Cleveland – As NBA Free Agency opened, the Cavs got busy. One of the offseason top priorities was resigning SG Caris Levert. In the first 15 minutes of the signing period, Levert and the Cavs agreed to a 2 year $32M deal to keep the 6’6” guard in the Land. Levert coming off a year where he averaged 12 points per game, while shooting 43% from the field and 39%from outside. His value as a guard who could play multiple positions and defend some of the Small Forwards is a reason why he was priority number one. Levert, whether a starter, or 6th man played a career high 74 games last season in his first full season with the Cavs.
The second move the Cavs made was signing Georges Niang from the 76ers to a 3 year $26M deal. The 6’7” forward from Iowa St. comes in with experience at both forward spots and shot 40% from three in 19 minutes per game last year for Philly. A former 2nd round pick, Niang has also played with star guard Donavan Mitchell in Utah where the two spent 4 years together. The Cavs came into the offseason looking to add wing depth to the Small Forward position, and this move helps them in that area. Niang is big. At 230 pounds, he can play the 3, while also some small ball 4. .
At the beginning of Day 2, the Cavs completed a sign and trade for G/F Max Strus. The 6’5” former Miami Heat sharpshooter, comes to Cleveland on a 4 year $63M deal in a sign and trade that is a three team between the Heat, Spurs, and Cavs. Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens and a second rounder are being sent to San Antonio. Strus was a vital part of the Heats run to the NBA Finals last season averaging 11.5 ppg and spacing the floor. Strus was one of the Cavs top targets and getting him helps shore up some of the shooting around Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley.
These moves are just the first, as the Cavs look to improve their roster as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting season. The Cavs finished the season 4th in the conference before losing to the Knicks in 5 games in the first round of the playoffs.
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