Pre-Draft Outlook
Last year at this time, the Cavaliers were disappointed that an encouraging regular season didn’t translate into anything beyond an AT&T Play-In Tournament ouster. This year, yearning remains for something better remain even after 51 victories and a No. 4 seed promised more than a quick elimination against the New York Knicks. Cleveland has a young team, so much of its improvement can come from within. Donovan Mitchell is the flag bearer, with Evan Mobley and Darius Garland still on their way up. But others need to step up. Dean Wade’s play, for instance, didn’t support management’s decision to buy out Kevin Love. Re-signing Caris LeVert is a puzzle, too, given his second half stats and poor shooting in the first round.
The Way To Go
For the first time since 2017, the Cavaliers do not have a first-round pick. In fact, with only No. 49 overall, they might as well be throwing darts at the board (though someone probably said something similar when Denver made its No. 41 pick in 2014). Cleveland needs to shoot more 3-pointers (ranked 24th in attempts last season) and it needs a more reliable bench. The Cavs’ ambitions to play into May and June will likely hinge on their keeping starters fresher through the first 82.
— Steve Aschburner
Here’s a quick look at who the Cleveland Cavaliers have under contract, who is a free agent this summer and who they added in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Under Contract
G: Darius Garland
G: Sam Merrill
G: Donovan Mitchell
G: Ricky Rubio
F/G: Isaac Okoro
F: Lamar Stevens
F: Cedi Osman
F/C: Dean Wade
C: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen
Free Agents
G: Danny Green (unrestricted)
G: Caris LeVert (unrestricted)
G: Raul Neto (unrestricted)
G/F: Dylan Windler (restricted)
F: Mamadi Diakite (two-way)
F: Isaiah Mobley (two-way)
F: Lamar Stevens (team option)
C: Robin Lopez (unrestricted)
> 2023 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2022: Ochai Agbaji (14)***, Khalifa Diop (39), Isaiah Mobley (49), Luke Travers (56)
* = acquired via trade
** = traded in draft-night deal
*** = traded in offseason deal