Cavaliers depth chart after the 2023 NBA Draft and before free agency

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Emoni Bates, Eastern Michigan. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images /

Cavaliers’ depth chart on the wing

This is the biggest question mark in store for the Cavaliers this summer. They desperately need to upgrade on the wing, but their resources are limited and there aren’t a ton of options out there. This is the pivot point of the offseason.

For now, Isaac Okoro is the most established returning player, having started the vast majority of games over the past three seasons at small forward. Cedi Osman has the longest tenure, and all signs point to the Cavs staying over the cap this offseason, making it very unlikely they waive Osman’s non-guaranteed deal.

It has already been reported that the Cavs are keeping Lamar Stevens heading into the season, and Dean Wade is hoping for a bounce-back this season after an injury-riddle year a season ago. Finally, second-round pick Emoni Bates is likely to join the team on a two-way deal, but is unlikely to factor in as a rookie.

What’s coming: The Cavaliers will need to make a decision on Caris LeVert: how much are they offering, and for how many years? The trick will be not bidding against themselves, as LeVert will likely have limited suitors on the open market, and perhaps none at a number above the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception amount of $12.4 million.

Dylan Windler is a free agent and almost certain to be let loose to sign with another team. Danny Green is a more interesting question, and there is a strong case for bringing him back as both a veteran shooter and mentor to the team.

From there, it’s open season on the trade market and in free agency to sign a potential starter at small forward, and to add at least one other depth piece. Names from Gary Trent Jr. to Kelly Oubre Jr. to you-name-the-player have been discussed. It would be a complete shock to see the Cavs use the MLE on anyone other than a wing.