Written by Robby Kalland at Uproxx.com
The Cavaliers entered NBA free agency without much in the way of room to add to their roster in free agency. However, with the rest of the Eastern Conference (which Cleveland rolled through with ease last postseason) failing to take strides to get better so far in free agency, if not actively getting worse, the Cavs remain the heavy favorite to win the conference next season.
Because they seem destined for another meeting with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals next year, despite failing to make a splash on the trade market, the Cavs’ focus has been on retaining their top assets from the current roster. The biggest piece they had to take care of this summer was sharpshooter Kyle Korver, acquired mid-season last year from the Hawks, and on Sunday, Korver and the Cavs agreed to a 3-year, $22 million deal to keep him in Cleveland.
The Cavs have agreed to a 3-year, $22 million deal with Kyle Korver, sources said. Partial guarantee in third year.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 2, 2017
The Cavaliers luxury tax bill for next season now increases from $20.4M to $42.7M with the Kyle Korver three… https://t.co/gq7wPYapQn
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 2, 2017
Adding Korver’s salary more than doubles the Cavaliers’ tax bill to over $40 million. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is clearly trying to send a message to LeBron James that he will continue to spend as needed to make Cleveland a contender as James faces free agency in a year, with genuine concern that he’ll walk away next summer.
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