Meet the new Cleveland Cavaliers
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Lonzo in the Land. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
As currently constructed, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the costliest roster in pro basketball.
By the numbers: Superstars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley will both make $46 million this season.
- Darius Garland will earn just under $40 million, while Jarrett Allen will make $20 million before jumping to $28 million next season.
Why it matters: Given the league's strict new financial penalties for high payroll teams, this is likely the last season — barring a championship — that the Cavs can afford to keep their "Core Four" together.
Between the lines: President Koby Altman and the front office built out the roster this offseason via the draft, free agency and one pivotal trade.
- Here are the new players whose names you should get acquainted with.
🎖️ Lonzo Ball: Acquired from Chicago in a trade for Isaac Okoro.
- The veteran point guard is a high-IQ floor general and gritty defender who should be a critical piece of the rotation, especially with Garland recovering from toe surgery.
- Yes, but: Ball has been besieged by injuries himself and will be limited to 20 minutes per game.
🍼 Tyrese Proctor: Drafted 49th overall this year; inked a four-year deal before training camp.
- The 6-foot-5 guard from Duke may not see much playing time as a rookie, but he projects as a solid backup who will have ample time to refine his skills.
⚓️ Larry Nance, Jr.: Signed via free agency on a veteran minimum contract.
- The local favorite and son of Cavs legend Larry Nance returns for another tour of duty as a backup big man.
📈 Thomas Bryant: Signed via free agency on a veteran minimum contract.
- The journeyman center was last seen in an Indiana Pacers uniform. With Allen open to a more deliberate rest plan this season, Bryant could make spot starts or fill in off the bench as required.
What's next: The Cavs' season tips off Wednesday, Oct. 22, against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.