When the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Rodney Hood last season, the expectations were high that he could be a critical piece come playoff team. That wasn’t the case as he spent most of the playoffs riding the pine and there were questions if the Cavs would want him back.
The Cavs offered a $3.4 million qualifying offer to Hood which gives them the option to match any offer that Hood might get in free agency. Hood hasn’t received any offers to this point even though it was reported that the Sacramento Kings did have interest in him. According to Cleveland.com if any team does offer Hood, the Cavs are expected to match it.
A team source said Hood, 25, remained in the team’s plans — a strong indication the team would match any offer he gets. In the past two days, restricted free agents Marcus Smart (four-year, $52 million with Boston) and Montrezl Harrell (two years, $12 million with the Clippers) signed new deals with their old teams.
The Cavs have also said they aren’t concerned about paying the luxury tax, which makes it even more likely that any offer that comes Hood’s way would be matched.
“I think if there’s a right opportunity and it’s worth it for our franchise, then we can explore that,” Cavs general manager Koby Altman said of the luxury tax. “I’m not saying we’re definitely not going to go into the tax, but it’s interesting now sort of being below it.”
It’s interesting that the Cavs are willing to pay the luxury tax, but they must think they have enough even without LeBron James to compete in a down Eastern Conference.