The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing well in the NBA finals and moving into the offseason the top concerns are Kevin Love opting in and making a return to the Cavs along with a contract for restricted free agent Tristan Thompson and this comes as LeBron James may opt out to help push the team to sign back Matthew Dellavedova while free agents like Monta Ellis or Greg Monroe could be targets on the market.
The Cavs roster looks much different than it did at the start of the season and moving forward the team likely will make some changes into next season. Kevin Love looks like he will be staying with the Cavaliers despite numerous media reports that he will consider opting out of his deal. According to ESPN.com reporter Marc Stein, James may consider opting out of his contract this summer, but it would not be about potentially leaving Cleveland and likely more about salary.
The cap is expected to rise and James could do it because of that and he also could opt out and sign a new deal to help the team with free agency and the salary cap. James is not expected to even think about leaving Cleveland after making his return before this past season. The biggest concern moving forward is Thompson, as he has emerged as one of the better young players in the league and could have some suitors on the market.
The Cavs are in good position to keep Thompson, as he is restricted free agent and they have the chance to match offers for him on the market. Earlier in the season James said that Thompson should "probably be a Cavalier for his whole career" and while James is not the GM, surely David Griffin heard that quote. While money will play into things, Thompson has shown that he can be very valuable behind Kevin Love and he has emerged as one of the best offensive rebounders in the game.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski at Yahoo Sports, Thompson reportedly turned down an offer from the Cavs at four-years, $52 million and moving forward he likely will be asking for more than that. Thompson is going to be a priority for the Cavs and if Love opts in, figuring things out will be that much easier. The Cavaliers could spend a bit in free agency, but they will not go crazy overpaying players. Someone like Monta Ellis could be a cheap side option, while DeMarre Carroll also could be a fit.
Love has been mentioned in rumors all offseason, but recent comments make it very likely that he will stay in Cleveland. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Love said watching the Cavs in the finals has "reaffirmed" his desire to stay in Cleveland and win. Later, when he was asked about Game 1 next year and being healthy and expecting to be in Cleveland, Love responded "yes, sir." While all that doesn't mean Love will opt in, the date is getting closer and all signs are point to him staying for another season. James is looking to keep the core of the team together while helping the Cavs bring in more on the bench for another finals run.