Return or Burn: How should the Cavaliers handle each free agent?

Free Agent No. 6: Mamadi Diakite

Mamadi Diakite was on a two-way contract with the Cavaliers last season, appearing in 22 games, generally in garbage time. He most memorably leaped into the starting lineup in the absence of Jarrett Allen and helped to key a victory over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Overall, though, Diakite was basically the same player he has been since entering the league. He is a high-energy big without much heft and without much of an offensive game to speak of. If his 3-point shot had come around he would be an intriguing option, but otherwise, he doesn’t bring enough to justify the roster spot. The Cavs should move on and find a higher-upside way to use their two-way spot.

Verdict: Burn

Free Agent No. 5: Isaiah Mobley

The brother of Evan Mobley was the 49th pick in last year’s NBA Draft and spend the season on a two-way contract, largely playing in the G League with the Cleveland Charge. He only played 84 minutes total for the season with the parent club, but to his credit, he did some really good things in his mop-up minutes.

In 22 games with the Charge, Mobley averaged 21 points, 8.6 rebounds and four assists, showing off his ability to pass the ball in the high-post and score effectively inside. He shot a decent 35.3 percent from deep as well. He’ll almost certainly be back; the question is just whether he earns a full roster spot as the third center or if he stays on a two-way deal for another year. He has shown enough that retaining him isn’t nepotism as much as a good idea.

Verdict: Return