The Cavs have long odds as free agency opens.
NBA Free Agency is now open, although contracts cannot be announced for several days. The Cavs don’t have much maneuverability here with the mid-level exception (worth just over $10 million) and minimum signings to work with on the open market. And there’s the whole Collin Sexton situation to sort out a well.
What are the Cavs’ odds of … winning a championship heading into free agency?
According to DraftKings, the Cavs are +9000 to win the NBA title next year. That puts them near teams like the Trail Blazers (+6000), Hornets (+12000) and Knicks (+15000). This is on the lower side of odds, so considering Cleveland to be a less likely team to win it all. But that also feels right based on where they are at with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen still really just getting started.
Could these odds change?
Yes, but probably not because of free agency. As noted, the Cavs just don’t have much flexibility to make moves in free agency. They could get an interesting player in free agency, but it’s not likely to tilt the scales in a notable way. The growth is going to come from Garland and Mobley hitting another level next year. Even then, that might not be enough to really change the title odds.
Your open thread
As always, keep it clean below and enjoy free agency. It’s been a wild start so far, even if the Cavs haven’t been involved yet.
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