The Cleveland Cavaliers have started finalizing their roster for the 2014-15 season. The team waived Stephen Holt and Chris Crawford - both likely to see action in the Cavs D-League affiliate the Canton Charge - on Sunday, trimming the roster count down to 16 according to Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com. They need to make one more move to put the roster to the allowed number of 15 by opening night.
Haynes added that the Cavs will likely opt to keep their roster count to 14, leaving one roster spot open for potential free agent signings. That spot is likely reserved for the veteran sharp shooter Ray Allen, who has yet to officially sign with anyone this offseason. Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin has already made it known that the team is ready for him and will wait until he makes his decision:
"I think in his case when he decides this is something he's passionate about we are going to be more than willing to let him know how passionate we are about him," Griffin said. "I don't think we would ever give up on it," Griffin said. "Until he signs that is going to be a target for everybody. Ray is somebody that fits us as a shooter. His championship pedigree fits us at a really high level."
Ray Allen has been linked to the Cavaliers and his former teammate LeBron James the entire free agency summer. With his clutch shooting and veteran leadership, Allen helped James and the Heat win its second title in a row and Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report believes that he is the person the Cavs will be leaving a roster spot open for.
Allen, though, has yet to make an official announcement regarding his future. He commented on his offseason process, via Don Amore of the Hartford Courant:
"I'm not in any rush [to make a decision]. I've played 18 years, and the way I look at my career, I'm content with everything that I've done. I just want to take this summer and see how it goes."
Allen will provide the Cavaliers with another lethal sharpshooter that can stretch the floor and leave driving lanes open for LeBron James and Kryie Irving. He may also just be that last crucial piece Cleveland is looking for to bring home its first NBA championship.
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