Based on the rumors leading into the start of NBA Free Agency involving what the Cleveland Cavaliers’ approach would be, the moves they made were not surprising ones.
Cleveland re-signed Caris LeVert to a two-year deal, signed Georges Niang to a three-year deal and then executed a sign-and-trade to acquire Max Strus from the Miami Heat. Cleveland would eventually trade for Damian Jones in a deal with the Utah Jazz, and shortly thereafter, signed Ty Jerome by way of two-year deal.
It was no secret that the Cavaliers had to improve their perimeter shooting efforts to open up room for Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Thankfully, the Wine and Gold appear to have done so, with the moves for Strus and Niang, in particular.
Strus’ movement shooting should give the Cavaliers’ offense a different element, and that should reduce the threat of stagnation in set possessions, but one shouldn’t discount Niang’s shooting impact, either.
Niang was also rumored to be a key offseason target for the Wine and Gold as well, and in recent seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, and previously with the Jazz, his catch-and-shoot abilities made a difference for both. So, along those lines, what should Cavs fans expect the club to get from Niang on a regular basis from here?
Here, we’ll hit on two realistic expectations for this Cavs’ Niang signing in years to come.
Let’s begin with the first thing fans should look to see from the 30-year-old Niang, who has really made his presence felt in recent seasons with Philly and Utah, and should give the Cavs a lift from here.