The Cavaliers have been busy trying to upgrade at the power forward position this offseason. They did not want to give up Evan Mobley in potential Janice Antecumba or Jaylen Brown transactions at that time LeBron James decided to go to Philadelphia instead of returning to Cleveland for a third term.
Cleveland eventually became a restricted free agent Peyton Watsonhanding him a four-year, $88 million contract in a five-club sign-and-trade, waiving Max Strus, Three peoplean unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-round pick in the process.
Why did the Cavs go all-in on Watson?
“He’s 6-foot-8. He’s lean. He’s lithe. He fits this group.” president of basketball operations Coby Altman said, trans Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “It’s rare and unique that you have the opportunity to add a player of that caliber, that caliber to this group. Every minute he spent on the basketball court, he was focused on the playoffs. With all those significant reps, he comes to our team with the same spirit. We’re trying to win a championship. He understands the importance of possession. He understands the importance of teamwork and how
you are building to ultimate success. We’re really excited for Peyton.”
Here’s more from the Central Division:
- The Cavaliers tackled another big deal early this offseason, ink Donovan Mitchell to a four-year maximum extension. Mitchell indicated there is no doubt he will sign a long-term extension if the front office puts an offer on the table. Fedor writes. Mitchell could have done more by waiting until next offseason, but he didn’t want to go that route. “I mean, I think for me it’s more about commitment to this group and to the city and understanding, yes, I could have waited and made it about myself and whatnot, but I was happy to make a lot of money in this league and do what I was able to do.” he said. “So for me, how can we as a team go out there and find a way to make strides? Pretty much team first. You all know how I am and what I’m about. That’s pretty much my thinking behind it. But I told Kobe, I said, ‘Look, you don’t have to ask. The first day it’s allowed.’ It wasn’t a lot of talking. I told him I wanted to be here. I said it publicly and I love being here. Now it’s about delivery and everything else that comes with it.”
- Bucks the governor Wes Edens had nothing to offer the media relatively league investigation in Gary Trent Jrcontract extension, CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney tweets. “We’re working with the league and cooperating fully with them, but I don’t have any understanding other than that.” – he said. The Bucks signed Trent to a four-year, $64 million contract after signing him to two modest one-year deals in the previous two offseasons, prompting suspicions of a sham deal.
- Pacers a great veteran Larry Nance Jr suffered a hamstring injury about two weeks ago and is currently limited in camp, Coach Rick Carlisle said Tony East of Forbes.com (Link to Twitter). There is optimism that it will be full to go in about a week or two, East adds. Nance was signed signed a one-year free agent contract in July to add depth to the frontcourt.
