3 pipe dream free agents the Cavaliers probably can’t sign
Pipe Dream No. 3: Cam Johnson, Power Forward
The Cavaliers thrived a full season ago with Lauri Markkanen starting as a jumbo small forward alongside Mobley and Allen, and they could absolutely look for a similar player in free agency. The closest one they will likely find is Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets, and he looks like a fine replacement.
Johnson came into the league as a sniper at the forward spot and has never wavered, shooting 39.3 percent over four seasons on 5.6 3-point attempts per game. The 6’8″ stretch-4 doesn’t quite have Markkanen’s height, but he uses his size well and provides the combination of shooting, rebounding and length that Markkanen did.
That is likely why Johnson has been a popular player for Cavs fans to dream about adding, but there are two major barriers. The first is price; Johnson is a floor-spacing shooter who can do some creation with the ball and won’t absolutely die on defense. He is going to make bank this summer, likely well over $20 million per season.
Secondly, he is a restricted free agent, so any contract another team signs him to can be matched by the Brooklyn Nets. Prying him away from Brooklyn will necessitate an overpay. The scenario where Johnson is available for a bargain doesn’t seem likely to materialize, so the Cavs and other teams should probably set their sights elsewhere.
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Dreaming of additions the Cavaliers can make in free agency is a fun exercise, and sometimes players and situations can be surprising. Some players, however, as too much of a pipe dream to ever fit in reality, so the Cavaliers and their fans should probably move on emotionally from these three players and look elsewhere for a free agent match.