The Cleveland Cavaliers couldn't get their hands on LeBron James, and they've been mostly quiet this offseason. However, there's still time to save face, and the front office is actively looking to make a splash.
According to ESPN insider Dave McMenamin, the Cavs are a serious contender to land Denver Nuggets forward Payton Watson. He's the top restricted free agent right now, and the Nuggets' financial constraints might lead him elsewhere.
The Cavs have every reason to want a player like Watson. He's sturdy, physical, vocal, and plays hard on both ends of the floor. However, as much as this would help the team, it could also spell disaster for Jaylon Tyson.
Jaylon Tyson might be the Cavs' odd man out with Peyton Watson
Tyson took a huge leap in his second season. Kenny Atkinson was more willing to get him on the floor and give him a long leash, and he paid him back by scoring 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers per game on 49/44/73 shooting splits.
The Cavs lost Dean Wade and may have to part ways with Max Strus as well, so Tyson was one of the leading candidates to start. If Strus stays and Watson arrives in The Land, he can probably kiss that hope goodbye.
Tyson can bring some defensive versatility and switchability to the table. He can go under screens and guard perimeter players and wings, and while he's been on-and-off and erratic at times, he tries hard and should only get better with more playing time.
Tyson has shown flashes of impressive play on both ends of the floor. He's a fearless competitor — sometimes too fearless for his own good — but that's the type of guy this team needs, especially in the playoffs. If given enough opportunities, he could be a solid 20+ PPG two-way scorer as soon as this season.
Of course, that doesn't mean the Cavs shouldn't explore all avenues for improvement. Watson is also a potential rising star. He showed he could be a contributor to a championship-caliber squad when he stepped in for the injured Aaron Gordon, and he can also bring some much-needed physicality to the table.
In an ideal world, the Cavs can find ways to get both of them on the court early and often, and it's not like they can't coexist, as they don't even play the same position. However, with the way Atkinson has handled his rotations, it seems that Tyson will continue to be the odd man out and will have to settle for whatever touches are left after everyone else has gotten their due.
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