Cavaliers fine-tune pricey roster with series of summer moves
cavaliers-fine-tune-pricey-roster-with-series-of-summer-moves
The Cleveland Cavaliers spent the summer tinkering with a roster that is already projected to be the NBA’s most expensive in 2025-26, committing to new contracts while looking for greater lineup flexibility.
Key signings and departures
Sam Merrill was the front-office’s first priority. The guard signed a four-year, $38 million deal after impressing the Cavaliers with consistent three-point shooting and improved defense. General manager Koby Altman moved quickly to prevent the 28-year-old from reaching free agency, viewing the contract as strong value compared with similar wing agreements such as Boston’s extension for Sam Hauser.
Cleveland chose not to retain Ty Jerome. The guard, who broke out during the regular season but struggled defensively in the playoffs, joined the Memphis Grizzlies, trimming salary in a backcourt already featuring Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Former lottery pick Isaac Okoro was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball. The move swaps a wing for a guard on a shorter contract, creating future flexibility. Ball appeared in only 35 games last season after a long knee layoff; the Cavaliers hope for 50–60 games from him in 2024-25.
Draft and depth additions
With the 49th choice in June, Cleveland selected Tyrese Proctor. The Australian guard signed a four-year rookie contract with two seasons guaranteed and is viewed as a developmental piece rather than an immediate rotation player. Second-round pick Saliou Niang will remain overseas.
Larry Nance Jr. returned on a veteran minimum deal. The 31-year-old forward is expected to back up Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen while providing locker-room leadership.
Salary outlook and remaining needs
The Cavaliers enter training camp more than $226 million deep in total salary, well into luxury-tax territory. They still must add a 14th standard contract and have surveyed guards such as Malcolm Brogdon and Cameron Payne, wings including Landry Shamet and Gary Payton II, and big men like Precious Achiuwa and Thomas Bryant. One two-way slot also remains open.
Extension-eligible players include Garland, Max Strus, De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade, but Cleveland is not expected to rush into additional long-term commitments given its current payroll.
Coach Kenny Atkinson now has Merrill and Nance back, Ball in the mix, and Proctor in development as the Cavaliers aim for a deeper playoff run—health permitting—under one of the league’s costliest rosters.
Source: Hoops Wire
