Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman did a tremendous job rebuilding his roster in three separate trades last week. We’re not sure if this current team will be better than the pre-deadline version, but the status quo obviously wasn’t working.
With the likes of Rodney Hood, George Hill, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. looking to help LeBron James and the Cavs win a fourth consecutive Eastern Conference Title, the focus will soon turn to whether Cleveland is able to retain James this summer.
If that were to come to fruition, the Cavs would be looking at an absolutely absurd payroll for the 2018-19 season.
As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst notes, Cleveland’s trade deadline deals puts the team in position to break the NBA payroll record next season. Hill, Clarkson and Nance Jr. combine for a $34 million salary next season. Meanwhile, Hood is slated to become a restricted free agent and will likely earn north of $12 million annually. Add in James’ $35.6 million player option, and this will lead to a salaries totaling $159 million.
With a projected luxury tax hit of $149 million, this would bring the Cavaliers’ overall payroll to north of $308 million, an NBA record.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has not yet put a limit on what his front office spends. Whether that remains the case moving forward is up for debate.
But more than simply adding talent to appease James and hopefully contend for a title, the Cavaliers made a major commitment to the NBA champion. A financial one. Don’t think that’s lost on LeBron.
James’ future in Cleveland will likely be dependent on how the team closes out this season. But it goes without saying that the front office has done everything possible to retain him. This is the latest example.