Although the Cavaliers made a number of additions this off-season to improve their team, there’s always room for improvement. Here’s some possible free agents the Cleveland Cavaliers could sign before the 2023-24 season.
How about a player who could bring both a veteran presence and some playoff experience? DeMarcus Cousins, although not near the player he was in his prime, would bring both of these as well as address the one position the Cavaliers could use some help with (center). Mobley should see more playing time at the five, particularly when Jarrett Allen is on the bench, but there’s still a need for a solid backup center. Damian Jones is solid and has good potential, but the Cavaliers have high ambitions this year and an established player like Cousins would seemingly make more sense with him being a four time all-star and two time all-NBA player. Especially if Cousins adopts the mentality of reshaping his role a la Dwight Howard with the Lakers (2020) or Carmelo Anthony with the Blazers.
Another veteran center, Serge Ibaka could bring the same benefits as Cousins but is an overall more defensive player. A three time all-defense player and a two time league leader in blocks, Ibaka could fit right into the Cavaliers current play style. Ibaka also was on a team in Milwaukee that managed not only to succeed in the playoffs multiple years on end, but also managed to win an NBA championship. With how this Cavaliers team ended last season, playoff success is something they need. While Ibaka would not be able to directly make that happen, his experience could prove extremely valuable to an extremely talented Cavaliers squad with no experience past the first round of the postseason.
Although not primarily a center, Blake Griffin is another player who could aid Cleveland’s frontcourt depth. He also played for a recent title contender in the Boston Celtics. Griffin is more of an offensively-oriented player, though. As well as developing a shot from deep in the last few years, Griffin also has a strong ability to score from within the post.
Kelly Oubre Jr could be a very solid addition to this Cavaliers team. Though he plays forward, and the Cavs are filled with forwards, his ceiling is high enough to warrant strong bench time. If not it could earn him a starting spot on this specific team. He’s also played significantly better recently than any of the other players on this list. Last year he averaged 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and one assist with Charlotte. Although he’d have to take a pay cut, it could be a chance for him to both play for a contender and showcase his talents, because he is a very talented player who could effectively contribute to this Cleveland team and rounds off this list of free agents the Cavaliers could sign for the 2023-24 season.
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