The Cleveland Cavaliers are keeping their backcourt depth in place, re-signing back-up point guard Matthew Dellavedova.
Matthew Dellevadova stepped up and played a huge role during the Cleveland Cavaliers run to the NBA Finals last season. Now, the team is rewarding their third-year point guard with a new one-year deal, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Matthew Dellavedova will return to the Cavs on a one-year deal worth approximately $1.2 million, source w/ knowledge of the deal tells ESPN
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 27, 2015
According to the report, Dellavedova will make $1.2 million in 2015-16, a significant raise over the $816,482 he made last season. Then again, the raise is also a significant bonus for a player that may have rescued the Cavs’ playoff hopes last season.
After averaging 4.8 points and 3.8 assists over 20.6 minutes per game during the regular season, Dellavedova stepped up big time during the playoffs. With Kyrie Irving going down for the postseason, Dellavedova stepped into the starting role for the clincher against the Chicago Bulls and was the primary starter for the remainder of the postseason. In the 11 games after, Dellavedova averaged 9.3 points and 2.5 assists while playing 31.7 minutes per night. Those included a 19-point effort in the clincher over the Bulls and a 20-point night in a Game Three win over Golden State in the NBA Finals.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the one-year deal works for Dellavedova in a number of ways. First, it allows the 24-year-old to re-enter free agency next season, when his value may be higher and he has another season under his belt. Second, it allows Dellavedova to have a long-term deal in place heading into the 2016 Olympics, where he is expected to suit up for the Australian National Team. This gives him a chance to shine on the world stage and increase his value further.
That said, Matthew Dellavedova may find his minutes reduced a bit in 2015-16. Irving is expected to return healthy for the start of the season and the Cavs have also brought back point guard Mo Williams on a two-year deal. That makes this an interesting gamble for Dellavedova, but one that could pay off significantly if he continues his strong play next season.
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