Constructing the perfect Cleveland Cavaliers 2023 offseason

The Cavs sign Jevon Carter and Andre Drummond to minimum deals for depth

Besides the wing, there are two other areas on the roster that need fixing: backup center and backup point guard. While the Cavaliers have a stout duo in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, they do not have much depth behind them. They really thought Robin Lopez as the third big was the answer, even though he has fought more mascots in the last few years than he has points (not actually but you get the point). Bringing back Andre Drummond is the perfect fix.

Drummond was seen as a key part of the Cavs core just a few years ago, but was bought out by the team following the Jarrett Allen trade. He has since developed into a rebounding role player off the bench, averaging six points and seven rebounds in the 2022-23 campaign with the Chicago Bulls. The Cavs need a third big that can take the pressure off of Mobley and Allen and a physical one that can muck up the game and grab rebounds. That’s Drummond’s forte.

Now, Drummond did recently state on an appearance on the I AM ATHLETE’s podcast, “Paper Route,” that he intends to be back with the Bulls next season, though. Drummond as of that appearance earlier this month is planning to accept his roughly $3.4 million player option, but in this perfect Cavaliers offseason scenario, he’d be a free agency addition, should he hit the market.

As for the backup point guard spot, respectfully Ricky Rubio is not the answer. He really showed his age in the playoffs by scoring a scintillating zero points and being hunted on defense. The Cavs need a better backup option and Jevon Carter fits the bill. Carter averaged eight points per game this year and shot 42 percent from three for the Bucks.

Unlike Rubio, he is also a solid option defensively, as he is a pesky on-ball defender. The Cavaliers upgrade from the 26 percent that Rubio shot from three last year and add a good defender at point guard to upgrade the bench. Carter has shown that he can produce in that role and if the Cavaliers can get him on a short-term deal, that would be great for them.

Fortunately, the Cavs do not have a gaping hole when it comes to having stars on the roster like other NBA teams. They just have to fill out the roster with more depth, which they have the flexibility to do. This is their perfect 2023 offseason.

If Koby Altman can cook up something close to this, the Cavs should be in GREAT shape.