Cleveland, Minneapolis and Charlotte — With training camps still weeks away, three Eastern and Western Conference clubs remain active topics of offseason conversation.
Cavaliers weigh potential deals
The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to make a headline-grabbing move, but Roundtable’s Tommy Wild listed three players who could be moved if the front office seeks changes before camp.
Max Strus leads the group, largely because his $16.6 million salary and league-wide appeal could open cap space and net future draft capital. Veteran guard Dennis Schröder is also mentioned; Wild noted that a crowded backcourt featuring Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Craig Porter Jr., Tyrese Proctor and rookie Meleek Thomas could leave limited minutes for the 30-year-old. Second-year forward Jaylon Tyson rounds out the list, not because the club wants to part with him, but because his age and breakout season make him an attractive asset if Cleveland targets a major upgrade.
Edwards may find lighter coverage
Sports Illustrated’s Joe Nelson and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst both suggested that Anthony Edwards could contend for the scoring title next season thanks to Minnesota’s addition of LaMelo Ball. Windhorst told The Rich Eisen Show that teams have “relentlessly double-teamed” Edwards since Karl-Anthony Towns was traded. Ball’s playmaking, they argue, should discourage defenses from sending constant help, potentially boosting Edwards’ offensive numbers. The All-Star guard averaged 28.8 points last year, third-best in the NBA, despite persistent traps.
Hornets finalize rookie contracts
The Charlotte Hornets announced the signings of first-round picks Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr. to standard rookie-scale deals. Steinbach, taken 14th overall, earned All-Big Ten honors at Washington while leading the nation with 11.8 rebounds per game and contributing 18.5 points. Anderson, drafted 18th, averaged identical 18.5 points plus 7.4 assists for Texas Tech, capturing First Team All-Big 12 recognition and the conference’s Most Improved Player award.
The agreements secure two key pieces of Charlotte’s rebuilding core as the organization prepares for training camp.
Source: Hoops Wire
