When Kyrie Irving got injured in the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers turned to their unknown backup Matthew Dellavedova for help and in return got a breakout star. The point guard proved he is a viable option to backup Irving and can certainly help carry the team when needed. Dellavedova picked a good time to have a moment since he is now a restricted free agent and in need of a new contract. However, those numbers are easier said than done which could force the Cavaliers to search for other options on the open market.
Dellavedova is trying to use his leverage in free agency. According to Chris Mannix of SI.com, the backup point guard is looking for a multi-year deal worth around $4 million per season. He will not be getting that from the Cavaliers which is hurting negotiations for a new contract. This is forcing the Cavaliers to determine if they truly need Dellavedova or if they can get away with bringing on someone else. Yes, the point guard was valuable in the playoffs and certainly has bigger upside than a veteran, but the Cavaliers cannot afford to give him the money he is demanding.
The Cavaliers brought back Mo Williams for another stint and would like for him and Dellavedova to be the backups for Irving. However, there are other options available. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers could eye Pablo Prigioni who was officially released from the Denver Nuggets following the trade of Ty Lawson. The Cavaliers eyed Prigioni when he was a member of the New York Knicks and should not be ruled out as a contender to sign him. Prigioni would come much cheaper than Dellevadova, but is merely a short-term rental. However, that might be all Cleveland can afford.
Players like Jason Terry are still on the open market, but he is close to getting swept up by the Houston Rockets. The Cavaliers could try to get a trade for someone like Jose Calderon or Mario Chalmers by offering up Brendan Haywood in a deal. Both point guards are considered available while the Cavaliers are desperate to move Haywood before having to deal with a guaranteed contract. The team is trying to be smart in terms of contracts they take on while still negotiating terms with Tristan Thompson and potentially JR Smith this offseason. They are not done with offseason moves and cannot take on a heavy deal just to get a backup for Irving.
