7 Free Agents Cleveland Cavaliers Should Pursue in 2013 Offseason

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While the Cavaliers have laid low in free agency this year, the plan could change next summer.

Expected to be in contention for a playoff spot this season and almost assuredly reach the postseason next year, the Cavs should be an attractive young team to play for in the coming years.

While a young core of Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller is nice, a big-time free agent could really help to speed up the rebuilding process.

Here are seven free agents the Cavs should pursue in 2013.

7. Tony Allen, SG

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Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Current Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Age: 30

2011-2012 Stats Per Game: 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.8 steals, 15.70 PER

 

Allen has quietly become one of the best defenders in the entire NBA.

Always guarding the opponents' best wing, Allen is a tremendous man-to-man defender and is great at playing the passing lane. He racked up almost two steals a game last season.

With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters providing the offense in the Cleveland backcourt, Allen would be the perfect veteran, defensive complement.

6. Marvin Williams, SF

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Free Agent Type: Unrestricted (Player Option)

Current Team: Utah Jazz

Age: 26

2011-2012 Stats Per Game: 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 15.87 PER

 

Williams would immediately help fill the Cavs' biggest position of need at small forward.

A victim of inconsistent playing time and sky-high expectations coming out of North Carolina, Williams has been a very solid player but not a star during his time in the NBA thus far.

His outside shooting is very appealing, as he connected on 38.9 percent of his three-pointers last season for Atlanta.

5. DeJuan Blair, PF/C

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Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Current Team: San Antonio Spurs

Age: 23

2011-2012 Stats Per Game: 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 17.61 PER

 

Blair would bring a unique blend of youth and playoff experience to the Cavaliers.

Just 23 and entering his fourth season in the NBA, Blair already has three trips to the postseason under his belt with the Spurs.

The experience he gained playing next to Tim Duncan and taking part in 24 playoff games would be an invaluable asset to add to a Cavs team with little collective playoff experience.

Blair can play either post position and has been very efficient as both a starter and backup in his three seasons in San Antonio.

4. DeMar DeRozan, SF

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Free Agent Type: Restricted

Current Team: Toronto Raptors

Age: 23

2011-2012 Stats Per Game: 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 12.87 PER

 

If athleticism and scoring are some things the Cavs find they need next offseason, DeRozan could be their man.

The former USC star can play either wing position and does most of his damage when attacking the rim.

The Cavs' biggest hole remains at small forward, where DeRozan would undoubtedly be an immediate starter and upgrade.

Toronto does have the right to match any offer, though, so DeRozan may not come cheap.

3. Al Jefferson, C

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Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Current Team: Utah Jazz

Age: 27

2011-2012 Stats Per Game: 19.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 22.88 PER

 

It's a shame nobody ever talks about Jefferson, because he's pretty darn good.

Quietly putting up big numbers for the Jazz the past few seasons, Jefferson can play both power forward and center and could quickly bolster the Cavs' post offense.

While he's not the quickest player in the league, the Cavs could play Jefferson with Tristan Thompson or Tyler Zeller due to their versatility in the paint.

Jefferson may come at a reasonable price, thanks in part to the other big-name centers who will also be hitting free agency at the same time.

2. Andre Iguodala, SG/SF

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Free Agent Type: Unrestricted (Player Option)

Current Team: Denver Nuggets

Age: 28

2011-2012 Stats Per Game: 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 17.59 PER

 

Iguodala is one of the best overall players in the NBA today.

The eight-year veteran contributes to just about every area in the game, is a great defender, and can play multiple positions.

Iguodala would provide just the right mixture of veteran leadership and high level of play for the Cavs, and would bring the experience of playing on the USA Men's Basketball gold medal team.

It's very possible he could sign a long-term deal with the Nuggets, but if not, Cleveland should definitely make a move to land the All-Star's services.

1. Andrew Bynum, C

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Free Agent Type: Unrestricted

Current Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Age: 24

2011-2012 Stats Per Game: 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 23.00 PER 

 

Start up the Andrew Bynum to Cleveland talk again!

While the Cavs failed to trade for the All-Star center, signing him in free agency would be even better.

Bynum hasn't signed a long-term deal with the 76ers since his trade over from the Lakers, and it remains to be seen if the talent level around him will make it enticing enough to stay.

While there is concern over durability and maturity, landing Bynum would make the Cavs one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference for years to come.