The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of the NBA Finals where they are down 0-2 in the series to the Golden State Warriors. Through two games, it seems that Cleveland doesn’t have enough talent to compete against Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and company. The Cavaliers must use the offseason to match Golden State’s level of talent, but who can they realistically acquire?
J.J. Redick
At this stage of his career, J.J. Redick may be looking to win a ring and wouldn’t care much about money. The 32-year-old sharpshooter would be a replacement for Kyle Korver and might even earn a starting role over J.R.
Smith. This season, he averaged 15 points on nearly 43 percent shooting from three-point distance, feasting on open looks Chris Paul created for him. In Cleveland, he would continue to see good wide open looks from beyond the arc due to the attention LeBron James and Kyrie Irving command.
P.J. Tucker
If the Cavaliers are seeking more defensive help off the bench, veteran swingman P.J. Tucker would be an excellent fit. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be successful, as he thrives mostly on the defensive end with his physicality and toughness. The Cavs' bench could use a hard-nosed defender such as Tucker to bring intensity and energy. Ultimately, he would give James a break on the defensive end by defending the best players on opposing teams.
Patty Mills
With Deron Williams becoming a Free Agent, the Cavaliers should pursue Patty Mills as a replacement. Williams has been disappointing during the Finals so far, scoring zero points in two games. Mills, on the other hand, has plenty of playoff experience and is a bundle of energy on the offensive end. He moves really well without the ball and is a terrific outside shooter.
Mills wouldn’t demand too much money if it meant another excellent opportunity to win a ring. He would be a nice fit for the Cavaliers' bench and would become a key component of Cleveland’s success.
Nene
Last summer, Nene unselfishly accepted minimal cash to play for the Houston Rockets, hoping to contend for a title. The 34-year-old would gladly accept the veteran’s minimum for another chance to compete for a title and would be an amazing fit for Cleveland off the bench.
Nene doesn’t necessarily clog the paint. He usually works in the mid-post, pops out for mid-range jumpers, or earns points in transition by running the floor. With Tristan Thompson clearly being ineffective during the Finals, this would be where the Cavs could use another big man with the ability to defend, rebound, and run the floor.
