offseason will probably be a fairly light one for the Cavaliers. They won’t have a first-round pick, they can’t open up a large amount of cap space, and with most of the core locked up, they don’t have any huge free-agency decisions.
Expect two major transactions to occur. The first is that the Cavs will bring back Kevin Love; he seems to love this group, he fills a valuable role and should be amenable to a contract along the lines of what Al Horford just signed in Boston.
The second is adding a wing player. That could mean bringing back Caris LeVert on a reasonable deal, but if he is looking to make $20 million per season the Cavs probably let him walk. In his stead, they’ll look to use the Mid-Level Exception to bring in a 3-and-D wing to rotate with Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens at the 3.
Bold Prediction No. 5: The Cavs will play on Christmas Day with NBA’s best record
The final prediction is that the Cleveland Cavaliers will have the league’s best record when they play a game on Christmas Day. This is a two-part prediction, as it assumes the Cavs’ star power and success will land them a spot in the Christmas Day slate next season. Once they get there, the Cavs’ combination of youth, depth and upper-end talent will elevate them to the best record in the entire NBA.
What predictions do you have for next season? Do you think the Cavs will win multiple series, or will they fall short in their first taste of the playoffs? Is a big trade in their future? Whatever happens, the way the Cavs enter 2023 suggests big things are in store for this team.