The Cleveland Cavaliers have received an unfortunate prediction heading into the NBA offseason.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are certainly more worried about making a playoff run than anything else right now, but the offseason is drawing closer.
The Cavaliers don't exactly have a lot of financial wiggle room right now, which could certainly make improving the team complicated this summer.
That includes retaining their own players.
Keon Ellis, for example, is slated to hit the open market, and Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus — who ranked Ellis 42nd on his free agency big board — is not so sure that Cleveland will be able to keep the 6-foot-4 guard.
"Ellis is extension-eligible but may go to free agency, as Cleveland has significant apron concerns. Another team with enough incentive may be able to out-price the Cavaliers for Ellis," Pincus wrote.
Cleveland acquired Ellis in a trade deadline deal with the Sacramento Kings, a move that has definitely helped the Cavs' defense.
In 21 games with the Cavaliers this season, Ellis is averaging eight points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals over 24.8 minutes per game on 48.7/35.1/83.3 shooting splits. His primary value, though, comes on the defensive end of the floor.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis. Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images.The 26-year-old went undrafted but landed with the Kings in 2022, eventually becoming a full-time rotation player during his third season.
Ellis owns career averages of 6.5 points, 2.1 boards and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the floor, 40.9 percent from three-point range and 77.9 percent from the free-throw line.
The University of Alabama product — who is making just $2.3 million his season — certainly shouldn't be too expensive, but with all of the other expensive commitments Cleveland has made, re-signing him might prove difficult.
It's also important to keep in mind that James Harden is headed toward free agency, as well, and considering that the Cavs traded Darius Garland to acquire him, they will probably try to keep him.
Otherwise, the Cavaliers are running out of time to win with their current core, and perhaps further extravagant moves could be made if they suffer yet another early playoff exit this spring.
Cleveland is 45-28 heading into its Friday night matchup with the Miami Heat.
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