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Will the Cleveland Cavaliers ever be a top spot for free agents?

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 30: A general view as fans gather outside Quicken Loans Arena before a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks on October 30, 2014 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, OH - OCTOBER 30: A general view as fans gather outside Quicken Loans Arena before a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks on October 30, 2014 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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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Free agency history

Before we figure out if the Cleveland Cavaliers are becoming an ideal home for free agents, let’s take a look back at their history of signings.

Without a doubt, the most significant signing the Cavaliers have ever made was when LeBron James made his triumphant return to the city in 2014. With James came the eventual trade that brought Kevin Love to the team to play alongside Kyrie Irving. By their second season together, the trio had brought Cleveland its first professional championship in 52 years.

Aside from this, there haven’t been many significant signings for the Cavaliers. A number of former star players made brief pit stops with the Cavs, but none played their prime seasons with the team. Names such as Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose and Richard Jefferson fit this description.

Overall, the Cavaliers have struck out on just about any star free agent they ever pursued. This largely played a role in James leaving the Cavaliers his first time, as it grew increasingly difficult to build a team around him with no free agents willing to play in Cleveland.

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