3 free agents the Cleveland Cavaliers should consider signing this summer

No. 2: Kelly Oubre, Jr.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is arguably the best realistic option to be in the wine and gold next season. A younger option for Cleveland at 27 years old, Oubre, Jr. of the Charlotte Hornets shows substantial promise to elevate the Cavs to the next level of contention. Further, Oubre had been mentioned in numerous trade rumors prior to the trade deadline, so there is a likely interest by Cleveland’s front office to pursue Oubre.

Bleacher Report suggested Kelly Oubre, Jr. as an ideal trade target, citing his shooting as a benefit for Cleveland; Oubre seemed to be heavily linked to the Cavs prior to injury.

"“The Cavs could use some scoring help on the wing (especially off the bench) as they remain in the Eastern Conference mix.”"

The main issue Cleveland may find in pursuing Oubre is that he can easily command much more than the MLE, meaning that the Cavaliers would need to shed salary to get him. This could come in the form of a sign-and-trade similar to the former Lauri Markkanen deal, or trading a player who gets little to no minutes for nothing but picks.

A sign-and-trade, though, would likely be the best option as Charlotte has Bird Rights. Charlotte is a team looking for future assets rather than contention, so the Cavs could be an enticing partner for the Hornets to ensure they get value from Oubre’s departure with a slew of young talent and a decent reserve of second-round picks.