The Miami Heat probably drafted Shabazz Napier for LeBron James.
Did the Cleveland Cavaliers draft for LeBron too?
No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins could prove useful in getting LeBron’s preference, Kevin Love. And No. 33 selection Joe Harris is the type of spot-up 3-pointer shooter who’d get plenty of open looks playing with LeBron.
Despite entering summer league without a guaranteed contract, Harris is on track to get that chance.
Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders:
Cavs signed Joe Harris to a 3-year deal - 3rd season non-guaranteed - $2.7 mil total
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 23, 2014
To give Harris a three-year contract, the Cavaliers likely signed Harris with cap room before the Jazz trade. That would mean Malcolm Thomas and Erik Murphy can’t be aggregated in a Love trade for 60 days, which complicates those important negotiations.
If Harris completes his three-year contract, his team will have his Bird rights, which is why many second rounders are now receiving three-year deals. By getting two years guaranteed, Harris did well for himself.
Now, we’ll see how much good LeBron will do for him on the court - and whether his signing interferes with a Love trade.
