Alonzo Gee started the 2011/12 season on a non-guaranteed contract, but over the course of the year, he became one of the Cavaliers' key rotation players, averaging 10.6 points in 29 minutes per game in 63 contests. With Gee eligible for restricted free agency this summer, the Cavs are prepared to match any offer sheet the 25-year-old may sign, according to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio.
The Suns, Hawks, Celtics, Wizards, and Rockets are a few teams we've heard mentioned as potential suitors for Gee when he becomes a free agent. However, since he has only played three seasons in the NBA though, Gee is eligible for restricted, rather than unrestricted, free agency, meaning the Cavs will have the option of matching any offer he receives.
According to Amico, insiders initially believed that Gee's future in Cleveland would depend on how the team drafted next Thursday, since the Cavs could land a similar, younger wing with their No. 4 pick. However, given the cap space expected to be available for Cleveland this summer, it now appears the club will do everything it can to bring Gee back for 2012/13 and beyond.
Because Gee met the "starter criteria" as defined by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Cavs will have to issue a qualifying offer worth about $2.7MM in order to make him a free agent, as I explained here. If Gee signs an offer sheet with another club, Cleveland will have three days to decide whether to match it or to let him walk.
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