Australian Matthew Dellavedova’s reportedly looking for $4 million US to stay at the Cleveland Cavaliers. That appears more likely, however, as time drags on.
A restricted free agent, Dellavedova could possibly move to another franchise in search of a better offer than what he’s getting from the Cavs at the moment, but the Cavs have the right to match any offer he gets.
On about $800,000 for the 2014-2015 season, Dellavedova went from zero to hero back to zero in the Cavs NBA finals campaign. He played a few blinders but the series ultimately ended in disappointment for Cleveland.
A step up in his paygrade would be well deserved but industry opinion is that Dellavedova is asking for a bit more than he’s worth at the moment, with an increase to around $2 million a year far more reasonable.
Complicating the issue is the fact that the Cavs signed veteran Mo Williams to be their point guard backup for Kyrie Irving in the off-season, likely placing Dellavedova third in line for gametime.
However, Dellavedova is worth more to the Cavs at the moment than just his on-court exploits. His toughness and aggression made him a fan favourite in the NBA Playoffs, seeing his merchandising value make a jump.
Then there’s the issue of the luxury tax, costing the Cavs more and more as their salary roll increases. At the end of the day $4 million isn’t really just $4 million to them, it’s a fair bit more out of their ledger that they don’t want to pay.
Coming in on top of all that is the simple fact that Dellavedova’s got a massively better chance of success at the Cavs than he does elsewhere.
While the teammates of LeBron James certainly put in their own fair share of good performances last season, there’s no doubt about where the star power resides at Cleveland.
LeBron makes his teammates, including Dellavedova, look good – probably a fair chunk better than they really are – and lifts them up to greater heights than they’re going to reach elsewhere. Would you really want to give that up?
All things considered Dellavedova just doesn’t seem likely to pull in the kind of offer he’s asking for from anywhere else, making it probable that he and the Cavs will eventually find a compromise that still sees his paychecks increase in value but probably not by as much as he’d like.
His agent, Billy Duffy, is one of the best dealers in the business though, so you wouldn’t rule out anything just yet.
Swampy
Guest
Delly's type of play is really only suited to teams that are gunning for the title. Would he be valuable at the Sixers for example or the Knicks? Hence the market for him is small. On top of that - his last 3 games weren't just average - they were terrible. He really should just take a compromised offer and maybe work jersey sales into his contract. Whatever happens he'll have achieved more than anyone ever expected.
astro
Guest
I think they're waiting to settle the JR Smith situation first. He's opted out of his final year, and if he wants more money, it might come at the expense of Delly's salary. Either way, I think the Cavs need him. Their back court looks better now, with Mo off the bench, but beyond him they're still pretty thin. Delly covers both PG and SG and is a nice balance to both Kyrie and Mo, neither of whom are great defenders.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
As a Cavs I'm hoping maybe he won't cost that much. But as an Aussie and a Delly fan I hope he gets all he can. Looking forward to seeing up Tristan first Not sure what they're planning with Mo. Unless he gets another 52pt game
leftyg
Guest
I would like to see Delly get the four million, but he probably will not. No team not vying for wins in the playoffs would want him at a high price. He is a great defender in a sport where defense is important but undervalued. Everybody wants glitz and showtime. Delly gives it to you in a different way, by diving for 50-50 balls and frenetic defense. He does two quiet things very well. He was fourth in the league in assist to turnover ration and 14th in three point shooting. He is a better fit with the Cavs than Mo Williams. He should get a nice raise and be back; it probably will not be four million though.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Who's Tristian? ;) Good summary otherwise. JR said he 'sort of regrets' opting out - likely he'll have to take a little pay cut.
Rarojuice
Guest
I think everything is waiting on Tristian Thompson signing. Once he's locked in they'll try to sign Delly and JR Smith. Also Delly's prospects also hinge on what the Cavs do with Brendon Hayward's contract. They wanna trade him for another wing player, Jamal Crawford has been mentioned but nothing has been buzzing the last few weeks. Looks like this off season everyone is just getting overpaid. Crazy