5 free agents the Cleveland Cavaliers should target

By Brad Weiss | Jun 27, 2016

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks

The love affair between Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks is a solid one, as he has been the face of the franchise for the last 18 years. Nowitzki led the Mavericks to an NBA title in 2011, winning NBA Finals MVP honors in the process.

In that series, Nowitzki beat a LeBron James-led Miami Heat team in six games.

This past week, Dirk opted out of his current deal with the Dallas Mavericks, making him a free agent. While some expect him to sign with the Mavericks, it may be time for him to move on. The Mavs were eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs this season, and time is running out on his career.

He may want to be one of those players who spends his whole career with one franchise, but the pull of the Cleveland Cavaliers is at an all-time high right now. His game fits perfectly into what the Cavaliers try to do on offense, and he has the outside touch to still score in bunches. In Cleveland, Dirk would be able to play free and easy, and would not have to carry the franchise on his back.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban will likely do whatever he needs to bring Nowitzki back, so the Cavs may not have a shot here. However, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is just as aggressive, and if anyone can make Dirk leave it would be him.

Next: 2. Pau Gasol

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