This offseason for the Cleveland Cavaliers has been focused on extending their stars. The only new addition to the roster is first-round pick Jaylon Tyson. The Cavs have yet to make a trade or free agency signing. With that said, the team currently has six open roster spots as the season draws nearer.
Cavs with a league-high 6 open roster spots as of August 8. https://t.co/EuPALYBZrp
— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) August 8, 2024
Cavs Hold League’s Most Open Roster Spots
Going into the summer it was clear what Cleveland’s plan was, extend their core pieces. The Cavs front office has been successful in doing so as Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen all penned long-term extensions. However, as free agency is declining with available players, the Cavs have yet to add any new faces. Of the Cavs’ six open roster spots, three are two-way deals and three are standard contracts. It is expected the Cavs stay in-house for the two-way deals, but they will look elsewhere to fill out their final NBA contracts.
Who’s An Option
Following the team’s playoff exit at the hands of the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics, several player contracts expired. Tristan Thompson, Marcus Morris, and Damian Jones are all still unrestricted free agents. While unlikely, all three are still a possibility to return. Specifically, Morris has been rumored to be highly be of interest to bring back. The 34-year-old joined the Cavs in March, playing in 12 regular season and nine playoff games.
The Cavs have yet to use any of their three allotted two-way deals, but the names are likely almost decided. 2023 second-round pick Emoni Bates was on a two-way deal last season and will more than likely be back on the same contract. Reports have said Cleveland believes Bates is best suited to play in the G League in 2024-25. Along with Bates is Luke Travers. Travers played the last two years for the Cavs Summer League team. Recently, Travers and his NBL team mutually agreed on a contract termination as the Aussie looks to make the Cavs roster this year. Outside of Bates and Travers, the final two-way deal is more of a toss-up. Isaiah Mobley and Pete Nance are both candidates, having been in the Cavs system for the past few years.
While it seems the Cavs will bring back Marcus Morris, it still leaves two roster spots open. The Cavs have yet to address their need for a backup center this summer. Whether they make a trade or a signing, Cleveland is in the market for a big man. Furthermore, it has been rumored that while serving as an assistant coach with France in the Olympics, Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson is keen on bringing in a Frenchman. Guershon Yabusele and Mathias Lessort had breakout games during the tournament and should be names to watch.
The Last Word
While the Cavs rotation is pretty much complete as it is, there are still a few additions that have the potential to have a major impact on the team throughout an 82-game regular season. The prospect of bringing in one of the Frenchmen is an interesting possibility. Training camps are right around the corner however, and the Cavs do not seem to be in any rush.
