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Cleveland Cavaliers: Could Alonzo Gee Rejoin The Team?

By Ryan Rosko

Mar 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee (15) handles the ball while defended by Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee (15) handles the ball while defended by Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Forward Alonzo Gee is available on the free agent market. Could he be a fit to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason?

Late last night, former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Alonzo Gee opted out of his contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Cavaliers will need to explore all options for forwards who can come off of the bench.

Taking that approach will be wise because it is unknown if they will be able to re-sign fellow forwards Richard Jefferson or James Jones. Jefferson is going to play next season but Jones has not expressed any plans yet regarding his future.

Related Story: Can The Cavs Afford Richard Jefferson?

Sure, Gee is not the player Jefferson or Jones is, but he is a veteran forward who can also guard shooting guards. Gee played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2010-2014 before being dealt to the Charlotte Hornets, then known as the Bobcats.

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Gee has a career average of 6.8 points, 1.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Gee is an average role player in the NBA, but one aspect of his game is a bit overlooked. He actually is a better defender than scorer — something he does not always get credit for.

The Cleveland Cavaliers do not have much to work with, as their mid-level exception is one of the few ways to acquire talent. Their mid-level is worth $3.4 million. The contract Gee opted-out of was worth $1.4 million.

Gee has not made more than $3.5 million in a single season. With the NBA’s salary cap increasing this offseason, free agents are going to be offered contracts worth more than they would have received in past seasons. It is not surprising to see Gee become a free agent again.

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Should the Cleveland Cavaliers not sign Jefferson or Jones, then the possibility of a Gee-Cavs reunion could become realistic. That is of course on the conditions that Gee is willing to take a pay cut to return to NE Ohio and Cleveland sees a legit role for him.

Had Gee been a fit for Cleveland back in 2014, perhaps he would not have been traded. Maybe, just maybe he could have continued his career with the Cavaliers. That said, even if the Cleveland Cavaliers do not bring back Jones and/or Jefferson, Gee is not a good fit to re-join the organization.

I would be shocked to see Gee not sign a multi-year deal with a team worth way more than what the Cavs can offer. Given his potential market, Cleveland would be smart to not even considering offering their mid-level exception.

Once Gee does sign, I expect to see a three or four year deal worth around $30 million next to his name. The thing with that $30 million is that it could be a lot more. If various older centers are rumored to be getting close to $20 million/year, that 30 should increase to somewhere around $40 million.

Next: Could Timofey Mozgov Go Back To New York?

As tempting as it is to sacrifice millions of dollars to possibly win a championship, it is a situation that Gee should not be able to consider.

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