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Not counting LeBron James, 5 players on a Cavs’ free-agent wish list

By Nick Dudukovich

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around the defense of Royce O’Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around the defense of Royce O’Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Not counting LeBron James, here’s five players on a Cleveland Cavaliers free-agent wish list prior to the start of free agency.

The Cavs “are beyond busy” trying to make a trade for two “dynamic” players to play with LeBron James, according to Sam Amico, of Amico Hoops.

Heck, Cleveland even picked up the $2 million option on Kendrick Perkins to help facilitate a deal.

OK, four out of the five items on this list are wished for with the presumption LeBron James return to the Cavs.

It’s so obvious, James doesn’t need a spot on this list.

All of this has been done with the hope of landing Paul George, who recently informed the Oklahoma City Thunder that he will not opt into his contract for next season, thus making PG-13 a free agent.

George could re-sign with the Thunder, go to LA as he made it known last summer, or join the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the later to happen, Cleveland would probably have to get a commitment from LeBron James.

Cleveland GM Koby Altman would have to go full-blown miracle worker to sign George, because the Cavs currently have no money to spend.

Since they’re a repeat offender of being in the luxury tax, Cleveland cannot accept a player in a sign-and-trade.

This is noteworthy because the Cavs are not going to get under the salary cap, which is the narrative being driven by the media for some reason.

As the crew at @CavsTheTweets pointed out, the Cavaliers are trying to get under the salary cap apron ($125 million) so that the organization can accept a player in sign-and-trade. And when Cleveland receives that player, they must still be under the apron.

Hence, that’s how the organization could feasibly land George.

It seems like a longshot, because it is. The Cavs have to shed about $10-15 million, and then must find a player to receive, convincing their trade partner to match salaries in the process.

Trading Kyle Korver and his $7.5 millions salary for nothing (a trade exception) would get the Cavs awfully close, as would moving that contract Perkins just signed.

The organization believes clearng the necessary room to add someone of George’s caliber is still possible, according to Amico.

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