Cavs offseason snapshot: Spending big, aiming higher

If it feels like the Cavaliers had a fairly busy summer, that’s because they did.

And as Luke Adams of HoopsRumors detailed in a recent offseason check-in, Cleveland made some notable changes — all while carrying the most expensive roster in the NBA for 2025-26.

One big headline came early when the Cavs re-signed Sam Merrill to a four-year, $38 million contract. Merrill’s shooting and improved defense made him a must-keep, and Cleveland acted quickly to make sure he never hit the market.

Compared to similar deals for wings around the league — Boston’s Sam Hauser, for example — it looks like solid business for a team that badly needs perimeter shooting around Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

The Cavs weren’t as eager to keep Ty Jerome, who landed with the Grizzlies. Jerome had a breakout regular season but got exposed defensively in the playoffs.

Cleveland opted to let him walk rather than pile more salary into a backcourt that already features Mitchell and Garland.

Isaac Okoro, the team’s former lottery pick, was also on the way out, shipped to the Bulls for Lonzo Ball. On paper, that’s a guard-for-wing swap, but it also makes sense financially: Ball is on a shorter deal, giving the Cavs more flexibility down the road.

Of course, health is the big question. Ball played just 35 games last year after two-plus years on the shelf with knee problems. If he can get closer to 50 or 60 appearances, the Cavs may really have something.

In the draft, Cleveland used the 49th pick on Tyrese Proctor, who signed a four-year rookie deal with the first two seasons guaranteed. He probably won’t be a rotation fixture just yet, but the Cavs like his upside. Their other second-rounder, Saliou Niang, will remain overseas.

The Cavs also brought back a familiar face: Larry Nance Jr., who signed on a minimum deal. Nance isn’t expected to play 28 minutes a night like he once did in Cleveland, but he’s a steady option behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen — and a fan favorite who knows what it takes to win here.

As Adams noted, all of these moves come with the Cavs already deep into the luxury tax, operating north of $226 million in total salary. That makes every roster decision feel heavier.

They still need to add a 14th standard contract, and options range from guards like Malcolm Brogdon or Cameron Payne (to cover for Garland and Ball’s health concerns) to wings such as Landry Shamet or Gary Payton II (with Max Strus sidelined) to another big (Precious Achiuwa, Thomas Bryant) as insurance for Mobley and Allen.

The Cavs also have one open two-way slot to fill, which could be used to balance out whichever position they don’t address on the standard roster.

As for extensions, Garland, Strus, De’Andre Hunter, and Dean Wade are all eligible, but given how expensive this roster already is, don’t expect Cleveland to rush into any new long-term commitments.

Bottom line? The Cavaliers didn’t overhaul the roster, but they shuffled enough pieces to give coach Kenny Atkinson options. Merrill’s back. Nance is back. Ball is in the mix. Proctor’s in the pipeline.

And the Cavs have the kind of depth and experience to take another serious swing at the East — assuming, of course, they can stay healthy when it matters most.

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