Cavaliers keeping the core!

Dan Gilbert promised that the best was yet to come for the Cleveland Cavaliers and that money was not going to get in the way of that destination.

Cleveland found themselves off to a fast start with the re-signing of Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert to long-term deals and it looked as if Tristan Thompson was going to added to the fold on the same day as well before an apparent monkey wrench has resulted in no current agreement,although talks are continuing.

The big news is the signing of Kevin Love to a max contract for five years and 110 million and ending the last year of speculation (including mine) of whether Love was a long term Cavalier and was the loss of Andrew Wiggins worth the potential of a one year rental.
Love's retention (and Shumpert as well) makes the Cavaliers a realistic title contender for the next few seasons and removes the speculation from the media that followed the team for the last year.
That alone has to improve the team from a morale standpoint not having to answer the various questions spun off the same theme and could result in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Love gives the Cavaliers the frontcourt scoring option that was so sorely missing against Golden State and allows Timofey Mozgov and Tristan Thompson (assuming he re-signs) room to roam in the paint.
This move alone allows Cleveland to continue to contend....

Iman Shumpert's four year contract for ten million per year (year four is at Shumpert's option) gives the Cavaliers a shutdown level defender that can defend both small forwards and shooting guards.
Shumpert might be a player that fits better in a role on a winning team more than a key player on a lesser team and the salary paid Shumpert seems more reasonable than the contract that the Spurs gave Danny Green on the same day.
Shumpert should plug in as a starter,but could also come off the bench,if the personnel dictates.

Tristan Thompson looked close to a five year deal for eighty million dollars,but the reports are currently that the pair are still a little apart.
Thompson did play well last season,but keep in mind that he is a one-tool player right now and is still rolling into his offensive game.
I'm all for the Cavaliers retaining Thompson,but keep in mind that the more expensive that he is,the less money that Cleveland will have to spend on shooters and a badly needed veteran point guard.

Mike Miller picked up his player option for next season as expected.
A few million to basically practice and hardly play is a pretty cushy job and Miller figured to add the
option to stick around..

Planning on a Friday podcast,so stay tuned....