Other than adding free agent Sindarius Thornwell and three rookies the Cavaliers weren’t very active this offseason.
The biggest move the Cavaliers can cite wasn’t to the roster but to management with the hiring of a new Head Coach That man was a bit of a surprise as the Cavaliers elected to hire from the college ranks instead of internationally or a coach with previous NBA experience.
University of Michigan head man John Beilein got the nod. He will be the third NCAA man to join the current NBA coaching ranks. OKC Thunder bench boss Billy Donovan is entering his fifth season and Celtics lead man Brad Stevens begins his seventh season. In truth, Donovan and Stevens are more the rarity than the norm. Fred Hoiberg was fired by the Bulls last season.
In some ways, this decision makes perfect sense given Beilein’s experience working with young players and his penchant for attention to detail. That and the fact the Cavaliers are predominantly a youthful squad and the inevitability many more draft picks will be added in the coming seasons.
As for departures, Cleveland finally broke off their ties to J.R. Smith waiving him after he spent most of last season away from the team.
Players Added:
Free Agency:
Rookies:
G: Darius Garland (No. 5)
G: Kevin Porter Jr. (No. 30, via trade from Pistons)
F: Dylan Windler (No. 26)
Departing Players:
Free Agency:
G: David Nwaba (signed with Nets)
G: Cameron Payne (signed with Raptors)
G/F: J.R. Smith (waived)
F: Deng Adel (signed with Nets)
F: Marquese Chriss (signed with Warriors)
Retired:
F/C: Channing Frye