2 minimum-level players the Cavaliers can still sign

No. 2: Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr. held a player option for next year worth $3.3 million, and he probably should’ve taken that. He might not get any more money than the player option that he declined. As of now, he’s still without a team for next season, and the minimum contract might be his way on to a new team.

Jones is a fine player, with slashing being one of his best attributes, along with his vertical athleticism. As a 6-foot-5 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, his perimeter defense is solid because of his long reach, as well. He isn’t a real threat on the perimeter, though. He is a career 30.4 percent shooter from distance, and last year for the Chicago Bulls, he shot a career high of 33.8 percent on 1.3 attempts per night.

It seems like Jones has been in the league for ages, but he’s actually only 26 years old. His athleticism should keep him in the league for more years ahead, and the Cavaliers could be a team that could offer him a deal to bring him to their team.

Last year, he averaged 5.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per outing in 14.0 minutes per night. Jones doesn’t really take a lot of shots, that’s not his role. He’s main asset to the team isn’t scoring, it is his hustle and defense, which doesn’t necessarily go on the traditional stat sheet.

As the Cavaliers already have Georges Niang, it would be nice to have a forward who can play small or power forward minutes with another skill set. Niang is a slow-moving sharpshooting forward, while Jones Jr. is a slashing and quick forward. The Cavaliers could have the best of both worlds.

Both of these players in Bamba and Jones are solid players in their own right, and could all really help the Cavs with their ultimate goal of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy next year.