Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly may be in the market for one of the Brooklyn Nets forwards rumored to be available in trade talks this offseason.

According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, the Cavs have interest in acquiring either Cam Johnson or Dorian Finney-Smith from the rebuilding Nets on the heels of Brooklyn sending Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal.

One potential stumbling block, as mentioned by Lowe, is that the Cavaliers have only one first-round pick available to trade, that being a 2031 selection.

With Brooklyn trading away its best player in Bridges, it is widely assumed that the Nets will be content to trade other key pieces, bottom out and start from scratch in a rebuild.

If that proves to be true, Johnson and Finney-Smith figure to be two of the most highly sought-after players left on the roster.

Johnson, 28, arrived in Brooklyn during the 2022-23 season along with Bridges as part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns.

The 6'8" Johnson is a career 39.2 percent three-point shooter, making him the type of floor stretcher that teams covet.

Johnson set career highs during the 2022-23 season with averages of 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 three-pointers made per game, and while he didn't quite reach those numbers last season, he still averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 three-pointers made and 2.4 assists per contest, while shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from deep.

The 31-year-old Finney-Smith was also acquired by the Nets during the 2022-23 campaign, but that was as part of the Kyrie Irving trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

The 6'7" forward is coming off another solid season that was right in line with his career numbers, averaging 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 three-pointers made and 1.6 assists per game.

While Johnson is more offensively inclined, Finney-Smith does a little bit of everything, and either of them would be a solid addition to Cleveland's roster.

Last season, the Cavs went 48-34 and they reached the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Barring a trade, the Cavaliers are set to return largely the same core from last season, including Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Caris LeVert and Max Strus.

They haven't done much of anything to upgrade the roster yet, and while the team is undoubtedly good enough as it is to make the playoffs, it will likely need more to compete with the East's top teams such as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Knicks.

It is unclear if Johnson or Finney-Smith would put the Cavs over the top, but either of them would give new head coach Kenny Atkinson another quality player to play meaningful minutes in his rotation.

The Cleveland Cavaliers want a three-and-D wing, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe, and Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson or Dorian Finney-Smith could be part of their search.

"I know that they would love to get another three-and-D wing—a three-and-D wing," Lowe said said Wednesday on ESPN's The Lowe Post podcast (56:45 mark.)

He added: "I'm actually a little surprised that Cam Johnson and Finney-Smith, one of them has not been traded yet."

The Cavaliers have limited draft capital to deal in a potential trade and next have full control over a first-round pick in 2030.

Johnson is signed on for three more seasons, while Finney-Smith is under team control for one more campaign with a player option for 2025-26.

Outside of Ben Simmons and Bojan Bogdanović, both of whom are set to play the 2024-25 season on expiring contracts, Johnson and Finney-Smith could be the Nets' two most valuable trade pieces this summer.

The New York Post's Brian Lewis believes "at least one" of the pair will be moved this summer as Brooklyn looks to retool from a playoff miss last season.

The Cavaliers need to build out their wing depth around the newly-extended Donovan Mitchell in order to build a roster that can make it past the second round in 2025.

But the Cavs likely wouldn't be the only team bidding on Johnson and Finney-Smith if they decide to pitch the Nets.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Monday that the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic were interested in Johnson.

Scotto has also reported that the Philadelphia 76ers have "exploratory interest" in Finney-Smith.

Given the rising interest in three-and-D wings after the Boston Celtics' dominant run to a playoff title this summer, the prices for trade candidates like Johnson or Finney-Smith could be high.

That could still be worth it for a Cavaliers team looking for consistent defense and shooting. Finney-Smith, who shot 42.1 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from deep last season, seems likely to decline his option in favor of the open market given the rising prices for players with his skill set. That might make him a more affordable trade option for the draft capital-strapped Cavaliers if the Nets decide to market him.

The trade market for Darius Garland does not appear to be particularly hot.

During an appearance on ESPN Cleveland's The Really Big Show, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers would have difficulty finding quality value for Garland, saying it's a "terrible time" to move the 24-year-old.

"I don't think the market is there for Darius Garland... I think it's a terrible time to trade Darius Garland," - @WindhorstESPN.

