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Milwaukee Bucks: Examining the offseasons to date of playoff rivals

By Adam McGee

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: A close up of the NBA Playoff logo is seen before the game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: A close up of the NBA Playoff logo is seen before the game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers

Additions: Derrick Rose, Jose Calderon, Jeff Green, Cedi Osman, Kyle Korver (returning free agent), Koby Altman (general manager)

Subtractions: Deron Williams, James Jones, Derrick Williams, Dahntay Jones, David Griffin (general manager), Kyrie Irving (?)

Although the Cavaliers’ offseason (and longer-term future) likely rests on how Kyrie Irving’s desire to be traded resolves itself, Cleveland’s summer was already cause for concern for Cavs fans prior to their star point guard’s bombshell.

After years of expertly manipulating the cap and making a host of in-season trades the Cavs needed for their title pushes, David Griffin’s contract as general manager was not renewed by Dan Gilbert. Koby Altman eventually came on as his replacement, and is the latest exec to be handed the poisoned chalice that is being a general manager under Gilbert’s watch.

On the court, aside from finally bringing over exciting young Turkish forward Cedi Osman, the Cavs committed to a strange mix of mostly veteran players.

With Irving’s shadow looming large over proceedings, Cleveland became the latest team to gamble on Derrick Rose’s knees and fit in today’s NBA. Jeff Green is also a gamble considering his struggles elsewhere in recent years.

The re-signing of Kyle Korver and the addition of Jose Calderon saw the Cavaliers turn to two players who will be 36 when the season starts, and are both increasing liabilities defensively.

Better or Worse?: Cleveland’s new additions don’t really move the needle, and with their best players getting older, it’s hard to say they’ve improved. Of course, a lot of the cracks are covered up by LeBron James, but if Irving does leave, will he be next?

Looking at the makeup of the Cavs’ roster, an Irving trade would need to bring back young talent for the sake of the team’s future. That’s unlikely to help them in the present, though, and so it’s all up in the air in Cleveland.

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