What’s Next For The Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won the championship, but what moves do they need to make in order to retain their status?

Unlike their Finals opponents, the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been very reserved during this free agency period. And it is not necessarily because the Cavaliers do not need to make any moves. It has more to do with an affordability factor.

It was reported from ESPN’s Marc Stein that the Cavaliers owe the league $54 million in luxury tax for going over the salary cap threshold for last season. Massive salaries like Tristan Thompson‘s five-year, $82 million deal contributes to that issue.

Thus, the Cavaliers can only afford $3.4 million in a free agents, which is part of the reason why the Cavaliers never had a chance in the race for Dwyane Wade.

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The team’s recent moves have been targeting their bench, or the lack thereof. In the debut of the free agency, Timoffey Mozgov was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $64 million deal. Matthew Dellavedova and the Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a four-year, $38 million deal that turned into a sign-and-trade. Thus, the Cavaliers need to rebuild their bench.

But a rebuild is not the only thing that the Cavs’ bench needs. They just simply need a better bench. During the regular season, their bench ranked 27th in the league with 28.1 points per game. And in the Finals, their bench played worse than that. In order to manage this new landscape of the NBA for next season, the Cavaliers’ front office will have to add pieces that strengthen their bench.

Richard Jefferson re-signing with the Cavaliers is a step in the right direction. The forward signed a  two-year, $5 million deal and announced it on his Snapchat. The forward played a vital role in the Finals as he filled in for Kevin Love. Jefferson’s physicality and mental toughness is crucial to the Cavaliers’ success.

On Wednesday, the Cavaliers added another piece to their bench, Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy was acquired from the Chicago Bulls in order to make room for Dwyane Wade. Averaging 7.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last season, Dunleavy has had his worst scoring season since his rookie year. A back injury cut his season short, only playing in 31 games.

However, when he is healthy, he can be a great shooter. He has averaged a field goal percentage of 44 percent throughout his career. This will benefit the Cavaliers because it will improve their offensive efficiency. But it is only guaranteed if Dunleavy, who will soon be 36, stays healthy.

According to Ethan J. Skolnick of The Miami Herald and CBS Sports, the Cavaliers are targeting veteran (and LeBron James‘ former teammate) Chris Andersen from the Memphis Grizzlies. Andersen can be a great screener and a dominant force near the rim for Cleveland. Because the Cavs can afford the $1.3 million veteran minimum, this would be a smart move for the team.

In an interview with NBA TV, head coach Tyronn Lue said of Andersen, ” We picked up Birdman who’s great for us, very athletic……he’s not afraid to hit someone”.

The Cavaliers also acquired rookie Kay Felder in the NBA draft. During his college career at Oakland, the guard averaged 24.4 points and 9.9. assists per game. His offensive ability and presence adds versatility and freshness for a veteran bench.

For the Cavaliers to retain their championship status next season, improving the team’s bench has to be their No. 1 priority.

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With key players like Mozgov and Dellavedova gone, the team will have to retool the bench’s athleticism on both ends of the floor. The team’s best option right now is to obtain strong veterans who are willing to accept the veteran minimum.