LeBron, Cavaliers ready to 'snatch up' much needed missing player
Even with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love on their roster, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still one move (or two) away from forming a squad that's versatile and deep enough to win the NBA championship.
In order to topple the Golden State Warriors, the Cavaliers need at least one more wing, ideally someone who can create his own shot, knock down open 3s, go off the dribble and defend multiple positions. Those players are rare and in high demand throughout the league, but Cleveland has its sights on a few helpful options, including Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver and Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore. But the most interesting (and realistic) option might be Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (via Cleveland.com):
For Cleveland, McLemore would be additional backcourt depth at a relative cheap rate. He's earning $3.1 million this season and $4 million in 2016-17 before hitting restricted free agency. McLemore could also serve as a security blanket should J.R. Smith decide to bolt in free agency this summer. Houston's Trevor Ariza, Atlanta's Kyle Korver and Washington's Jared Dudley are all on the Cavaliers' radar, but landing one of those three is highly unlikely. If Joe Johnson secures a buyout in Brooklyn, league sources are adamant Cleveland would "snatch him up" for the veteran minimum.
Johnson turns 35 in June and is averaging his fewest points per game since 2003. (Did we mention he's old?)
But the seven-time All-Star remains useful; Brooklyn's offense is a remarkable 9.8 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court.
It's unclear who he'd guard in a seven-game series against Steph Curry and Golden State, but as a dependable offensive option off the bench, it's not hard to picture him having a meaningful moment or two. He hits big shots, and would help, more than hurt, the Cavaliers on their path to a title.
