The Cavaliers were busy trying to upgrade at the forward spot this offseason. They were unwilling to give up Evan Mobley in potential deals for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brownwhile LeBron James decided to go to Philadelphia instead of returning to Cleveland for a third stint.
Cleveland eventually pivoted to restricted free agent Peyton Watsonhanding him a four-year, $88MM contract in a sign-and-trade involving five clubs, giving up Max Strus, Dennis Schröder an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick in the process.
Why did the Cavs go all in on Watson?
“He’s 6-foot-8. He’s rangy. He’s bouncy. He fits with this group,” president of basketball operations Koby Altman said at media day, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “It’s rare and unique that you have an opportunity to add a player of that upside, that magnitude to this group. Every minute he’s been out on the basketball floor has been with an eye towards playoffs. With all those meaningful reps, he comes to our team in the same vein. We’re trying to win a championship. He understands the importance of possessions. He understands the importance of teamwork and how you build toward the ultimate success. We’re really high on Peyton.”
Here’s more from the Central Division:
- The Cavaliers took care of another piece of important business earlier this offseason, inking Donovan Mitchell to a four-year maximum extension. Mitchell indicated there was no question he would sign a long-term extension if the front office put the offer on the table, Fedor writes. The star guard could have made more by waiting until next offseason but he didn’t want to go that route. “I mean, I think for myself, it’s more so of a commitment to this group, to the city and understanding, yeah, I could have waited and made it about myself and whatnot, but I’ve been blessed to make a lot of money in this league and do what I’ve been able to do,’” he said. “So, for me, how can we as a team go out there and find a way to make moves? Pretty much team first. Y’all know how I am and what I’m about. That’s pretty much my mindset behind it. But I told Koby, I was like, ‘Listen, you ain’t really got to ask. The first day it’s allowed.’ It wasn’t really much of a talk. I’ve said to him I want to be here. I’ve said it publicly and I love being here. Now it’s about delivering and everything else that comes with it.”
- Bucks governor Wes Edens didn’t have much to offer to the media regarding the league’s investigation into Gary Trent Jr.’s new contract, CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney tweets. “We’re working with the league and fully cooperating with them, but I don’t have any insight beyond that,” he said. The Bucks gave Trent a four-year, $64MM deal after signing him to two modest one-year deals the previous two offseasons, raising suspicions about an under-the-table agreement.
- Pacers veteran big man Larry Nance Jr. suffered a hamstring injury approximately two weeks ago and is limited right now in camp, coach Rick Carlisle said on Tuesday, per Tony East of Circle City Spin (Twitter link). There’s optimism that Nance will be full go in about a week or two, East adds. The forward/center was signed to a one-year free agent contract in July to add frontcourt depth.