Cleveland Cavaliers depth chart after free agency signings

Updated depth chart: The Wings

Max Strus is the big addition to the Cavaliers and their wing rotation. At 6’5″ he doesn’t have ideal size at small forward, but he is close to a lock to start there after signing a $63 million contract. When it became clear that the top forwards on the board were going to be too expensive for Cleveland, they pivoted smoothly and worked out a sign-and-trade for Strus.

With Strus starting, it will be interesting to watch how the minutes behind him are sorted out between Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro. LeVert was brought back on a two-year, $32 million contract and is loved by the coaching staff, so he will play a role despite his fit issues with Garland and Mitchell.

Okoro will likely be needed for his backcourt defense, and the added shooting from Strus, Jerome and Georges Niang will make it more viable to put him on the court. This is an important season for Okoro to prove his offensive value before he hits restricted free agency next summer.

Sam Merrill has not been waived and remains on the roster, and Summer League will be his best chance at impressing the front office with his movement shooting. For all the shooting they added, the Cavs didn’t bring in a pure gunner like a Malik Beasley, giving Merrill a shot at making the final roster. If he doesn’t, Emoni Bates could receive a handful of minutes off of his two-way deal, but he likely isn’t ready for NBA minutes as a rookie.