3 buyout players that make sense for the Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 01: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 01, 2021 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, OHIO - APRIL 01: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 01, 2021 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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Oct 30, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Alex Len (25) looks to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Sam Dekker (15) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Alex Len (25) looks to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Sam Dekker (15) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex Len

Alex Len isn’t a game-changer by any means and he’s a ‘last guy on the bench’ type of player, but let’s be very honest about what Len is and what Len isn’t. Len isn’t someone you want to rely on for 35 minutes a game at this point in his career. He’s good enough offensively around the basket that he can score 10 or so points, and he’s even skilled enough as a rebounder that he can pull down 5-8 rebounds per game. He’s even a solid defender, historically.

He’s not going to do anything to earn more play time over guys like Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, or Dean Wade, however. So why would the Cavs be interested in Len? Well, simply put if one of those three go down the Cavs need someone to fill in, and with Kevin Love on his way out, he can’t be relied on any longer. And you certainly don’t want to lean on Robin Lopez for big minutes at this stage in his career.

Especially Lopez on offense. Lopez on defense can hold his own but if you’re looking to work inside-out, as the Cavs have done with Mobley and Allen, you need a guy like Len who can work around the basket.