The Cavaliers are surveying the free agent market in search of potential reinforcements, according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.com, who reports that the team will work out several veteran players on Wednesday. Kirk Hinrich, Mario Chalmers, and Lance Stephenson are among the players scheduled to audition for Cleveland, per Haynes.
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Having made a two-for-one trade when they acquired Kyle Korver earlier this month, the Cavaliers have had an open roster spot for the last few weeks, and could potentially create another one if they decide to waive Chris Andersen, who is out for the year with a torn ACL. Sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking tell Haynes that one of the participants in Wednesday’s workout could be signed before the All-Star break, using that roster opening.
Some of the veteran free agents participating in the Cavaliers’ workout on Wednesday will be out to prove that they’re healthy. Chalmers has been recovering from a torn Achilles for most of the season, but is believed to be ready to return to action. Stephenson, meanwhile, was cut by the Pelicans in the fall after he suffered a groin injury. Like Chalmers, Stephenson is said to be healthy now, according to Haynes.
While one of the participants in Wednesday’s workout could become a Cav, the team is considering many options to fortify its roster, including possible trade scenarios. Former NBA forward Josh Smith is among the other free agents on the club’s radar as well, sources tell Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net (Twitter link). The Cleveland front office has been under pressure from LeBron James to add a “playmaker” to the roster to help lighten the load for the team’s stars.
Based on the Cavs’ current tax situation, any player added to the roster will count as $2.50 toward the team’s tax bill for every $1 he earns.
hahahaha Josh Smith.
Haha Cavs fans will argue that he’s still talented and is the playmaker they need….ignorant to the fact that he is so washed up he can’t even make an NBA roster
He could theoretically give them the backup 5 they need that can defend pick and roll and protect the rim, and his other skills would be an added bonus as long as he doesn’t take many 3s. Could give them more ways to matchup against GS defensively at times
Josh smith is done…don’t even waste your time
Stephenson, Rio, Norris, and Josh Smith are all interesting possibilities for the Cavs current needs.
I heard they are trying to contact AI, Stephon Murbury, Marcus Camby.. Hahaha
Camby would be perfect if he were still like 5 years younger lol