The Cleveland Cavaliers are working on bringing back Matthew Dellavedova in free agency along with JR Smith and Tristan Thompson after signing back LeBron James, Iman Shumpert, Kevin Love and bringing in Mo Williams, but the Cavs have not yet been able to agree with Dellavedova on a new deal and if the restricted free agent doesn't sign, Williams will take over the main backup for Kyrie Irving.
The Cavaliers have been spending big this offseason with deals for Love, Shumpert and James totaling over $100 million and now the team is working on Dellavedova, Thompson and Smith. LeBron James was asked about the moves by the Cavs and he said to ESPN that he is happy with the direction the team is going in, but that "we need to do more" when it comes to improving for next season. James mentioned Thompson and Smith by name and also said he is happy that Mo Williams is back.
The Cavaliers are very likely going to get a deal done with Thompson, as he is a restricted free agent and is still talking to the team about a contract. GM David Griffin said to Cleveland.com that the team wants to bring back Smith and the Cavs have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Jamal Crawford if he is traded. The Dellavedova situation is still playing out and according to the Akron Beacon-Journal, the Cavaliers are "interested in bringing back" Dellavedova for next season.
Check here for more on the Cleveland Cavaliers offseason moves, the talks with Matthew Dellavedova about a new deal, the progress on Tristan Thompson and his deal, the potential for JR Smith to return and more on the Cavs and LeBron James.
Chris Mannix at Sports Illustrated has been covering the Dellavedova situation and he writes that the Cavaliers and the point guard are apart on money. Mannix reports that Dellavedova wants a "multi-year deal" that starts at "$4 million per season" and sources said the Cavs have "balked" at that number. The team wants to bring back Dellavedova, but they "prefer" a "cheaper deal" to help keep the luxury tax bill down a bit. Due to the tax, if Dellavedova signs at that price he will end up costing more to the Cavs overall than just his yearly salary.
Dellavedova showed his valued last season in the playoffs with Kyrie Irving injured and James really liked the grit the Australian showed in the finals. Last season Dellavedova averaged five points and three assists with two rebounds per game in 67 games played and he also plays above average defense. Shams Charania of RealGM reported earlier in the summer that the sides were "close" on a multi-year deal, but talks eventually broke down.
The team gave itself some insurance with the deal for Williams, as he can easily slot in behind Irving if Dellavedova doesn't return. Ideally the Cavaliers would like to bring back Dellavedova and Smith, but with all the money they have spent their tax bill is going to be very high. Mannix writes that the Dellavedova deal could make it go even higher and now the team has to weigh the value of Dellavedova on the court and his role on the team compared with what he will get on a new contract.
If the sides can't work out a deal, a sign and trade could be an option and the Cavs have reportedly been looking for more wing offense and could go down that road when the time comes.
