Sasha Kaun to Cavaliers: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued filling out their roster Saturday after signing Russian big man Sasha Kaun to a two-year contract, per ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst. Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group confirmed the news, adding that the deal doesn't include any team or player options for the second year.
Salary-cap expert Bobby Marks shared how Kaun's addition will impact Cleveland financially:
The Cavs acquired Kaun's draft rights in 2008 after the Seattle SuperSonics selected him in the second round. CBSSports.com's Sam Vecenie wonders whether any player has taken a longer road to the NBA:
In June, Kaun told Gary Bedore of the Lawrence Journal-World he already has a strong bond with Cavaliers head coach David Blatt.
"He was my coach. I worked with him several years on the Russian national team," he said. "He was my coach all the way on the European championship, the following year the world championship for the Olympics. He’s a great coach."
The 30-year-old has never played in the NBA. He opted instead to return to Russia, where he joined CSKA Moscow. In 142 Euroleague games, Kaun averaged 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks a game, per Basketball-Reference.com.
He's coming off the best year of his professional career, as he put up 17.8 points and eight boards per 36 minutes.
Barring injuries, Kaun will likely start few—if any—games for the Cavs. His presence is more about providing depth at center, where he'll back up fellow Russian national team veteran Timofey Mozgov.
The NBA Finals exposed how little depth Cleveland had beyond its key players, so the timing of Kaun's arrival couldn't be any better.
