Cleveland Cavaliers’ Caris LeVert reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of an NBA basketball game March 21, 2023, in New York. The Cavaliers opened free agency by agreeing with LeVert on a two-year, $32 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday, June 30. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers came out firing in free agency.
Looking to improve its roster after an illuminating playoff exit, Cleveland agreed to deals with forwards Caris LeVert and Georges Niang in the first hour on Friday.
LeVert, who bounced back and forth between starter and reserve last season, agreed to a two-year, $32 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Niang agreed to a three-year, $26 million deal with Cleveland, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told AP.
The moves improve the Cavs’ depth and gives them two proven veterans — and in Niang, a solid outside shooter — to go along with their young core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen following a 51-win season.
And Cleveland might not be done.
The Cavs have been involved in talks about a potential sign-and-trade with Miami for shooting guard Max Strus, who has drawn interest from several teams following his breakout season. Strus would give Cleveland another needed outside threat.
Niang, who played the past two seasons with Philadelphia, will be reunited in Cleveland with Mitchell, his former teammate for three seasons in Utah. Mitchell quickly responded to the Cavs’ move, posting “Minivan,” Niang’s nickname on his Twitter page.
The 30-year-old Niang also has extensive playoff experience, something in short supply in Cleveland. Niang has played in 46 postseason games.
Cavs general manager Koby Altman vowed he would not be making “sweeping” changes following Cleveland’s stunning first-round playoff exit. Altman, though, has addressed some major needs for the Cavs, who ended their postseason drought before being bullied and ousted by the New York Knicks in the playoffs.
The person spoke to AP on LeVert’s deal on condition of anonymity because league rules prohibit teams from officially announcing deals until next week.
LeVert averaged 12.1 points, 3.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds in his first full season with Cleveland. He was expected to have a larger role before the Cavs acquired All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell in a blockbuster trade last summer.
Still, the 28-year-old LeVert, who came to Cleveland midway through the 2022 season, found his niche and was also one of the team’s best on-ball defenders. He was also one of the few Cavs who played well in the postseason, averaging 15.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in six games.
Following the season, LeVert said he hoped to stay with the Cavs and the sides were able to structure a deal that fits within Cleveland’s financial limitations and doesn’t tie them up long-term.
Niang averaged 8.2 points and 2.4 rebounds for the Sixers last season. He’s also made 40% of his 3-pointers in his career.
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