The Cavaliers are not treating LeBron James’ decision to sign with the 76ers like the end of the conversation. If anything, sources say Cleveland is pushing ahead with a wider search, and the names on its board may be bigger than the ones that have already surfaced.
Jonathan Kuminga and Mario Hezonja have both been linked to the Cavs, but those aren’t necessarily the headliners. Sources tell Hoops Wire that Cleveland has higher-profile possibilities on its radar that have not yet become public as the organization starts operating with more clarity after James’ move.
That doesn’t mean those options will come together. It does mean the Cavs are exploring more than a fallback plan, and according to sources, they are not simply preparing to settle for what’s left after missing out on James.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst pointed to Kuminga and Hezonja as two free agents worth watching for Cleveland. Kuminga has been on the Cavs’ radar all through free agency. The 23-year-old became unrestricted after the Hawks declined his option, and several other teams have also shown interest.
Last season, Kuminga split time between the Warriors and Hawks and averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 46.3 percent from the field.
There is also some built-in familiarity. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson coached Kuminga as an assistant with Golden State, Kuminga has worked out in Cleveland before, and his agent, Aaron Turner, is a Northeast Ohio native. Sources say the Cavs are Kuminga’s preferred destination.
Hezonja is a different kind of name altogether. The former No. 5 overall pick has not played in the NBA since his season with the Trail Blazers in 2019-20, spending the years since overseas while rebuilding his career in Europe. The 31-year-old is now interested in making his way back to the league.
And Cleveland is not expected to stop there. Sources say the Cavs also are expected to re-sign James Harden now that the LeBron situation has been resolved.
So even though James is not coming back for a third stint, the idea that Cleveland will just re-sign Harden, make one modest move and wrap up the offseason doesn’t fit what’s happening behind the scenes. The Cavs are still looking, and sources say there are names being discussed that have not yet reached the rumor mill.
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