Every season, role players across the league step up in the playoffs when needed most and increase their worth. This year is no different, and with an NBA Finals that includes a team with seven undrafted players, some players have set themselves up for nice paydays this summer.
Building a team that is championship-caliber is difficult enough as it is, and it’s even harder to maintain one. With players wanting more money, a bigger role, etc., it’s worth keeping an eye on standouts who might want a change of scenery.
Making it to the NBA Finals requires a deep and talented roster. With the Miami Heat shooting the lights out from three this postseason and the Denver Nuggets only playing guys who can shoot, this series has plenty of players who could help improve the Cleveland Cavaliers’ spacing. Here are four players in the NBA Finals the Cavs could target in the offseason in free agency.
No. 1: Bruce Brown, Denver Nuggets
The 26-year-old super role-player has played a significant role in Denver’s success. Through 15 playoff games, Bruce Brown is averaging 12.2 points per game, 3.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26 minutes per game. As the numbers suggest, Brown does it all. While he isn’t necessarily elite in one particular area, his consistency and lack of weakness allow him to contribute to any series.
Over the last couple of years, Brown has significantly improved his three-point shot and has made over 35% in the last two seasons. He took a career-high 3.2 three-pointers per game this year, showing that he isn’t a gunslinger relied upon to carry the team in that department.
Overall, Bruce Brown is a plus defender who can guard multiple positions at 6’4″. He’s also a capable playmaker off the bench and a constantly improving three-point shooter. With a player option this offseason, Brown can opt out and become a free agent. If he chooses to opt out, Brown should be at the top of the Cavs’ priority list.
Brown would seem to be a player who commands far more per season than the $12.2 million Nontaxpayer-Mid-Level Exception, though.