3 budget wing free agents Cleveland Cavaliers could sign

Budget Wing No. 3: Jalen McDaniels

Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2019, Jalen McDaniels eventually found himself on the Philadelphia 76ers via trade this season. Going into the 2023 summer, McDaniels will be available to choose his own fate going forward. At only 25 years old, McDaniels is still searching to solidify himself a steady role on a successful team.

After being traded to the 76ers, McDaniels’ minutes per game dropped from 26.7 down to 17.5 minutes each night. As a young player needing to prove his worth, Cleveland would be an ideal destination to sign a multi-year deal in order to guarantee himself a chance to make his mark somewhere.

Jalen McDaniels only shot 33.2% from three, but his size and defensive capability would give Cleveland another reliable defensive wing. McDaniels’ career-best three-point percentage came in the 2021-2022 season with a rate of 38% on two attempts per game. On the Cavs, McDaniels’ opportunities would grow, and his overall role in the rotation would presumably slot him into the starting five.

McDaniels is likely to be the cheapest young wing in free agency. He has not found his home in the NBA yet, but he is more than hopeful potential with a lot of flaws. Jalen McDaniels has shown himself to be a valuable asset in any city.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could find a diamond in the rough in McDaniels with a cheap multi-year deal. If McDaniels fits into Cleveland’s roster, then signing him to the maximum three-year deal would give Cleveland Bird Rights on his next contract, making him easily retainable going forward.

The Cavaliers would only stand to gain by bringing in Jalen McDaniels as the leaguewide desire for wing depth continues to surge.