As the first round of the NBA Playoffs wraps up, some role players have stood out among the rest and should catch the Cleveland Cavaliers' eye in free agency.
The offseason is still over a month away, but every NBA front office is already preparing their plans for free agency and the early stages of summer trade moves as they watch the postseason unfold. While most superstars join a new franchise via trade in the modern league, teams find winning veterans in free agency with Mid-Level Exceptions every year. These players might not define a franchise for generations, but they can impact winning and give their stars a needed boost in close matchups.
Last summer, Cleveland added Max Strus and Georges Niang to the roster to bolster their shooting and bench depth. Both players gave the Cavaliers plenty of reasons to appreciate them over the regular season. Strus entered the starting lineup from day one and became the ideal glue guy the Cavs needed. Niang forced opponents to respect Cleveland on the perimeter, punishing late closeouts with plenty of corner threes. Niang also was the only Cavalier to appear in all 82 games of the season, joining a rare class of Iron Man players.
While the Cavaliers have improved since last year's playoff embarrassment, they are still an imperfect team. Entering this offseason, the Cavs will likely look to continue their trend of signing veteran role players with a mix of shooting and defense. This summer might have plenty of changes for Cleveland from their coaching staff to their roster, meaning any veteran who joins the squad will have ample opportunities to earn a consistent spot in the rotation during training camp.
What kind of player do the Cavaliers need to add?
The Cavaliers are still in the midst of a heated playoff battle with the Orlando Magic, but their series has highlighted some areas of growth they can address in free agency this offseason. With another year of playoff experience under their belt, Cleveland's core group is growing in confidence, consistency and impact. Adding more playoff-tested talent will only help complement the work they have done so far.
For as much improvement as the Cavaliers made last offseason, their forward rotation still struggles to manage stronger, taller opponents. Though inexperienced in the postseason, the Orlando Magic's size has overwhelmed Cleveland's backup forward Georges Niang, leaving the Cavs bench brutalized by the end of every game. With Dean Wade injured for the second consecutive postseason, the Cavaliers should search the coming free agent class for another veteran.
The Cavaliers need to prioritize experience again this offseason, making free agents on current playoff teams their best candidates. From teams who have already been eliminated to contending squads, these three coming free agents could help Cleveland take the next step forward.
Free Agent No. 1 - Naji Marshall, New Orleans Pelicans
After four seasons making less than $2 million per year, New Orleans Pelicans forward is due for a payday this summer, and the Cleveland Cavaliers should fight to be the winning bidder to be his next team.
Marshall does not have the playoff resume that other free agents can show, but his first four years in the NBA have showcased his consistent ability to knock down threes and put his defensive assignment to the test on the other end. The 6-foot 7-inches forward connected on 38.7 percent of his three-pointers per game and brought his shooting to the playoffs, hitting 40 percent in the postseason.
While the Pelicans were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, Marshall had solid performances every night, averaging nine points and 2.8 rebounds in 21 minutes per game. The Cavaliers would find immense value out of Marshall's proven production in the regular season and playoffs, and his physical frame allows him to guard taller and stronger forwards.
The veteran wing typically spends his time at the small forward spot but is valuable as a small-ball four, too. As the Cavaliers continue to find their most success with one guard, three shooters and one big man, a player like Marshall is a perfect fit. With a Full MLE available, the Cavaliers can offer Marshall a sizeable pay raise that many other contenders cannot provide.
Free Agent No. 2 - Kelly Oubre, Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
Another underpaid talent, Kelly Oubre, Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers will enter free agency after signing a veteran minimum toward the end of the summer. With the Sixers, he has started in 52 games and averaged 15.4 points, five rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
While the Cavaliers are certainly happy with Max Strus, reports from last summer indicated the Cavs had serious interest in Oubre, as well. They ended going in a different direction, but they may have another chance to bring the veteran forward to Cleveland this offseason.
Oubre can be relatively streaky as a shooter and defender, but his consistent production with Philadelphia this season may suggest that he has turned the corner once he joined a team with high aspirations. In his early years, Oubre had always played on lacking squads with no real path to contention. In his third playoff run of his career, Oubre has given Philly a playoff career-high 12.4 points while shooting 37.5 percent from deep. With every passing game, Oubre is proving that he is worth more than a minimum and is certainly going to get paid this summer.
Given his impact, the Sixers might plan to keep Oubre around, but they will be preoccupied with Tyrese Maxey's max extension and superstar hunting with their nearly $60 million cap space they will have at their disposal. With Philly's focus elsewhere, the Cavs will have a chance to sign Oubre and add another proven forward to their roster.
Free Agent No. 3 - Kyle Anderson, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Cleveland Cavaliers need another volume shooter in their frontcourt, and Kyle Anderson has proven every season he is nothing if not that. The Minnesota Timberwolves' salary sheet only keeps rising, making their free agents more available if the Wolves cannot price match.
Through 10 seasons, Anderson has built a reputation as a reliable outside threat, though his athleticism can leave a lot to be desired. Nicknamed "Slo Mo" for his slow pace but useful production, the Cavaliers should consider signing Anderson as a younger and better version of Niang. This past regular season, Anderson posted his career worst three-point percentage at only 22.9 percent of his shots falling. Considering he shot 41 percent on higher volume a year prior, the Cavs can safely bet that he would return to form in time.
Last season was a less-than-favorable outcome for Anderson in a multitude of ways. He only grabbed 3.5 rebounds per game and averaged only 22.6 minutes per night. His role has steadily decreased with the Timberwolves, likely making him a realistic and available target for Cleveland.
With 54 playoff games under his belt, Anderson adds to the Cavaliers' experience and can provide useful impact when needed. He would likely be behind Dean Wade in the frontcourt rotation, but Wade's inconsistent health makes any extra option highly appreciateed to the Cavs.
The Cavaliers players need to keep their minds focused on the playoffs for now, but the front office will be monitoring the play of all upcoming free agents and potential trade targets. As Cleveland continues to build toward contending for the Finals, adding tested and proven veterans will be a crucial piece in their development.