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The Cleveland Cavaliers have another offseason to try and build a team that can at least qualify for the NBA playoffs. Their struggles have continued since the departure of LeBron James in the 2017-18 season as they finished 13th in the Eastern Conference this year.
With the potential loss of Collin Sexton and Kevin Love this offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have a lot of restructuring to do. Both are considered the two most important players on their roster, meaning the Cavs have to find worthy replacements.
The restructuring process will not be easy, as the Cleveland outfit do not have much leeway in terms of funds available for spending. To that effect, fans should not expect a flashy or high-profile move.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have a young core that they can build around, with Sexton as their headliner. However, there are rumors that a trade involving Sexton is a very real possibility this offseason.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have the number three pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Considering how deep and talented this class of players is, they have a good chance of selecting a talented youngster.
To further bolster their roster, here are five free agents the Cleveland Cavaliers should target in the 2021 NBA offseason.
#1 Jarrett Allen
Re-signing Jarrett Allen might be the most important move the Cleveland Cavaliers need to make this offseason. He was part of a blockbuster deal that saw James Harden go to the Brooklyn Nets while he was added to the Cavs' roster.
Allen will be a restricted free agent this summer, which will make things easier for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They can agree a deal with the big man before the offers start rolling in.
Speculation surrounding Allen suggests he will want a deal of at least $100 million. Although on the high side, the Cleveland Cavaliers can match it, with Sexton and Love reportedly on their way out.
The Cavs will in turn have a solid center in Allen who can produce on both ends of the court. He averaged 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks last season.
#2 TJ McConnell
The Cleveland Cavaliers lack depth in their backcourt, which is why TJ McConnell could potentially be a great signing. He will take over on the backcourt when Darius Garland needs to take a breather.
McConnell will bring plenty of experience and ample ball distribution capabilities to the Cleveland team. Although he has a pass-first mentality, he is not scared to knock down high-percentage shots. Defensively, he is good enough to help the Cavs improve their defensive rating.
Adding McConnell to the roster would also be cost-effective given the Cleveland Cavaliers' cap situation. He earned $3.5 million with the Indiana Pacers, which means he could be gotten for less than $7 million.
#3 Jeff Green
There is plenty of young talent on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster. If they secure the addition of Jeff Green, it will create a good youngster-veteran mix. It would also be a familiar environment for Green as he spent the 2017-18 season with the franchise.
Green could be a great sixth man for the Cleveland Cavaliers as he is a significant contributor on offense. He is also an athletic defender that can guard several positions.
For the past four seasons, Green has played on a veteran minimum contract, which means the Cleveland Cavaliers can land him for under $3 million.
Getting a player as versatile and experienced as Green for that amount will be an absolute steal for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is also coming off a decent outing in the 2020-21 season with the Brooklyn Nets.
#4 Josh Hart
Josh Hart has had a hard time since his trade to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. He has not had much action with the Pelicans because the side's play is centered around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
With free agency coming up, Hart would like a fresh start. If Hart and the New Orleans Pelicans do not agree on terms, the Cleveland Cavaliers could pursue him via the mid-level exception.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lack decent catch-and-shoot players, which is what Hart could bring to the table offensively. On defense, he is a good rebounder despite being just 6"5. Hart is also a good perimeter defender who can force turnovers.
Although he will not be a starter, he can play a significant role coming off the bench. The Cleveland Cavaliers team is the perfect fit for Hart, which might result in a career season for him.
#5 Lauri Markkanen
No trade talks have connected Lauri Markkanen to the Cleveland Cavaliers yet. However, the forward will be a great fit in the young Cavs lineup.
Markkanen is a restricted free agent with the Chicago Bulls at the moment. But due to his repeated battles with injury, there is a chance the Bulls will let him go during free agency. If the Cleveland Cavaliers pursue him, he will bring some athleticism to their frontcourt.
Although he is not a top-tier defensive player, pairing him with Allen could be productive for the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Markkanen being a good floor spacer, Allen will have space to get to work in the lane.
Financially, signing Markkanen will not be too much of a financial burden for the Cleveland Cavaliers, especially with Love on his way out.
