Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin offered a brief look at the team’s plans for the summer, as he says that he plans to keep the Cavs’ core intact.
"We intend to keep this group together and see what we're capable of" — Cavs GM David Griffin just now to the #NBAInsiders on @ESPNRadio
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 26, 2016
However, according to Spotrac, Cleveland will have highest payroll in the league next year based on its salary-cap holds.
Point guard Kyrie Irving and shooting guard Iman Shumpert are locked up through 2019, while Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are signed through 2020, and it’s doubtful the team will look to move Love after winning the NBA title.
Cavs 2016 NBA Finals MVP forward LeBron James recently told ESPN.com’s Dave McMenamin he has absolutely no intention of leaving Cleveland, either.
With the possible exception of shooting guard J.R. Smith, the core of the Cavaliers should indeed remain together for the 2016-17 season and keep a stranglehold on the Eastern Conference.
