Cleveland Cavaliers free agency rumors: 3 realistic forward targets

1. Derrick Jones Jr.

The latest speculation has the organization pursuing the NBA Slam Dunk champion Derrick Jones Jr., who’s been a member of the Miami Heat since 2017.

The Athletic’s John Hollinger wrote the following of Cleveland’s potential interest.

"“I expect Cleveland to take a long look at Jones…a high-flying 6-6 combo forward who is only 23.”"

Unfortunately, Hollinger added, the Cavs probably won’t be the only team pursuing the 23-year-old forward, noting that a full offer of the mid-level exception might not even be enough lure him to Cleveland.

The Heat are rumored to be gearing up for a massive run at the biggest of the big free agents in the summer of 2021, so investing a ton of money in a young player, such as Jones, doesn’t make the most sense.

For the Cavs, though, adding a wing player with size is a critical need because at this point, starting small forward Cedi Osman looks best suited to be a role player off the bench.

Cleveland’s been pleased with Kevin Porter Jr., but the 6-foot-4 forward may be best suited playing the No. 2 spot along side Collin Sexton or Darius Garland.

Jones had gotten more playing time this season than he had in his three previous years, and was averaging 24.5 minutes per game with Miami until the season was postponed due to COVID-19. He was averaging career highs in points (8.2) and rebounds (4.2). He was undrafted out of UNLV and spent his first season with the Suns before joining up with the Heat.