The Cleveland Cavaliers are undoubtedly excited that Evan Mobley advanced his career by becoming the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year and will receive an additional $45 million over his new five-year extension via the Rose rule, but the elevated salary on their books for next season could mean the front office has to trim a player they would have otherwise been able to retain.
The Cavaliers’ major free agent is Ty Jerome, who had a breakout season and finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Jerome could sign for an annual salary at or around the midlevel exception.
“There’s people in their organization who have said to me ‘We absolutely want… we’re so excited that we gave Evan this contract,” said Brian Windhorst on Friday’s Hoop Collective Podcast. “‘And he’s going to be an All-NBA player and a Defensive Player of the Year, but this bonus could cost us a player.'”
The Cavaliers also took on more money at the trade deadline when they acquired De’Andre Hunter. Cleveland also signed Isaac Okoro in the offseason on a three-year, $38 million deal.