Windy notes that he's not convinced Garland wants to or will even ask for a trade. pic.twitter.com/N9C3HPe2xV

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 2, 2024

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Garland is a one-time All-Star and averaged 18 points, 6.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 57 games in 2023-24. He has four years remaining on his contract and will have a $36.7 million cap hit in 2024-25.

While he is a productive player, it was a down season from previous years and he struggled in the playoffs, averaging 15.7 points, 5.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds.

Cleveland went 48-34 and earned the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. It would win its first-round matchup against the Orlando Magic but fell to the Boston Celtics in the second round.

As the Cavaliers look to improve on that season, it looks like Garland will be in the fold and another player may have to be dealt if the roster is reshaped at all.

Many had predicted that Donovan Mitchell was a candidate to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason, but he dispelled those notions by reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $150.3 million maximum contract extension on Tuesday.

After agreeing to the deal, Mitchell addressed the trade rumors in an Instagram video, saying he never had any intentions of leaving the Cavs.

"All year I've been saying the same s--t, saying how much I like it. Every day it's like, 'He's gonna do this, he's gonna do that." I don't get it, I don't understand it, I think it's hilarious," Mitchell said. "It is what it is. I'm glad I got this s--t done, man, I'm glad I got this s--t done in Cleveland. Now to get focused, you know what I'm saying? Let's get to it."

“I’m glad I got this shit done Cleveland,”- Donovan Mitchell speaks on his contract extension with the Cavs 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/8M3MFtiBaN

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 2, 2024

As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, Mitchell's max deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and pushes his contract with Cleveland to a total of $185 million over four years. The 27-year-old will have the opportunity to reach the NBA's 10-year service criteria that will make him eligible to sign a five-year extension worth over $380 million in 2027.

After spending the first five years of his career with the Utah Jazz, Mitchell was traded to the Cavs prior to the 2022-23 season and immediately established himself as the face of the franchise. He averaged a career-high 28.3 points in his first year in Cleveland and earned an All-NBA selection for the first time in his career with a spot on the second team.

Mitchell helped lead Cleveland to a second straight playoff appearance this season. After getting past the Orlando Magic in a seven-game first-round series, the Cavs fell to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in five games. Mitchell suffered a calf injury that kept him out of the final two games of the series against Boston.

The Cavs are set to enter a new era after firing head coach JB Bickerstaff and replacing him with former Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson.

Wojnarowski noted that Mitchell committed to the team because he has "confidence in the organization to keep building the Cavaliers into a championship contender and an alignment on a partnership of how they'll play a part in doing it together."

The city of Cleveland can officially exhale. Donovan Mitchell is there to stay.

Mitchell and the Cavaliers agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday. The All-Star guard could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and the Cavs likely would have explored trading Mitchell if he did not agree to an extension.

Instead, Mitchell is under team control for at least the next three seasons and can't become a free agent until 2027. Mitchell's contract will keep its $35.4 million salary for the 2024-25 season, but he will receive a raise to $46.4 million for the 2025-26 campaign.

A look at the Donovan Mitchell extension in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/V2TBkJu6c3

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 2, 2024

Instead, Mitchell is under team control for at least the next three seasons and can't become a free agent until 2027. Mitchell's contract will keep its $35.4 million salary for the 2024-25 season, but he will receive a raise to $46.4 million for the 2025-26 campaign.

The extension will have little impact on the Cavs' long-term cap outlook; he's a superstar getting paid like one. In terms of a value proposition, top NBA stars almost always earn less than what they're worth due to the max contract structure.

The biggest strain on the Cavs' cap will be the upcoming extension for Evan Mobley, who is eligible for a five-year extension that could be worth up to $270 million. It's hard to imagine Mobley agreeing to a deal at less than his full max despite his plateau in play, and his new deal will send the Cavs soaring into tax territory in 2025-26.

Of course, this assumes Cleveland runs things back with its current roster, which is not a lock. Darius Garland could request a trade now that Mitchell has signed his extension, as the former All-Star's stock has fallen significantly playing alongside his ball-dominant co-star. The Cavs have been adamant in their belief the Garland-Mitchell tandem can work, but it's clear which of the two will be headed elsewhere if a deal is made.

Cleveland could also explore the trade market for Jarrett Allen, whose $20 million annual salary is a bargain. Allen's position overlap with Mobley creates an awkward on-court dynamic, and the Cavs might be smart to make a move before they need to decide on an Allen extension.

