Cleveland Cavaliers: Cheap Big Man Free Agent Options
The Cleveland Cavaliers have brought back the Franchise player of years past, LeBron James, but still need to build the rest of the roster. We will take a look at a few big men that are available that the Cavs could sign at a low salary to fit into the Cavs roster and cap space. The Cavs could still make a big trade but we will proceed as if that won’t happen. We will also look at some guards/wings later that may also be available.
Chris Anderson
The Birdman opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat. His contract was for approximately the league minimum and he have opted out to get a bigger contract. It is also possible that he opted out for this circumstance. Returning to the Heat on a veteran’s minimum salary with no James, no Chris Bosh and no hope would be bad for him. He has played on struggling teams. He knows what winning is like and will now look to win again.
For the Cavs he can provide security on the backend of the defense while providing very little on the offensive end. As a rim protector Anderson would provide something that is sorely missing. Signing him would make him a backup to Anderson Varejao and give the Cavs a great defensive 1-2 punch at the center position. Anderson could possibly be had for that same minimum salary if not a little more and would be a great bench fit for the team.
Well it is an option. If James knows he is in good shape and can play the Cavs will quickly sign him. If he is not this is quickly off the board. Oden, like Anderson, will provide a defensive presence for a team in desperate need of that type of player. Oden is a big guy with tons of injury history but close proximity to the Cleveland Clinic may also help. James’ knowledge of him is also helpful.
Okafor is coming off of neck injury and could also not be able to play, much like Oden. Yet this year, if healthy, will be a year that Okafor can provide great inside defense and some solid offense on a cheap contract. Okafor is a strong player providing brute force that is currently missing from the team. Okafor is possibly the biggest upside player that the Cavs could pull in with the veteran minimums.
Blair still doesn’t have any ACLs in either of his knees and hasn’t had a big impact on his teams for a couple years. Last year in Dallas he scored 6.4 PPG and 4.7 RPG in a limited role. Blair is a solid role player with some range that has history of playing on winning teams. Coming to Cleveland could provide him another chance for a title.
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Smith is a underrated player that could be impactful if the Cavs are able to acquire him. Smith has a mid-range game, that can continue to develop out to the 3 point line, that would fit well with David Blatt’s system. Standing 7 foot tall with that range means he might get overpaid but if the Cavs can work out a way to get Smith at a small salary he would be a perfect stretch component to the Cavs front court.
Kelly is a similar player as Smith and would be a great grab for the Cavs as well. Kelly can shoot the ball, can make some plays off the dribble and is a highly intelligent player out of Duke. He has only 1 year of experience but he was a 4 year player at Duke. Kelly, like Smith, struggles defensively but can make up for it with his IQ. He is a better range Luke Walton.
What big men are you interested in?