The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the running for LeBron James, but are making other plans in case that falls through. In his latest batch of reporting, Marc Stein updated the status of a few players
the Cavs are targeting.One of which includes former number five pick Mario Hezonja. It appears Hezonja, who hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2019-20 season, is attempting a return to the league. The Cavaliers, according to Stein, are one of the interested teams.
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Hezonja has spent four of his past six seasons abroad with Real Madrid. He currently posted averages of 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his latest run in EuroLeague. Stein also noted that teams who are interested in the Real Madrid forward include other teams pursuing LeBron.
Stein highlighted that once James signs with his next team, sources have noted to him that “we’re going to see eight or nine players sign right after LeBron makes his choice. Maybe more.”
Another familiar name in the rumor mill for the Cavaliers has been Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga and the Cavaliers have been constantly linked throughout this free agency cycle. It appears that the process of acquiring Kuminga might be more convoluted than previously anticipated.
Stein wrote how “he’ll (Kuminga) need help from Atlanta on a sign-and-trade to come anywhere close to last season’s $22.5 million salary, but the latest indications we’ve received suggest that the Hawks are likely to be pretty choosy”.
Stein also went on to state how Kuminga has shown more of an openness to returning to the Atlanta Hawks on a “short-term deal”. However, with the acquisition of Lu Dort, it appears the roster configuration in Atlanta isn’t as straightforward as it was a week ago.
The Cavaliers’ number one priority has been to attract LeBron to come home a third stint. However, it seems like they still are cognizant of the idea that it is not a guarantee and are doing their due diligence on adding other options in case their golden goose doesn’t come to fruition.