Despite being mentioned in trade rumors at times in recent months, Donovan Mitchell is now committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the next few years.

Mitchell and Cleveland agreed to a new three-year, $150.3 million contract on Tuesday that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The agreement was confirmed by Mitchell, who posted the famous "I'm not f--king leaving" clip from The Wolf of Wall Street on X:

#LetEmKnow @cavs pic.twitter.com/QU1re4zn0G

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 2, 2024

The structure of the deal is notable because Mitchell was eligible to sign for up to four years and $207.8 million, but taking a three-year extension with a player option will allow him to potentially hit the market when he is 30 years old.

A look at the Donovan Mitchell extension in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/V2TBkJu6c3

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 2, 2024

The Louisville product was previously under contract through the 2024-25 season with a $37.1 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign.

Notably, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported in May that Cleveland had "a lot of optimism" Mitchell would re-sign on a four-year deal following the firing of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and subsequent hiring of Kenny Atkinson.

That optimism turned out to be warranted.

Mitchell also gave something of a timeline on how he envisioned his contract decision playing out when he told reporters at media day ahead of the 2023-24 season that he would not sign the extension that year but could still do so in the future.

"I want it to be known that I still have the opportunity to sign an extension next summer," he said. "I don't think a lot of people understand that aspect."

Mitchell expressed his focus was on winning a championship and that he was "really excited about what we've got going here. We could do something special. Ultimately, when the season is over, we'll get to that."

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com explained Mitchell was eligible for a three-year extension worth approximately $150 million during the 2023 offseason, but he could get an additional year on his contract and more money if he waited to sign until this offseason. That left little incentive to rush into an extension at the time of those comments.

President of basketball operations Koby Altman seemed to be on board with that as well.

"The conversations with him are super positive—the composition of the roster, how we want to play this year, how are you bringing your teammates along, where are we working out in the offseason," he said at the time. "I know he wants to be a part of this thing. He's going to be super excited to start this season and try to win big."

Mitchell is now a part of the Cavaliers for the foreseeable future and figures to be a driving force for them.

He wasted no time making an impact with the squad as an All-NBA second-team selection in his first season in Cleveland while averaging 28.3 points, 4.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game behind 48.4 percent shooting from the field and 38.6 percent shooting from deep.

The Cavaliers disappointed with a first-round exit in the playoffs, but the future still looked bright with Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen leading the way.

This past season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from three-point range en route to his fifth straight All-Star nod.

Cleveland advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a first-round win over the Orlando Magic but lost in five games to the Boston Celtics. Mitchell was sidelined for the final two games of the Boston series with a calf injury.

Mitchell was also a three-time All-Star during his five seasons with the Utah Jazz and has established himself as one of the best guards in the league. He can take over games with his outside shooting and ability to attack the basket, and he will surely remain a focal point in Cleveland's offense for years to come.

Now there will also be some contract stability as he pursues the first championship of his career.

Donovan Mitchell is yet to sign a contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but general manager Koby Altman is optimistic a deal will get done.

"We feel good about Donovan. Really enjoyed he and Kenny [Atkinson] could sit down and talk about the future and team," Altman told reporters Monday. "He's invested in what we're doing. He's been super involved and collaborated. He's very much pro-Cleveland."

Mitchell has been eligible for a four-year, $209 million max contract extension since the end of the 2024 NBA Finals. It's unclear if the Cavs have officially presented him with the offer, but it's readily apparent the extension is his for the taking when—or if—he wants it.

The Cavaliers' offseason plan is contingent on Mitchell eventually agreeing to the extension. Otherwise, Altman will have no alternative but to explore trades for five-time All-Star.

Mitchell has a player option for the 2025-26 season, but he's almost certain to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent if he does not sign an extension. The Cavs would have the opportunity to pay Mitchell a five-year, $260 million contract next summer, but it's hard to imagine Altman allowing that scenario to play out.

Mitchell refusing an extension would be a clear sign he does not have faith in Cleveland building a long-term winner.

Altman's strategy, to this point in the offseason, has been to largely run things back with the existing group while making a change at head coach. The Cavs fired J.B. Bickerstaff after they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs and replaced him with Kenny Atkinson.

