The Cleveland Cavaliers had a good regular season, finishing 4th in the Eastern Conference at 51-31. The Cavs then matched up with the fifth-seeded New York Knicks, where they were eliminated in five games.
It was a surprisingly quick playoff exit after being a good team in the regular season. Last offseason, the Cavs made the blockbuster trade to acquire star guard Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell added to the core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Mitchell proved the trade was worth it, averaging 28.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 48.4 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three. The 26-year-old guard earned All-NBA Second Team Honors in his career year.
Cleveland has a quality core of Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen. In free agency, they must build upon their core and add depth. A well-rounded roster for next season could help them make a deeper playoff run.
With that said, here are the three best targets for the Cavs in free agency after the 2023 NBA Draft.
4. Forward TJ Warren
TJ Warren could be a solid forward target for the Cavs. Cleveland’s biggest hole is at their small forward spot. Issac Okoro started for the Cavs last season and is a defensive specialist. Okoro’s defense is great, but he has been unable to develop a consistent offensive game.
Adding more depth at forward is essential for the Cavs this offseason. TJ Warren is an intriguing target. Warren likely wouldn’t cost a ton after inconsistent minutes in the 2022-23 campaign. He averaged 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and one assist across 42 games for the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. He shot 48.9 percent from the floor and 32.8 percent from downtown.
Warren is not too far removed from when he was playing at an extremely high level. In the 2019-20 season, Warren averaged 19.8 points across 67 games for the Indiana Pacers, shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from behind the arc.
Signing Warren in free agency would be beneficial for Cleveland, giving him a chance to become a very impactful forward once again.
3. Guard Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson is a valuable three-and-d role player in the NBA. He averaged 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 43.1 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from three. Richardson’s defense and three-point shooting would fit well in Cleveland.
He would be a valuable role player for them as he would add depth and be a complimentary player to their stars. Richardson can defend the opposing team’s top guards and provide shooting on the offensive end of the floor.
Richardson should be a target for Cleveland this offseason.
2. Forward Kelly Oubre
Kelly Oubre would be an excellent target for the Cavs this offseason. Oubre averaged 20.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from downtown. He is a valuable forward but has struggled with injuries.
However, when healthy, Oubre can be a highly impactful two-way forward. The Cavs could target him in free agency as he could solidify their starting small forward spot. Oubre could be a highly talented role player, as he has been a primary scorer on a bad Charlotte Hornets team. Joining Cleveland would be a team where he is the 3rd or 4th scoring option, which could help him be more efficient.
If the Cavs can sign Oubre in free agency, it could help them take the next step and make a deep playoff run next season.
1. Forward Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes should be the top free-agency target for Cleveland. Barnes is a high-quality three-and-d forward that has been a consistent role player. He averaged 15 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists across all 82 games for the Sacramento Kings this season.
Barnes’ availability and role are extremely valuable. He is also a veteran who could bring leadership and playoff experience to Cleveland’s locker room.
Barnes should be the top target for the Cavs’ offseason as he would be the perfect complimentary role player alongside Cleveland’s core.
The Cavs need to prioritize adding wing depth this offseason around their core of Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen.