Constructing the perfect Cleveland Cavaliers 2023 offseason

The Cavs sign Josh Richardson by way of the Mid-Level Exception and bring back Caris LeVert

There has been a lot of talk about what the Cavs will do with their Nontaxpayer Mid-Level Exception. It is the Cavaliers’ best option for improvement at this point in time, and it is critical that they acquire the right player with their exception, or some of that. Josh Richardson fits that bill, at least for some of Cleveland’s MLE.

This past season with the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans, he averaged 10 points per game and shot 37 percent from three-point range. Richardson has also remained defensively sound, and has averaged at least a steal per game three seasons in a row.

The Pelicans also had a defensive rating of 111.8 with Richardson this season, which would have been top five in the NBA had he been with them the whole season. His 3-and-D archetype is what the Cavs need and despite already acquiring O’Neale in this perfect offseason, you can never have too many wings.

Along with signing Richardson, the Cavs should bring back Caris LeVert on a team-friendly deal.

LeVert has been inconsistent during his time with the Cavs, but he has finally found an NBA home with them and has been a nice option for them on both ends of the floor. LeVert shot a career-high from three-point range this season and was one of the only Cavs players with a pulse in the playoffs, as he averaged 15 points per game, five rebounds, and three assists while shooting 42% from the field and 36% from three.

LeVert is a vital part of the Cavaliers depth and bringing him back for the right price would be ideal.