While there may be a bump in play under Atkinson, the Cavs have watched fellow Eastern Conference contenders load up on talent this summer. The Philadelphia 76ers landed Paul George, while the New York Knicks pulled off a blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges.

With the Cavs essentially doing nothing, it's hard to see Mitchell being too enthused about staying in Cleveland without a roster shakeup.

Former NC State forward DJ Burns signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent on Thursday after he was not selected in the 2024 NBA draft, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Charania noted that Burns will join the Cavaliers in the NBA Summer League.

The 23-year-old became a prominent figure throughout the 2024 NCAA tournament, helping the Wolfpack earn a spot in the Final Four before eventually falling to Purdue.

Before NC State's improbable March Madness run, the team won the ACC tournament by defeating North Carolina in the title game. Burns was named the tournament MVP, becoming the first Wolfpack player to earn the award since 1987.

After the team clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament, he improved even further. In five March Madness games, Burns averaged 16.2 points and 4.2 rebounds to go along with 3.6 assists per game. He remained efficient inside the arc, utilizing his bulky frame and soft touch around the rim to shoot 62.5 percent from the field.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE4JgJoeQH8

Although he was listed at 275 pounds on the school's website, he reportedly lost 45 pounds following the end of the team's tournament run as he prepared for the NBA. There was even some speculation about a potential NFL career, although he shot down those rumors after he recounted his eighth-grade football days.

"I scored a lot of touchdowns at tight end, but I was just better at basketball," Burns said in April, per ESPN's Pete Thamel.

It may be difficult for him to earn a spot in a crowded Cavaliers frontcourt that includes Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Dean Wade and Georges Niang. However, Burns will have the opportunity to showcase his skills for opposing front offices during summer league as well.

The Cleveland Cavalirs bolstered their wing depth Wednesday by selecting University of California, Berkeley forward Jaylon Tyson with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft.

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Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Jaylon Tyson

Position: SF/PF

Height: 6'7"

Pro Comparison: Caleb Martin

Scouting Report: Jaylon Tyson has become one of the draft's most advanced on-ball forwards with handles and footwork for self-creation into drives, jumpers and floaters. Tyson's shotmaking off his own dribble and post moves have powered his scoring production. He just hasn't been as efficient off the ball, and some teams may question how he'll adjust and fit after this year's high usage.

Cavaliers 2024-25 Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Darius Garland, PG: $36.7M (2028)

Donovan Mitchell, SG: $35.4M (2026)

Jarrett Allen, C: $20M (2026)

Caris LeVert, SG: $16.6M (2025)

Max Strus, SG: $15.2M (2027)

Evan Mobley, PF: $11.2M (2025)

Georges Niang, PF: $8.5M (2026)

Dean Wade, PF: $6.2M (2026)

Ty Jerome, SG: $2.6M (2025)

Sam Merrill, SG: $2.2M (2025)

Craig Porter Jr., G: $1.9M (2026)

Jaylon Tyson, SF/PF: Rookie scale contract

Free Agents

Isaac Okoro, SG: RFA

Tristan Thompson, C: UFA

Damian Jones, C: UFA

Marcus Morris Sr., SF: UFA

Pete Nance, PF: RFA

Isaiah Mobley, PF: RFA

Emoni Bates, SG: RFA

During his collegiate career, Tyson was a well-traveled player and a model of perseverance, as he played at three different schools in three seasons.

After playing sparingly for Texas and averaging just 1.8 points per game in 2021-22, Tyson transferred to Texas Tech and averaged 10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.4 three-pointers made and 1.3 assists per contest.

Tyson then transferred to Cal for his junior campaign and truly broke out, putting up 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per contest.

He also shot 46.5 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from beyond the arc en route to earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

Jaylon Tyson’s 27 points leads Cal to a win over Oregon for their 3rd consecutive victory! 🐻

Highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0U6W0mLnve

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) February 25, 2024

Tyson may not be a star-caliber player in the NBA like he was his final year in college, but Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman compares him to Caleb Martin, who is a highly effective wing and played a huge role in the Miami Heat reaching the NBA Finals two seasons ago.

Most teams would love to have a player like Martin, and Tyson can carve out a long and successful NBA career if he reaches that level.