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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 pressing questions to be answered in offseason

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 08: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 08, 2020 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 - MARCH 08: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 08, 2020 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Which frontcourt members deserve to stay?

The Cleveland Cavaliers frontcourt is filled with quality players. Kevin Love, Andre Drummond, Larry Nance Jr. and Tristan Thompson all deserve significant roles. With the team moving into the next stage of their rebuild, who deserves to stay on the roster?

Drummond is the Cavaliers’ newest addition. The former All-Star is averaging 17.5 points and 11.1 rebounds since joining the team and has won half of the games he has appeared in this season for Cleveland.

His presence as an interior force has benefited the team but his defensive impact has been startlingly bad. The Cavaliers have a Defensive Rating of 120.0 with Drummond on the floor, the worst of any player on the roster.

Drummond will have to option to become a free agent in the offseason but it’s hard to imagine he chooses to opt-out of his $27 million dollar contract. Because of this, it’s safe to assume Drummond will be on the roster for at least one more season.

As for Tristan Thompson, we have likely seen the last of him in Cleveland. Thompson is having a great season, averaging a career-high 12.0 points and 10.1 rebounds. With his contract set to end, Thompson will probably hit the market and test his value with a more competitive team that can offer him a bigger role.

Then, there’s Kevin Love. Spending the last six seasons with the Cavaliers, his purpose with the team is decreasing as the franchise looks to rebuild with younger players. Love’s massive contract extends for two more seasons and will make it challenging to trade the five-time All-Star.

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Love is still a steady scorer for the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 17.6 points per game. Nevertheless, it would be best for the team if they are able to trade him at some point to maximize his value and receive future assets in return.

Lastly, Nance should be a longterm member of this organization. He has embraced the city and blossomed into a versatile contributor. Nance is a skilled passer and is improving as a scorer. Over his last 22 games, Nance has averaged 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

The Cavaliers will most likely allow Thompson to walk in free agency and double-down on their rotation of Love, Drummond and Nance. At some point, we may even see Love be traded. However, nothing is certain yet and all of these decisions will need to be made soon.

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