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Cleveland Cavaliers: How much could Dan Gilbert get for his team?

By Ryan Rosko

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 30: Team owner Dan Gilbert of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to the media prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena on October 30, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 30: Team owner Dan Gilbert of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to the media prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena on October 30, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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If the Cleveland Cavaliers were to be sold, would the price be on par with other recent business transactions?

The last time the Cleveland Cavaliers were sold, Dan Gilbert bought them from Gordon Gund for just $375 million. Gund remained a minority owner following the purchase though.

That amount is pennies on the dollar compared to what franchises are worth now. Steve Ballmer bought the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion and on Tuesday, the Houston Rockets were sold.

According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Rockets owner Leslie Alexander sold the team to fellow Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta for $2.2 billion.

So, it got me thinking — If Cleveland were to be sold again, how much would it cost?

Typically, to get the most bang for one’s buck, a renovated arena, bright future, and winning lots of games at the moment are some of the top keys. Well, in the Cavaliers’ case, no one can check the box by all of those just yet.

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The renovation on Quicken Loans Arena is not going to take place. Cleveland has been and will continue to win lots of games, but what does the future hold? Sure, Cleveland could end up in the finals again, but that is not guaranteed.

Besides, if perspective buyers are banking on the long-term vision of what the team will be, well some changes may be in order. Kyrie Irving is no longer in NE Ohio. His replacement, Isaiah Thomas could be out for some time to start the season.

Who knows how much longer LeBron James will remain with the team too. He can opt for another destination following this upcoming season. What would be left is Kevin Love and the 2018 Brooklyn Nets pick, which could end up being first overall.

Whether the Cavaliers moves it in the meantime remains to be seen, but Gilbert is a key reason why the team is in the position it is in. Had he not did what he did and moved on from former general manager David Griffin, Cleveland could have landed more for Irving.

The renovation that won’t be happening is also not a good look. James may stay in Cleveland after this season but do you really want a player who will be showing obvious decline this winter in his game to be taking as much of the cap as he is expected?

Those issues are just a few of the concerns any and all perspective buyers would have to figure out if Gilbert were to put the team up for sale in the foreseeable future.

Despite the uncertain future in Cleveland, if Gilbert wanted to sell the Cavs any time now, he easily would make a profit. How much though is the question?

Next: Will Cavs get Boogie?


I don’t envision him getting a price tag to that of the Clippers or Rockets, but that all could change due to the number of bidders. I would confidently state Gilbert should receive an offer of at least $1.75-1.8 billion (if he were to want to sell in the next year or two). Without some of those uncertainties on the other hand, any offers would likely surpass Houston’s amount.

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