Thought it was worth starting, since offseason speculation was creeping into the playoff thread.
The Cavaliers are going to be an interesting case.
Kevin Love is obviously the big question mark. I think he opts-in this offseason, because the payout for next year is potentially much greater. But if that happens, there's a distinct possibility that the Cavaliers trade him. I can't imagine a more likely destination than the Lakers, given their cap space. Assuming a modest increase in the salary cap, they could absorb Love's contract straight up, offering their draft pick as enticement. If the Lakers balk, I don't see anything else that they can offer; pretty much every player under contract is value-neutral at best. I suppose Danny Ainge could come calling, but it will take a lot of draft picks to make it so. Worth keeping an eye on.
Unless someone goes crazy, I see the Cavaliers matching any offer on Thompson. I've been pretty damned impressed with his playoff performance. Would make it easy for the Cavaliers to move Love except for Varejao, who can't be counted on for anything anymore.
Every other non-Lebron guy the Cavaliers have is likely to opt out or retire. They're going to have a lot of damn holes to fill this offseason. That said, even if they ran out D-leaguers at every one of those positions, they'd still crush the Celtics... sigh.
The Social Chair said:The Cavs roster and cap situation is going to be a disaster in 2 years.
The Cavaliers are going to be an interesting case.
Kevin Love is obviously the big question mark. I think he opts-in this offseason, because the payout for next year is potentially much greater. But if that happens, there's a distinct possibility that the Cavaliers trade him. I can't imagine a more likely destination than the Lakers, given their cap space. Assuming a modest increase in the salary cap, they could absorb Love's contract straight up, offering their draft pick as enticement. If the Lakers balk, I don't see anything else that they can offer; pretty much every player under contract is value-neutral at best. I suppose Danny Ainge could come calling, but it will take a lot of draft picks to make it so. Worth keeping an eye on.
Unless someone goes crazy, I see the Cavaliers matching any offer on Thompson. I've been pretty damned impressed with his playoff performance. Would make it easy for the Cavaliers to move Love except for Varejao, who can't be counted on for anything anymore.
Every other non-Lebron guy the Cavaliers have is likely to opt out or retire. They're going to have a lot of damn holes to fill this offseason. That said, even if they ran out D-leaguers at every one of those positions, they'd still crush the Celtics... sigh.