Koby Altman, the Cavaliers' president of basketball operations, said the team is "built for a sustainable run here regardless of one outcome" following LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. He added that the Cavaliers "can't be reliant on one outcome."
James, who played eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, joined the 76ers as his third career team. His agent, Rich Paul, revealed in July that the Cavaliers were the only team James met with during free agency.
Since James left in 2018, Altman has built a contending roster. The Cavaliers won at least 50 games in each of the past two seasons and reached the Eastern Conference finals last year, losing to the New York Knicks in four games.
Cleveland moved quickly to address roster needs. On the first day of free agency, Donovan Mitchell, 30, signed a four-year, $273 million contract extension. James Harden, 37, acquired near the trade deadline last season, also signed a three-year, $97 million extension, providing salary cap flexibility.
The Cavaliers acquired wing Peyton Watson, 24, in a five-team trade and signed him to a four-year, $88 million contract. Last season with the Denver Nuggets, Watson started 40 games and averaged career highs of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He shot 41 percent from three-point range.
Coach Kenny Atkinson noted Watson's defensive ability and growth potential on offense.
Watson joins a young core of Evan Mobley, 25, Jarrett Allen, 28, and Jaylon Tyson, 23, complemented by the veteran leadership of Mitchell and Harden. Atkinson also praised Harden for arriving three weeks before training camp begins next week in Independence, Ohio.
Altman characterized the offseason as "really good," citing improvements to the roster and greater financial flexibility.
