Cavaliers officially sign $2.8M former first-rounder, possible backup to Jonathan Kuminga

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still trying to address their need for another wing. They have been pursuing Jonathan Kuminga for well over a month, but a deal has yet to materialize.

Cleveland has shown significant interest in Kuminga. Just last week, the Cavaliers met with Kuminga and his camp to discuss a potential sign-and-trade agreement.

“The Cavaliers will meet with Jonathan Kuminga about working towards finalizing a potential sign-and-trade agreement soon, per Chris Fedor. Cleveland is a main finalist for Kuminga’s services alongside the Lakers. Kuminga continues to seek a deal exceeding $20 million annually,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

While they continue to pursue Kuminga, the Cavaliers also added depth on the wing by agreeing to a deal with former first-round pick Mario Hezonja.

“EuroLeague star Mario Hezonja has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, agent Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management told ESPN. Hezonja -- the No. 5 pick in the 2015 draft -- receives an opportunity to revitalize his NBA career entering his sixth season in the league after last playing in 2019-20. He is set to play a key wing role for the Eastern Conference finalists," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.

On Aug. 1, Cleveland officially finalized the signing.

“The Cleveland Cavaliers signed Mario Hezonja to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with a trigger date, sources told hoopshype. His $2.8 million salary becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster past November 15th. ESPN first reported an agreement for both sides,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote.

Signing Hezonja gives the Cavaliers another option on the wing as they hope he has developed since his first NBA stint. If Cleveland ultimately lands Kuminga, Hezonja could provide valuable depth off the bench behind the talented 23-year-old.

Kuminga continues to weigh his options, and the process has dragged on longer than many expected. Regardless of how his free agency ends, the Cavaliers' addition of Hezonja gives them insurance. If they fail to land Kuminga, they still have an experienced wing on the roster. If they do sign the former Warriors forward, Hezonja becomes a solid bench piece to complement the rotation.

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