The Cleveland Cavaliers Are Retooling!

This off-season is open for the Cavs, and they look to come back healthy and compete for the NBA Championship. They had a fantastic regular season, finishing with 64 wins. Three players had big achievements this year. Evan Mobley won Defensive Player of the Year, Donovan Mitchell made the All-NBA team, and Kenny Atkinson was named Coach of the Year. But the playoffs were disappointing, as they lost in the second round against the Indiana Pacers. Darius Garland being out due to an injury was a huge loss after his All-Star season. Cleveland appears to be going back with their core five, adjusting their bench depth for this season.

Cleveland is on the second apron, and we're desperate to save some money to avoid paying the taxes. This led to Ty Jerome leaving after one of the best seasons of his career, as he was also a top-three candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. One of the biggest moves that the Cavs made was trading for Lonzo Ball and not giving up any assets. Isaac Okoro, after having a disappointing postseason, has found himself a new home. Lonzo could be a good off-the-bench player who can bring playmaking and defense. He is decent at scoring too, making him someone that opposing teams can't leave open. Ball will play perfectly next to the other bench scorers like Sam Merrill and guys like Craig Porter.

Sam Merrill signed a four-year deal worth $38 million this off-season, as this shows that Cleveland believes in his potential to grow. Along with being a good spot-up shooter who can open up the floor. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland can kick out to him when driving to the basket and kicking out. And he is good at running without the ball and fighting through screens to get open. Sam is a solid defender, and with a bigger role next season, he could be sixth man of the year.

Larry Nance Jr. is back in Cleveland, as the veteran forward grew up here and has come home. He will bring the energy needed off the bench and give them crucial minutes by his off-ball play, as he can cut to the basket and shoot the three. Larry was able to average 44 percent behind the three-point arc, and the hope is he could bring similar productivity this season. The Cavs haven't made crazy moves but look to put together a competing roster next season and save money.

This next season for the Eastern Conference is open! With Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum being out for the whole year, that is good for the Cavs. Donovan Mitchell has enjoyed many great regular seasons. Yet, he has never reached the Conference Finals in the postseason. That is something he looks to achieve along with making the Finals. Darius Garland made his bounce back and hopes to build upon that. Evan Mobley will continue to be a star. And Jarrett Allen looks to increase his value. The Cavs have added depth to their team and look towards Sam Merrill to play off.

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