There is now another option out there for the Cleveland Cavaliers to improve their roster. Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has decided to decline his player-option for next season and is now a free agent.
The Cavs need to make some adjustments to their roster this offseason in order to take another step forward. In order to do that there is a certain caliber of player that needs to be added to their roster.
Cleveland has four of their five starters written in stone for next season in Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. There is a notable gap in their starting lineup that the Cavs have simply not been able to fill in an adequate manner. The Cavs have had their attempts at filling that starting spot with none of them quite working out. This could be a way to get an established player to add to a roster that is ready to make that leap next season.
Likely or unlikely? Bet on the latter and not the former
Making things work from a financial angle would be a bit tough for the Cavs. Cleveland is not super flexible in that department and that could be an issue. But that is where a sign and trade could come into play. Maybe the Cavs are looking to move Allen’s contract and slide Mobley into his position. Perhaps there is some collection of players and picks that Washington could show interest in. Allowing Washington to get something in return rather than nothing. Playing up that angle could be to the Cavs benefit, but do not expect them to be along in that thought process.
Even though it is fun to think about Kyle Kuzma in a Cavs uniform, it is still pretty unlikely to happen. Kuzma is going to have his choice of where he wants to go in free agency. It is best to expect the usual suspects to be the leading candidates to land his services, with a few wildcards looking to overpay also in the mix. The Cavs do not fit into either category which will more than likely leave them as spectators in any sort of bidding war.
With all of that being said, it does not mean the Cavs should not try to acquire Kuzma. Stranger things have happened…
