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

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

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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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets arrives for Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 20, 2018 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza‘s name has been linked to the Cavaliers dating back to James’ first stint with the Cavs, but the two parties never hooked up.

Getting the wing to commit to the Cavaliers for the mid-level exception would be a dream come true should LeBron James stay.

Ariza’s a commodity because he’s a player who can help you beat the Warriors. He was a part of the Houston squad that took Golden State to seven games in the conference finals. He averaged 11.1 points per game last season while shooting 35 percent from 3-point range.

Maybe more importantly, he can defend. No, the 6-8 forward won’t ever shutdown the likes of Kevin Durant, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a nuisance for stretches.

Rumors of Ariza looking for $50-60 million have been shot down.

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