The Cleveland Cavaliers have not had an ideal offseason thus far — at least publicly. To summarize, the Cavaliers have lost both Keon Ellis and Dean Wade. While Ellis was expected to depart, Wade was someone who, as July 1 approached, seemed more and more likely to be out of Cleveland’s price range. With both of those “wings” off Cleveland’s roster, there is a king-sized hole in their wake.
For now, it appears that Koby Altman is getting creative to find ways to add wings with upside to the roster. As first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Cleveland has interest in bringing in free agent Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, who Kuminga last played for.
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In order for this potential acquisition to take place, the Cavs would need to be under the first apron for a sign-and-trade to be legal. And while they are under the first apron right now, they still haven’t signed James Harden yet.
The Cavaliers find themselves $27.7 million under the first apron. However, Harden is expected to take much of that salary, therefore the Cavs would need to move the likes of Denis Schroeder and or Max Strus to make this work, as they would need to be under the first apron after the sign-and-trade is executed.
Kuminga is an interesting dart throw for a team like Cleveland. Presumably, Kenny Atkinson’s stint with Golden State is driving this reunion, so maybe there is more ceiling than floor potential.
An athletic wing is clearly a need on this Cleveland roster, where there is a dearth of options between 6’5” and 6’8”. Kuminga is an athletic slasher who hasn’t really hit his stride as a former lottery pick in 2021.
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It feels like Cleveland should view Kuminga as their LeBron James backup option if the King decides to go elsewhere. I don’t think Kuminga really changes anyone’s expectations on the Cavaliers and might not replace the value that Dean Wade brought to the wing.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on .463/.333/.724 shooting splits.