The NBA will launch a formal review into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ signing of restricted free agent Patrick McCaw at the request of the Golden State Warriors, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times. The Cavs signed McCaw on December 30 and then waived him nearly a week later, on January 7.
As a restricted free agent, the Warriors had the option of matching the Cavs’ offer sheet for McCaw, but they chose not to.
It looks like the Warriors are upset that Cleveland helped McCaw become an unrestricted free agent.
McCaw reportedly didn’t want to play for Golden State anymore because he wanted a bigger role on offense. As an unrestricted free agent, McCaw sign with any team of his choice.
McCaw signed a two-year, $6 million unguaranteed deal with the Cavs and only appeared in three games with Cleveland. According to salary cap guru Albert Nahmad, McCaw — who averaged 1.7 points per game with Cleveland — made $323,529 with the Cavs.
LeBron James may no longer be with Cleveland, but the Warriors and Cavs apparently still have a rivalry. It will be interesting to see what the NBA decides to do with this. If the league deems that Cleveland and McCaw somehow colluded, the Wine and Gold might face some type of fine.