Cleveland Cavaliers Needs Heading Into the 2021 NBA Draft and Free Agency

Even though the 2021 NBA Finals are in full swing, the NBA Draft is quickly approaching. The Cleveland Cavaliers got lucky and wound up with the number three overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, they still need to make some major moves this offseason to fill some of the holes in their lineup.

The following is a complete look at the Cleveland Cavaliers needs, as we approach the 2021 NBA Draft and Free Agency.

Cleveland Cavaliers Needs Heading Into the Offseason

Upcoming Cleveland Cavaliers Free Agents

• Jarrett Allen (C) (RFA)
• Matthew Dellavedova (PG) (UFA)*
• Jeremiah Martin (SG) (RFA)
• Isaiah Hartenstein (C) (Player-Option)

*Matthew Dellavedova signed a three-year contract with Melbourne United of the NBL.

The biggest priority on the Cavs offseason list, other than the number three overall selection, is what to do with Jarrett Allen. The Cavs front office loves the big man, but he could ask for a contract north of $100 million. Things are messy with the Cavaliers right now, with star shooting guard Collin Sexton seemlingly very available in trade talks. The Cavs don’t view Sexton as worth the amount of money he will be asking for. On top of that, it’s hard to build a young, contending team with Allen and Sexton making max money. Cleveland seems to be choosing Allen in this situation, as he is a better player to build around. As for Hartenstein, he’s a solid rim protector and great rebounder, and it’s likely he declines his player option, in search of a multi-year deal elsewhere.

Cleveland Cavaliers 2021 NBA Draft Picks

• First Round, Third Overall

Cleveland Cavalier Draft Targets

Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham is the runaway favorite to be the first player selected by the Detroit Pistons. However, with the third overall pick in hand, the Cavs have explored options about trading up to the top pick. Cunningham is the perfect young prospect in today’s NBA. He can do it all. He’s a good shooter, a great playmaker and a solid facilitator. Cunningham should be solid perimeter defender, with the right amount of coaching. If the Cavs could land Cunningham, it would likely fast-track their rebuild.

Jalen Green

Jalen Green is the best pure scorer in the 2021 NBA Draft. The 6-5 guard was ESPN’s number one overall recruit in the class of 2020. He decided to forgo college to play a year in the G-League. What a smart move that was. He was stellar for the G-League Ignite, averaging nearly 18 points per game, while adding in four rebounds and three assists. This is all against professional-level players. Green should also be a solid defender, if he puts effort into that side of the ball. He shouldn’t be considered a primary ball-handler yet, as he still needs to refine that part of his game. Green is another great prospect to build around.

Evan Mobley

The big man out of USC has impressed NBA scouts and teams analytics departments. Evan Mobley is a true seven-footer with a body that was built to be a rim-protector. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s a great distributor and his shooting is solid everywhere inside the three-point arc. His shooting form and continued growth suggest he will stretch his range to the three-point line. He needs to work on his back-to-the-basket skills, but he compares favorably to Chris Bosh, and at times Anthony Davis.