James Harden remains unsigned, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have stayed quiet this offseason. There was much build up to LeBron James decision, with many preparing for the 22-time All-Star to return to Cleveland. He chose Philadelphia instead. The Cavs are still trying to figure out what to do.
Two names have emerged on Cleveland’s radar. As Harden, the soon-to-be 37-year-old, waits for the Cavs to make a move before he re-signs, the franchise has its sights set on free agent forward DeMar DeRozan and Devner Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson.
“As ESPN’s Shams Charania reported recently, DeRozan has generated interest from the Heat, Nuggets, Cavaliers and Washington Wizards, serving as a high-profile name, proven scorer and durable option for several teams in need of offensive punch at a team-friendly price. His $25.7 million expiring contract was waived by the Sacramento Kings, but he received the $10 million guaranteed portion of that contract,” ESPN reported.
Cavaliers Eye DeRozan, Peyton Watson After Losing LeBron James to Rival
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers wait for a free throw during the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 25, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Watson, Denver’s 23-year-old rising star, has been unable to close the negotiating gap with the Nuggets this offseason. It appears Watson, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, could soon be on a new team.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost out on the LeBron James sweepstakes, are also “serious candidates” to land Watson, a league source familiar with the situation told ESPN,” reported NBA insider Dave McMenamin.
But there are major stumbling blocks in Cleveland’s pursuit of Watson, reports NBA insider Brett Siegel. With Denver unable to take back players in a sign-and-trade for Watson, and with the Cavs needing to move pieces to create room to add Watson, the Cavs could be beat out by rival suitors for the rising star forward.
“Cleveland could include their 2031 first-round pick, as well as a second-round pick, in a deal for Watson, but they would also need to give up either Dennis Schroder or Max Strus,” Siegel reported. “The problem in doing so is that Denver wouldn’t be able to take either player back due to their second-apron status, regardless of what Watson’s cap hit would be on a new contract. Many around the league have cast doubt on Cleveland’s chances of landing Watson at this juncture.”
Landing DeRozan Will Be Tricky, Too
The Cavs have DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, on their radar. But rival suitors may be better positioned to pay DeRozan the salary he is seeking.
“It doesn’t seem like he wants to take a minimum contract,” Siegel said on the “Clutch Scoops” live stream. “He wants either the full midlevel (exception), which I don’t think he’s gonna get. I think he’s gonna get part of the midlevel. … He probably wants to get around that $8-$10 million range to recuperate some value that he lost from Sacramento waiving.”
Meanwhile, Harden and the Cavs have held off on agreeing to a new contract as the team sorts out what moves to make this offseason. ESPN reported that Cleveland’s interest in Watson has delayed Harden’s new contract.
“I think that could happen relatively soon,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on Harden’s looming contract. “The question is gonna be is it a two year deal, a three year deal, what the structure looks like is gonna determine what the money looks like. But the Cavs are still poking around with Peyton Watson and I think that’s why James has given them a lot of room to negotiate.”
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