3 pipe dream free agents the Cavaliers probably can’t sign

Pipe Dream No. 2: Josh Hart, Small Forward

Josh Hart absolutely eviscerated the Cleveland Cavaliers when he and the New York Knicks played them in this year’s playoffs. He played excellent defense and pulled down crucial offensive rebounds that ended any comeback attempts from the Cavs in multiple games. Cleveland got a front-row seat to the impact Hart can have and must have come away impressed.

Hart has been a longtime target of the Cavs for years, as he brings a unique combination of defense, intelligence, experience and rebounding on the wing. They most recently tried to land Hart at this year’s Trade Deadline, when the Knicks outbid them to bring Hart to the Big Apple. Cavs fans likely wish the Knicks had won last year’s head-to-head deadline battle to land Caris LeVert and left Hart to them this time around.

The upside for Cleveland would presumably be that Hart can (and likely will) become a free agent this summer. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Hart has played so well that he will be priced out of their range. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Hart is expected to sign a long-term deal worth $15-18 million annually and stay with the Knicks.

What Hart would bring to the Cavs is clear, but his 3-point shot has been shaky enough throughout his career that they would likely run into issues playing him with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. This is probably a pipe dream best left unfulfilled to find a better shooter with their MLE.