The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming from two of their worst seasons since their inception in 1970. It is as if they are replaying the same debacle that happened in 2010 when LeBron James first left them. But today, they can’t afford to wait for Bron to come back. Hence they chose their pieces emphatically during the 2020 off-season. 

The Eastern Conference is not as brutally challenging as the WC today. So Koby Altman, Len Komoroski, and J. B. Bickerstaff can together formulate a strategy that can at least help them enter the post-season. 

In their first practice game, the Cavs defeated the Indiana Pacers 107-104, further instilling the belief that the new roster was worth counting on.

Cleveland Cavaliers transactions: Players signed via trades and free agency

The Cavs signed power forward Lamar Stevens (Penn University) as a free agent in a two-way contract. The 6’8” player averaged 17.6 points in his last year at college and also showed great defensive skills with 1.2 bpg and 1.1 spg. A multiple college record holder, Lamar can prove important for the Cavs’ future.

Next, they selected center player Thon Maker in the expansion draft. A former lottery pick by the Bucks, Thon has signed an official deal with the Cavs. The franchise has reported the signing to be a training camp deal. The Cavs can benefit from his size that can generate a 9’3” standing reach.

Not surprisingly, they re-signed point guard Matthew Dellavedova. The 30-YO 6’3” player will make a salary of $9.6 million with this contract.

In a refreshing move, the Cavs acquired JaVale McGee from the Lakers as another 7-ft tall player in their roster. The 32-YO player will make $4.2 million in salary and can be a regular starting player for the Cavs. The center player will also act as a mentor for the newly drafted Isaac Okoro. 

Apart from these names, in June, the Cavs had signed Dean Wade, who is there to stay for a year on an amount of $375,000.

The players the Cavs lost and how the new line-up looks

Rayjon Tucker was traded to the Cavs in a package that also contained a 2027 Utah Jazz 2nd-round pick. However, he was soon waived the very next day by the Cavs. Later, the LA Clippers acquired the 23-YO small forward. In a big blow, they lost veteran franchise player Tristan Thompson to the Celtics.

In order to acquire JaVale McGee (and a 2026 second-round draft pick), the Cavs traded Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell. 

So now, the Cavaliers’ possible starting five are Cedi Osman (F), Kevin Love (F), Andre Drummond (C), Isaac Okoro (G), and Darius Garland (G). With these names, they also have a stronger bench (Thon, Dante Exum, Dylan Windler, Damyean Dotson) that can be relied on.

Let’s see if they can see a change in fate in the upcoming 2020-21 season.