Cavs Buzz: De’Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Thomas Bryant

The Cavaliers have the most expensive roster in the NBA. That’s what happens when you push past the second apron, lock in your stars, and try to win big in a league that punishes overspenders.

But payroll alone doesn’t win games. And as training camp arrives, the Cavs’ story isn’t just about Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley.

It’s also about the guys on the edges of the rotation, the developmental swings, and the internal bets this front office is making.

Here are some quick thoughts from Media Day (with lots more to come):

Waiting on Strus

The big one: Max Strus could be out until the All-Star break. That’s a blow to Cleveland’s shooting, spacing, and identity.

In the meantime, the Cavs will lean on Sam Merrill, who isn’t just being asked to shoot. He’ll get more on-ball and ball-handling opportunities. Coach Kenny Atkinson will also be relying heavily on Merrill’s improved defense and overall play as a utility man.

Tyson’s Test

The Cavs have thrown second-year man Jaylon Tyson right into the fire, challenging him to guard Mitchell in team settings. That’s not punishment — it’s preparation.

Cleveland sees Tyson’s defensive versatility as his ticket to early minutes. “This is your job,” is essentially the message.

If he can face Mitchell in practice, he should be just fine chasing wings when it counts.

Another Look at Hunter

One more quiet win? The Cavs spent time getting to know De’Andre Hunter better this offseason. They came away encouraged.

Hunter’s progress was noticeable, and the Cavs are more confident about how he can be deployed. He may not be an All-Star, but in a season where depth could matter as much as dollars, Hunter’s growth may loom larger than expected.

Oh, and for the record, he says he’s ready to start.

Hayes, Bryant and Nance

There’s also Killian Hayes, who came to camp with strong reviews from French national team contacts. He’ll see heavy preseason work while Garland is eased in and Mitchell’s minutes are managed.

While he could be headed for the G League’s Charge, again, there may be a role early for him with the Cavs. Perhaps his defensive pressure can sharpen Cleveland’s guards the way Matthew Dellavedova once sharpened Kyrie Irving.

In the frontcourt, Cleveland ended up with both Larry Nance Jr. and Thomas Bryant, though there was a time in free agency when it looked like it might be one or the other.

Landing both gives Atkinson that much more frontcourt versatility. And specifically with Bryant, the Cavs want him to help model the five-out look they’d like their bigs to embrace  — and to push Allen into becoming more comfortable defending away from the paint.

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