Wing (and a Prayer?) Free Agents the Cavaliers May Be Interested In: 2013 NBA Free Agency
Mar 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Kyle Korver (26) shoots a three point shot in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier today we reviewed bigs that the Cavs would be interested in this off-season, check that out here. We continue here with wings that the Cavs might be interested in and willing to extend a contract to them. The Cavs still make look to make a trade for players such as Danny Granger and Shawn Marion, if not they will look to add some veteran presence to the wing. The Cavs have seemed to want to preserve their signficant cap space in 2014, before having to extend Kyrie Irving and possibly Tristan Thompson.
Kyle Korver – SF – Korver is a prototype shooter from the small forward position. Korver finished the last few years with the Atlanta Hawks, a team struggling to find their identity. Korver was consistent as always shooting from deep and showed some improvement in effort and skill on the defensive end. Korver’s limited athletic ability will probably limit the contracts that are offered his way. Korver could be looking at 2 or 3 offers starting between 6 and 8 million dollars from many teams with cap space. For the Cavs this is a little high for a year or 2 to many. The Cavs may look to make a play for Korver using half of the $20 million dollar cap space or possibly more to get Korver to sign for a year with a player option. This is not likely but his shooting would be a perfect fit and allow draft pick Sergey Karasev to develop on the bench and in spot minutes.
O.J. Mayo – SG – Mayo chose to take a basically 1 year deal from Dallas to increase his value in the league. Mayo had a good season but did nothing to show that he could be a core piece of a championship team. Mayo’s best case scenario seems to be a contender who sees him as a spark plug off the bench and offers him a 3 to 4 year deal at the mid-level exception. Again the Cavs may have limited interest in this size of a deal but if Mayo believes he could make a bigger impact with the Cavs then he did with the Mavs he may be interested in a deal.
Tony Allen – SG – Allen is the prototypical veteran defendor to pair with youngsters Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. Allen can be compared as the wing Kevin Garnett in terms of his defensive intensity and leadership. With Mike Brown bringing in his defensive system, Allen could be a perfect wing to play and teach the young core. Due to Allen’s age he may limited in his options in regards to number of years but due to his experience should have unlimited suitors including his current team the Memphis Grizzlies. The Cavs won’t get into a bidding war, but will pursue Allen with a 2 to 3 year deal starting around $4 million a year.
Mike Dunleavy – SF – Dunleavy, the former 1st round pick, has been around the league for a few years. Dunleavy could be a quality veteran 3 and D guy. Dunleavy won’t have teams lining up to sign him but should have some demand. A 1 or 2 year deal at $2 or 3 million a year should be a good starting point.
Chase Budinger – SF – Budinger is a younger version of Dunleavy. Budinger started out in Houston and was moved to Minnesotta. Minnesotta is looking to develop the team round Kevin Love, and winning this year is greatly important to them. Love has shown no interest in staying with the team long term, but winning and money changes everything. With Kirilenko opting out Budinger is a younger version and may be cheaper to resign. The Cavs will compete with the Wolves for his services. As is the truth with the next two names on the roster, the contract that Budinger signs is tough to guess.
Andrei Kirilenko – SF – Surprisingly Kirilenko opted out of the 1 year left on his deal, around 10 million dollars in all. AK47 may choose to return to Europe but has been tied to the Cavs as a free agent target based on the drafting of Sergey Karasev. Having fellow country men together could help with mentorship. Kirilenko’s decision to opt out means he will be looking to make much more with his next contract. Whether he will get that is a different thought. An aging veteran with limited shooting range, Kirilenko may price himself out of the NBA and choose to return to overseas.
Dorell Wright – SF – Wright, as a first round pick, has not lived up to his expectations. Wright has played well including showing extended 3 point shooting range. The 76ers are in obvious rebuilding mode and will probably not be looking to bring him back this year. Wright may be available for a 2 year contract starting at around $3 million dollars. Wright can start but has experience coming off the bench and could do so in the future.
It will be interesting to see how the Cavs pursue another wing to fill out their roster. Whether through trade or free agency it seems like there will be an additional wing added on.