The Cleveland Cavaliers head into an offseason where decisions need to be made. One of those players who could either be retained or walk is wing Cedi Osman, one of the Cavs’ better shooters and bench pieces.
While Osman doesn’t become a free agent until 2024, he has a non-guaranteed $6.7 million salary for the 2023-24 campaign. But as Sam Amico notes of Hoops Wire, the Cavs have mixed feelings about keeping him.
“Actually, the Cavs do love Osman. They just have to decide how much by June 29. That is when the guaranteed date for the $6.7 million on Osman’s contract sets in. If the Cavs decline to guarantee Osman’s deal … well, let’s just say he probably won’t return.
There are plenty of members of the organization who think Osman will in fact be playing for the Cavs next season, at least at the start. There’s another segment that strongly believes the Cavs are ready to move on.
Frankly, it’s not an easy decision for president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the front office.”
Osman’s 2022-23 campaign was actually a tad worse than in past years. He failed to average double figures in points, putting up just 8.7 points on 45% shooting from the field and 37% from long range. Not awful numbers by means and he can get hot at times. On the other hand, Osman is careless at times, too.
If the Cavs are wanting more consistency on a nightly basis, perhaps Osman isn’t the answer. But, he’s honestly never going to be more than a second-unit player. If they’re happy with that, maybe Osman stays put.
We’ll see what happens by the end of next month.