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4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency

By Matthew Fagan

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 31: Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 31, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pelicans 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 31: Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 31, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pelicans 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Free Agent No. 2: Buddy Hield brings the firepower to Cleveland

Buddy Hield has been a name that’s come up in multiple trade rumors and free agency articles for the Cavaliers, and with good reason too. As a 30-year-old shooting guard-small forward combo player entering into their seventh season in the NBA, Hield can bring a veteran’s expertise to any team while still playing meaningful minutes, perhaps even starting.

Buddy Hield shot at an average of 42.5 percent from beyond the arc and 45.8 percent from field goal range. Putting up a stat line average of 16.8 points per game, supported by 5.0 total rebounds and 2.8 assists per game – Hield was third overall for the Indiana Pacers in scoring last year.

Hield would make a fantastic addition to the Cavs. A roster with him on it could see him taking minutes at the starting small forward position, and Max Strus bringing the heat off the bench. Similarly, Hield could take on the role of the backup shooting guard behind Donovan Mitchell. Considering he will be 32 at that point, Hield might be regressing a little by then. Whether he plays alongside Garland, Mitchell, and Mobley in the starting lineup, or he comes off the bench to act as a spark plug for the team – Buddy Hield would be a fantastic get for the Cavs in 2024 free agency.

Given the benefits he can bring to a team, it is likely other teams will be looking at Buddy Hield, meaning he might be able to drum up his value on the market. Hield’s current contract is a four-year deal for $94 million. If Cleveland wants to increase their shooting capacity and bring in Hield, they need to be willing to spend some money on him. Perhaps they could look at bringing in the veteran scorer on a two or three-year deal.

If the Cavaliers would rather allocate their money elsewhere but still add to their scoring, there are still some affordable options in 2024 free agency that Cleveland should look into.

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