The Cavaliers, who were linked to Luke Babbitt and Trevor Booker over the weekend, continue to explore the free agent market as they consider how to fill out their roster. According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, the club has spoken with free agent swingman David Nwaba, who has reciprocated the Cavs’ interest.
After opening the month as a restricted free agent, Nwaba had his qualifying offer rescinded by the Bulls on July 12. The 25-year-old reportedly drew interest from the Lakers, Spurs, and other teams upon becoming an unrestricted free agent, but he has yet find a new NBA home.
A former undrafted free agent, Nwaba had a solid season for the Bulls in 2017/18, averaging 7.9 PPG and 4.7 RPG while playing strong perimeter defense in 70 games (21 starts). He was considered a candidate to receive a solid multiyear deal in free agency this summer, but with roster spots and spending power dwindling around the league, it’s no longer clear what sort of payday Nwaba could realistically seek.
Nwaba would be an interesting target for the Cavs, who still have their full mid-level exception available and could use another strong defender in the wing. However, Cleveland’s cap situation remains uncertain as long as restricted free agent Rodney Hood stays unsigned.
Vardon indicated on Friday that the Cavs are still negotiating a possible deal with Hood. If he receives a starting salary in the $10-12MM range, it would put Cleveland’s team salary right up against the luxury-tax line. That would leave little flexibility to add any other players for more than the minimum — unless, of course, team owner Dan Gilbert is willing to go back into the tax for a roster that no longer features LeBron James. Trades or cuts could also create a little extra spending power below the tax line for the Cavs.
Didnt think he would be in their price range. Assuming they trade Korver, they can use a wing rotation of Jr Smith, Cedi Osman, Rodney Hood, Nwaba, which is an improvement for them theoretically
Surely they ain’t offering 10/12MM/year for Hood.
If any one read Joe Vardon’s article, it said Hood would likely get a contract similar to Marcus Smart in the 4 year $52MM range.
Think Nwaba a better option than babbit or booker
He’s a MUCH better player than Babbitt or Booker. Not to mention, Nwaba also adds upside, unlike those two.
Nwaba is a steadily improving player that plays extremely solid perimeter defense. He can guard the opposing team’s best player, and he rebounds pretty well for a wing his size.
Offensively, he’s still finding himself. However, he’s great at slashing to the basket, and he can occasionally knock down some shots..
Whichever team that gets Nwaba, especially at this stage in free agency, should be getting him for a steal of a deal. Although, with that being the case, it’s pretty likely Nwaba will only sign a one year deal, and he’ll look to cash in next year..
Either way, you’re getting a young, talented, high-intensity, and motivated excellent defender, that can score some points here and there, one that puts his team first, and he will provide a spark to any team’s second unit..
He’s an excellent addition to any team, and I’m going to miss the spark and energy he provided for the Bulls off the bench..
Nwaba for guard is great. Now if still available:
David West GSW– He moved to Ohio once before & it worked out quite well! A10 POY Xavier
Alan Williams PHX– Injured last year, huge year before, 7-1 wingspan, bull.
Lucas Noguera TOR– Way long, sometimes has a big impact.