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June 30, 2015NBA free agency officially begins tomorrow, which means that bushels of rumors will fall upon us over the next couple days. The latest regarding the Cleveland Cavaliers is not about Kevin Love or LeBron James, but a former rival in whom LeBron and the Cavs are allegedly interested.
Free agent I'm hearing that LeBron James would love the Cavs to sign: Chicago's Mike Dunleavy
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2015
It makes sense. Dunleavy is a big small forward at 6-9/220, and he can really shoot the ball. He’s a 37.6 percent three-point shooter for his career, and he’s shot 38 percent or better on threes in each of the past five seasons. He’s hardly a lockdown defender, but he has played on some defensive-minded Bulls teams under Tom Thibodeau and is not a complete liability on that end of the floor. He’s a little long in the tooth at age 34, but he would provide usable depth on the wing and another shooter to space the floor for the Cavs’ stars.
This, however, is not likely to happen. We’ve written ad nauseum about the Cavs’ complicated financial situation, and in this case Dunleavy’s last employer (the Bulls) has both the means and inclination to present him with a better offer than can Cleveland.
But all the latest signals continue to stress that both Jimmy Butler and Mike Dunleavy are HIGHLY likely to be back with the Bulls
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2015
Since Dunleavy spent the last two seasons in Chicago, the Bulls have his early Bird rights.1 This means that they can offer him 175 percent of his previous contract — he made about $3.3 million last year, so the Bulls could offer him up to about $5.8 million this summer. Chicago could also exceed the salary cap to keep Dunleavy in the fold.
The Cavs, meanwhile, are already up against the cap and could only offer Dunleavy the taxpayer mid-level exception, worth about $3.4 million per year. It’s no lock that the Bulls will present Dunleavy with a richer offer, but it’s a likely bet. They’ve indicated that they want to keep him in Chicago, and teams don’t just let 40-percent three-point shooters walk away.
This story is more likely smoke than fire, but stay tuned. The Cavs will be making moves before long.
- A full explanation can be found here. [↩]
13 Comments
If LBJ wants Mars Blackmon, then sign Mars Blackmon.
Dunleavy was a guy I had some thought of and could be a possibility although I’d prefer Perry Jones from OKC using the expiring contract of Haywood.
Plus, Dookies have always been such good luck for us.
Ferry
Trajan
Boozer
Luol
Kneecap
I would pursue him if Chicago cuts ties, which I could very much see happening. If they give Butler the max (~$18m) they’re far over the cap next year ~$77m range and in the neighborhood of the tax level, even before signing Dunleavy. They also have to decide if they bring back Brooks, who would be due a decent raise. So just bringing last year’s team back – they’re well into the tax level. Dunleavy for the MLE makes plenty of sense.
Dunleavy – totally NOT interested!!!
Not sure who else the Cavs will be able to look to in FA… Aaron Brooks? Barbosa? JJ Barea? Jason Terry? Rodney Stuckey? Jeremy Lin? Wes Johnson? Jason Richardson? Dorell Wright? Marco Belinelli? Paul Pierce?
There just isn’t much out there to choose from, and remember – were potentially talking about the 10/11th guy in your rotation.
I just got angry at the mere reading of “Brooks.” He was such a little punk during that series.
Miller opted in – oh brother!!! I believe in making good teams great even if it offends somebody others call “king”. Both Tristan and Love can go for Aldridge and why talk about Shumpert, Smith and Wade when Butler is out there. People think East teams are just gonna let the Cavs waltz righ back into another Title opportunity – NOT!!!
Well, for starters the Cavs can’t get Aldridge, Wade or Butler – unless they took insane pay cuts, and they’re not. The only players they can spend big on are those already on our roster, that’s why everyone is talking about them.
I do think we’ll be able to nab a decent player for Haywood’s contract, but there’s just really no opportunity to bring on any big name free agent.
Dunleavy is a thug who will cheapshot anybody at anytime. He can also make 3 pointers. I’d take him on a cheap deal.
You’re off your rocker! LOL Aldrige and Wade
I’m glad you said something because he’s been stuck on the Aldridge thing for days.
AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!