Cleveland Cavaliers Should Continue To Add Wing Players

The Cleveland Cavaliers are already going to be over the tax threshold as the team re-signs many of their players.

Though the Cavs have extended contracts to their own free agents, that does not mean they have to stand pat and not go about adding players from across the NBA to their already very talented team.

One free agent that Cleveland has had discussions with is J.R. Smith. They already have Iman Shumpert in the backcourt, but are expected to get a deal done soon with Smith too. However, they should not be satisfied with just that. Once that deal is done, they should keep on adding depth.

How the roster is being constructed currently shows that the Cavs should have the flexibility to add an additional quality piece(a) later down the road, preferably a veteran with playoff experience. The front court is expected to be filled completely soon as well when Tristan Thompson likely re-signs and if center Sasha Kaun decides to come to the USA.

A very smart way for the Cavs to add a wing player(s) would be to use one or more of their trade exceptions. Nothing to take away from who they have and will have added by the preseason, but if the opportunity to add even more depth, then the Cavs should do that. Both Smith and Shumpert do many things well, but there were players available that could have been signed and/or traded for that would have balanced all the strengths and weaknesses Smith and Shumpert has.

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While a Cavalier, Smith has played 46 games with 45 starts. He shot .39% beyond the arc, while averaging 12.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 2.5 apg. Sumpert started one game, while playing 38 games last season with the Cavs. He is a defensive specialist, who averaged 7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, and 1.5 apg after being dealt to the defending Eastern Conference Champions.

Just imagine the depth if the team went about adding to the team that way! Evaluating the roster then as a whole, that depth is not just impressive in the backcourt or frontcourt, but overall.

I do not expect Sir’Dominic Pointer and Cedi Osman to make an impact this season with the Cavs, but they will be getting valuable playing time in the NBA Developmental League.

The combination of Joe Harris, Richard Jefferson, Mo Williams, Matthew Dellavedova, and James Jones are a solid group coming off of the bench, but most are either unproven or may not be able to provide the same production as they did when they were younger. I say this cautiously as Cavs fans have seen verterans come in, expected to contribute and did not do much. Most recently you can look at Mike Miller’s and Shawn Marion’s production during their time in Cleveland.

Whether it be sometime this offseason or during the season, through trade exceptions and/or other avenues, quality of depth should always be added. Which ever way you look at it, an upgrade is an upgrade and veteran players that will fill whatever role is needed should be available when it is needed.

Next: Report: Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith Contracts Done In 'Matter Of Time'

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