The Cleveland Cavaliers are still working on a contract extension with Tristan Thompson and LeBron James is hoping the team gets that deal done soon, while James has also said he wants JR Smith back and this comes as Matthew Dellavedova may return, while a trade for Jamal Crawford could be an option if the Cavs trade Brendan Haywood or Anderson Varejao.
The Cavaliers have signed back Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert and James this offseason and the team has also added Mo Williams in free agency. GM David Griffin has not been shy about giving out money and with Thompson's deal still to come, there is a chance either Smith or Dellavedova do not return. James said to ESPN that he is hoping the team can come to an agreement soon with Thompson and he also added that he hopes Smith can return.
James signed back with the Cavs and he is expecting more moves to be made after adding Williams in free agency. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the team has looked into a trade with Jamal Crawford, as the Clippers are likely shopping him after signing Paul Pierce and Josh Smith. The Cavs want some more outside scoring and Sam Amico of Fox Sports reports that Haywood could be a target to move. Haywood is more likely to go than Varejao at this point, as his contract is unguaranteed and still has a couple more weeks before it kicks in.
The Haywood contract is a good trade chip for the Cavs and there is a good chance they try and use it before the contract becomes guaranteed. Dellavedova is another player that is an option to return, but according to Chris Mannix at SI.com, the Cavs and the Australian point guard are apart on a deal. Dellavedova reportedly wants $4 million per season, but the Cavs would "prefer" a "cheaper" deal so that the luxury tax is not so high. Dellavedova is restricted, so the Cavs can match offers and if it doesn't work out, a trade could be an option.
JR Smith remains on the market and according to the Akron Beacon-Journal, Griffin said that the team wants to "find a way to make it work" for Smith. The Cavs only have so much money to spend and if Smith six willing to take a pay cut, he likely will return. Smith comes in after averaging 12 points and three rebounds per game last season and he reportedly was looking for a multiyear deal earlier in the offseason, but that could change now.
The Cavs have Dellavedova as an option to return, as he was the backup for Kyrie Irving last year, but Mo Williams could take that over now. The Cavs would like to bring all the key pieces back from their finals run last season, but it could be tough with the luxury tax.
Check here for more on the Cavaliers offseason moves and for more on the Thompson deal talks and the possible return of JR Smith.
