The Cleveland Cavaliers may still be licking their wounds but the reality of it all is that they have to move forward.
Though they have player options, it is still a mystery on whether Lebron James and Kevin Love would return with to the team next year. Regardless and even if they opt out, the consensus that most critics believe is that both stars will return next year and hopefully get another crack at the NBA title.
One thing that the Cavs are expected to work on will be their supporting cast. Such was sorely absent—as can be seen by most—in the recently concluded NBA Finals, seeing James practically carry the team on his shoulders.
No offense to the likes of Timofey Mozgov, Matthew Dellavedova, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson, the supporting cast was simply lacking to cover the fallen duo of Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.
The players on the roster who were not used are likely to be cleaned up. And at the top of the list is said to be Brendan Haywood.
The Cavs are reportedly shopping Haywood right now, a move that could possibly rid the Cavs of a hefty $10.5 million contract. Though not guaranteed, the Cavs could unload that if they waive Haywood by August 2.
Word has it that the Cavs are shopping around Haywood plus their 24th pick in the coming draft. However, the Cavs will not be allowed to enter into a trade involving their first round pick until the draft, something tied up with the Stepien Rule.
For now, there is no word on who the Cavs have in mind but it will most likely not be a high profile player since the team salary cap is a bit limited at this point.
Assuming James and Love do re-sign, their salaries alone together with Kyrie Irving could eat out a large portion of the Cavs salary cap. Hence, it would not be surprising to see the Cavs go after vets and players willing to join the club at a minimum salary.
The Cavs have not mentioned any names they plan to hook up for now, but all that may change by June 25, NBA Draft Day.
The Cavs will likely place priority on the holdovers from next season as well, assuming of course they don’t ask a big pay raise.
The Cavs are expected to have their share of problems as far as the luxury tax is concerned, something seems to be imminent as the team tries to make another run at the NBA title for the 2015–16 NBA season.
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