Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 players who likely won’t be back next season

Cleveland Cavaliers unlikely to return: 3. PF Isaiah Hartenstein

Not only is Isaiah Hartenstein unlikely to be back, but some reports have already shipped him overseas for next season. He’s suddenly not only unlikely to be back with the Cavs, but unlikely to be back in the NBA at all next year.

The former second-round draft pick was not much of a factor anyways, though he showed signs of development. He played in 46 games this season, including 16 after coming over from the Denver Nuggets. Hartenstein averaged 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for the year.

He did show improvement after arriving in Cleveland. His scoring soared from 3.5 points to 8.3 points per game and his rebounds made a similar leap, from 2.8 per game to 6.0 per game. But his playing time essentially doubled after the scenery change as well.

Per 36 minutes, Hartenstein was essentially the same player on the boards, only jumping from 11.8 per 36 to 12.0 per 36 in Cleveland. His scoring saw a greater improvement, but still nothing special, from 13.8 points per 36 in Denver to 16.6 points per 36 with the Cavs.

Hartenstein is just 23 years old and could still have an NBA future ahead of him. It just doesn’t look like that future will be next season.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports Hartenstein is interested in staying in Cleveland long-term, but is also likely to opt out of his deal and seek more money. Additionally, Hoops Wire reports FC Barcelona may be in hot pursuit. It’s a situation worth monitoring.