Did somebody tell the Cavaliers it’s fine to add to their roster this summer? With only 12 roster spots filled (pending Isaac Okoro’s decision), the Cleveland Cavaliers need to acquire at least two more players before opening night.
Regardless of how hard the Cavaliers have tried to avoid reality this offseason, they will have to reach an agreement with someone who is not now employed by Cleveland’s basketball team this summer. Most recently, French Olympic standout Guerschon Yabusele has drawn attention as a possible link to head coach Kenny Atkinson. Yabusele helped Team France win silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, although they lost to Team USA in the final. The Cavs are prepared to examine possibilities with the former Boston Celtic, but they still
have other issues to handle.
Despite Okoro’s bungled restricted free agency and a paucity of free agent signings, the Cavs made positive moves this summer. Cleveland re-signed Donovan Mitchell following two years of public anticipation that the superstar might leave. Evan Mobley inked a maximum deal, and Jarrett Allen agreed to a three-year extension. With more than $100 million per year dedicated to the core four soon, the Cavaliers must commit to continued expansion.
The Cavaliers must make changes before training camp. 
Training camp for the 2024-25 season begins on October 1, giving the Cavaliers about a month and a half to remedy their lack of depth and shooting.
Cleveland has often been patient every summer, including the 2022 offseason, which culminated in a late blockbuster deal in September to acquire Mitchell. The Cavs traded for Lauri Markkanen a year ago after taking a more measured approach. Cleveland still has room to manoeuvre and improve this summer, but time is running out because the team’s biggest trade assets have signed extensions and are no longer eligible for trade.
Once the deals with Okoro fell through, the Cavs’ offseason plans appeared unclear at best. Still, the Cavaliers have needs and ways to meet them. According to reports, the Cavaliers will meet with Atkinson after his run with Team France to discuss next steps, indicating that Cleveland will make decisions in the coming weeks. Adding Atkinson to the decision-making process does not Only demonstrates the Cavs’ faith in his basketball acumen, but also their dedication to entrusting the club in his hands after signing the five-year contract that brought him to town. With Atkinson back, the Cavaliers should make these two roster moves ahead of training camp to help new players adjust to a new system before opening night.
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