5 free agents Cavaliers should poach from division rivals
Free Agent No. 2: Oshae Brissett, Indiana Pacers
Sometimes finding the right free agent means going off of the beaten path, whether that’s a player not yet in the NBA or someone teams have largely given up on. Scan the Internet for lists of free agents – even bargain free agents – and you will be hard-pressed to find Oshae Brissett show up.
Yet the former Syracuse Orange is 6’7″, athletic, a solid defender and great rebounder. His 3-point shot has clocked in a little under league average, and that’s likely his swing skill, but his positional versatility and high motor should be a positive addition to any team’s forward rotation. He’s also just 24 years old and has room to continue growing. The Cavs should consider swiping him on a minimum deal away from their division rivals one state over.
Free Agent No. 1: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
The Cavs can then keep driving another state west to look into another option at backup center, this one an old friend. Andre Drummond was a longtime star with the Detroit Pistons, and in his second act has stopped in Cleveland and Chicago. He may want to sign with Indiana or Milwaukee to complete Central Division bingo, but if not the Cavs should consider a reunion.
Drummond is still 6’10” and 280 pounds, and moving well despite an obvious downtick in athleticism as he approaches his 30s. He played a small rotation role with the Bulls but thrived when he was on the court. His per-36 numbers last season: 16.9 points, 18.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks. He is playing hard and making an impact when on the court.
dark. Next. Ranking the 12 worst trades in Cleveland Cavaliers history
If the Cavaliers are looking for a solid backup to Jarrett Allen, or even a potential option to back up Evan Mobley if the Cavs explore a Jarrett Allen trade. He’s a solid use of the Bi-Annual Exception to bolster their frontcourt and take away a player from the Bulls, and one that Cleveland should take a close look at this summer.