The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken care of business in free agency, re-signing LeBron James and making some positive strides this offseason. Here are three things we learned about the Cavs in free agency:
The Band Is Back Together (For The Most Part)
Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert have joined LeBron James in re-signing with the Cavs, giving Cleveland the some core that took them to the NBA Finals last season. They still would like to re-sign Tristan Thompson to a long-term deal, but he's a restrticted free agent and will be back next year as well. The lone wild card left is J.R. Smith, who the Cavs appear willing to let walk unless he lowers his asking price.
Brendan Haywood Trade Remains Firmly In Play
The Cavs are still gauging the market for center Brendan Haywood's nonguaranteed $10.5 million deal for 2015-16, engaging a handful of teams in negotiations as they continue to scan the market for knock-down shooters. Via Sam Amico of Fox Sports:
Cavs still discussing trade of Haywood contract with several teams, including Lakers, Suns, Clippers. Not talking Andy Varejao with anyone.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) July 8, 2015
Haywood's deal becomes fully guaranteed on August 1st if he is not waived by then, so we expect a deal to be coming down the turnpike very soon.
Dan Gilbert Showing Willingness To Spend
Per NBA salary cap guru Bobby Marks, the Cleveland Cavs are one of six teams currently slated to be paying a luxury tax penalty for 2015-16 due to their wheelings and dealings over the past few weeks.
Projected tax teams: BKN, CHI, CLE, GSW, MIA, OKC. Repeater tax is BKN and MIA.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 8, 2015
The sting of the team's NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors appears to have fortified Gilbert's resolve when it comes to dropping the cash necessary to build/retain a juggernaut around LeBron James.
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