3 must-get players the Cavaliers should pursue in free agency

Cavaliers must-get free agent: Donte DiVincenzo

The Cavaliers’ top priority this summer should be upgrading the small forward position, but the problem is that two-way 3-and-D wings with good positional size are rarely hitting the market, and when they are they are generally quite expensive.

We’ll look at some options at the 3, but first let’s look at a backup plan. The Cavs will likely big Caris LeVert goodbye this summer. They also have a decision to make with Isaac Okoro, who will be eligible for a contract extension this offseason. If they don’t wish to extend Okoro, signing a replacement this summer and either moving or putting pressure on Okoro might make sense from a business standpoint.

That’s why they would pursue a player like Donte DiVincenzo. After an injury led to the Milwaukee Bucks bailing on him, DiVincenzo signed with the Golden State Warriors and has had a bounceback season. He is a stout defender who can replicate all or most of what Okoro provides on that end.

Offensively, DiVincenzo is a major upgrade on Okoro. He is shooting 39.8 percent from deep with an all-around game, filling a small role on a team with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole but filling it well. He would be an awesome third guard to slot in behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, especially as a hedge against Okoro leaving or Rubio not regaining his previous form.

DiVincenzo is playing on a smaller prove-it deal, so he will be looking for a pay raise this summer. Signing him to most or all of the MLE could secure a reliable rotation guard who can slide to the 3 in a pinch (similar to Okoro) with playoff experience and plenty of positive inputs in his career; he won a title at Villanova, with the Milwaukee Bucks and then spent this season with the Warriors. The Cavs would rather have someone with more size, but DiVincenzo otherwise fits perfectly with what the Cavs should be looking for.