Overview
- Multiple outlets report Cleveland has decided to prioritize re-signing versatile forward Dean Wade over keeping 3-and-D guard Keon Ellis.
- Those reports say Keon Ellis is expected to become an unrestricted free agent, with the Lakers, Celtics, Clippers and Nets identified as likely suitors.
- The decision reflects new cap math: the league’s projected luxury-tax line of about $201 million and a first apron near $210 million make retaining multiple midlevel contracts difficult.
- To stay under punitive aprons the Cavaliers are weighing moves to shed salary, including possible trades of role players such as Max Strus or Dennis Schroder, while Evan Mobley is not expected to be available.
- If Ellis reaches the open market teams that can clear room to use a roughly $15 million midlevel exception could drive a competitive bidding process that reshapes how contenders add perimeter defense and shooting.