The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally gotten some headway towards re-signing key players from last campaign after coming to terms with Australian backup guard Matthew Delladedova for a one-year deal.
The Cavs are bent on re-signing the same crew they had last year and initial reports had it that Delly had wanted a larger deal. According to earlier reports, the Aussie guard had targeted a $4 million annual contract which would have added more woes to the Cavs as far as the luxury tax penalty is concerned.
Instead, Delladedova has reportedly agreed to sign a $1.2 million deal for one year which would make him an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 NBA season.
Delladedova is best known for stepping up in place of an injured Kyrie Irving in the NBA Finals and given the inevitable task of trying to check reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stephen Curry.
Aside from his defensive assignment, Delladedova shone in games 2 and 3 until he suffered a case of dehydration. After his superb showing in the first two games, Delly struggled as Lebron James found little support from Delladedova and the rest.
With his return, Delladedova is expected to revert to his role of chief reliever of Irving, although it may all depend on whether or not Uncle Drew will be up and ready once the 2015-16 NBA season opens in October. He is likely to share some minutes with another comeback guard, Mo Williams, although Delladedova could spend some time as well playing shooting guard.
Dan Gilbert and the Cavs now focus their attention on two other players, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith. Thompson is looking for a maximum deal as well while Smith carries a pretty hefty price tag which could give the Cavs more sleepless nights.
Of the two, Thompson is likely to be re-signed first while Smith's case may all boil down to how much money the Cavs can afford to spare for the NBA vet who had opted out of his contract at the end of last season with the Cavs.
