The Cleveland Cavaliers are poised to make some moves in the free agent market, provided they can navigate below the first and second salary cap aprons. This financial maneuvering could open the door for the Cavs to bring in some high-caliber role players to bolster their roster.
Currently, Cleveland sits $13.2 million over the first apron, and that's before they finalize any new deals with James Harden or pursue trades. Their decision to trade out of the first round during the NBA Draft and select Meleek Thomas at the 34th spot instead of the 29th has already saved them $2 million. If they can continue to create financial flexibility, they'll gain access to the $6 million Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception.
While the Cavaliers might not be in the running for All-Star free agents like Kristaps Porzingis due to budget constraints, there's still a significant opportunity to add seasoned veterans to their ranks. With the recent draft focusing on backcourt depth, targeting frontcourt reinforcements in free agency could be the key to complementing their star core and making a serious push for the Finals next season.
Last season, the Cavs had Thomas Bryant backing up Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Bryant brought energy and the occasional timely three-pointer, but overall, his impact was less than stellar. If Cleveland can afford to offer more than just a veteran minimum to a backup center, they might finally break the cycle of one-year rentals like Bryant or Robin Lopez.
Enter Robert Williams III, a former Boston Celtics center who's been a sought-after bench player in the league due to his prowess as a rebounder and physical defender. Despite his impressive skills, Williams' injury history might make him a more attainable target for the Cavs this offseason.
Williams' presence could be the missing piece in Cleveland's frontcourt. Though injuries have sidelined him at times, he remains one of the league's elite rebounders. Last season with the Portland Trailblazers, Williams boasted a 22.3% rebounding rate, averaging 4.6 defensive and 2.4 offensive rebounds per game in just 17.1 minutes.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Williams might be considered undersized for a center, but his 7-foot-5 wingspan and 9-foot-4 standing reach more than make up for it. Defensively, while he may not be as versatile as Mobley or Allen, his ability to protect the paint with his long arms makes him a formidable presence against driving guards and scoring bigs.
With career averages of 1.6 blocks per game and a 42.5% defensive field goal percentage last season, Williams would fit seamlessly into Cleveland's defensive scheme. The Cavs could manage his minutes wisely, pairing him alongside Mobley to mitigate injury risks.
Offensively, Williams isn't known for his speed, but he still adds value. Playing alongside a playmaker like Harden, Williams could become a potent lob threat. His developing three-point shot, although not frequently attempted (0.4 threes per game last season), shows promise, especially with drivers like Harden or Donovan Mitchell creating open looks.
However, theoretical fits alone won't secure Williams for the Cavaliers. They'll face stiff competition from other teams, with his injury history likely being the main deterrent. If Cleveland can rely on Mobley and Allen to limit Williams' minutes and keep him healthy, he could be one of the best additions the Cavs make this summer.
In Other News...
Cavaliers May Finally Have A Cheap Answer To Their Biggest Depth Problem
The Cavaliers have spent enough time patching the backup center spot to know it is more than a one-night issue. Behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the frontcourt has lacked a steady third option, and any path to fixing that gets more interesting if Cleveland gains a little more financial breathing room this offseason.
One name worth watching is Precious Achiuwa, a younger veteran who has moved around the league over six seasons but brings the kind of versatility this roster could use. He has shown real value as a rebounder and defender, and for a team trying to survive the non-Allen minutes without losing its identity, that combination could make him a practical fit if the money lines up. [Read more 🡒]
Cavs Appear On Verge Of A Massive Move Fans Have Awaited
Free agency is already starting to take shape around the league, and for Cleveland the focus has turned to a move that would reshape the top of its roster before the market even opens. Around the Cavaliers, there is a sense that the front office is lining up a major addition with the clock winding down toward Tuesday, a sign that this summer may move faster than most around the NBA expected.
What makes the moment so interesting is how much else is happening in the background. Golden State is juggling its own roster plans, Minnesota is looking at options to cover for Julius Randles departure, and Cleveland is trying to stay ahead of the chaos rather than react to it. For a team that has been looking for a significant swing, the timing of this one matters almost as much as the move itself. [Read more 🡒]