Cavaliers Juggle Dean Wade Market, Consider Moves on Strus and Schroder Ahead of Free Agency
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are bracing for a hectic opening to NBA free agency, with forward Dean Wade emerging as their most pressing issue, multiple league sources said.
Seven teams monitoring Wade
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Cavaliers, 76ers, Lakers, Spurs, Suns, Pistons and Trail Blazers have expressed interest in the 27-year-old, who is regarded as one of the league’s more adaptable defensive forwards.
Marc Stein (The Stein Line) and Jake Fischer added that Wade is expected to command a significant portion of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception if he becomes an unrestricted free agent when the market opens on Tuesday.
Philadelphia could be a notable suitor; new Sixers president Mike Gansey was Cleveland’s assistant general manager when the Cavs signed Wade as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
Wade has spent all seven of his NBA seasons in Cleveland, averaging 36.7 percent from three-point range while defending multiple positions. His usage has gradually decreased each year.
Financial squeeze could put Strus on block
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland the Cavaliers may have to choose between Wade and recently acquired guard-forward Max Strus. Trading Strus, Windhorst said, would help the club slip below the second tax apron and create room to re-sign Wade.
The Cavaliers have rookie wing Jaylon Tyson in reserve for additional minutes, but Wade’s ability to cover all three frontcourt spots would be tougher to replace, Windhorst noted.
Windhorst also reported that Cleveland would rather move Dennis Schroder’s contract to improve its cap situation, though he characterized league interest in the veteran point guard as limited.
Ellis decision tied to Wade outcome
According to Stein and Fischer, guard Keon Ellis is unlikely to remain with Cleveland if Wade re-signs before or shortly after free agency begins. Should Wade leave, Ellis could quickly become a higher priority for the front office.
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to pursue Ellis, in part because new head coach Jordi Fernandez previously worked with him in Sacramento.
Cavs among teams eyeing Landale
Scotto added that Cleveland is one of several clubs interested in veteran center Jock Landale. The Atlanta Hawks are still trying to reach a deal with the 28-year-old before the market opens, but if he becomes available, the Bulls, Clippers, Lakers, Sixers and Cavs are all expected to make offers exceeding the bi-annual exception.
No final decisions are expected until free agency formally begins on Tuesday.
Source: Hoops Wire
