Cleveland Cavaliers: Why Re-Signing Alonzo Gee Is a Must

It took two full seasons of searching through the league's undesirables—including five D-League call-ups in 2012 alone—but it seems the Cavs have finally found a diamond in the rough in swingman Alonzo Gee.

And now, he could be taken away.

The three-year wing from Alabama will be hitting restricted free agency this summer and is already generating significant interest.

According to a report by The Morning Journal of Northern Cleveland, the Phoenix Suns may offer Gee a four-year, $16 million deal in hopes the Cavs will not match it. Other intrigued teams include the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets.

But the calm-demeanored forward showed a lot of ability last year, averaging a solid 10.6 points and 5.1 boards per game, and he took over the starting position by the end of the season. Outside of Irving, Gee was the most consistent player on the team.

In a recent interview with SlamOnline.com, head coach Byron Scott praised his work ethic and stated that, although he can't see the future, he and general manager Chris Grant would "like to keep him in a Cavs uniform for as long as possible."

Regardless of who the team comes out with in the draft, the Cavs need to make bringing back Gee a top priority. He is young, plays extremely hard and is a great guy to have in the locker room.

If for no other reason, it will show franchise cornerstone Kyrie Irving the franchise is committed to longevity and willing to spend some money to keep their unit together.

And, personally, $4 million per year is not too much of an asking price.