With Ray Allen still undecided about his future, the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly wasting no time in trying to find a veteran presence for the team.
ESPN’s Marc Stein reports the Cavs are making a push for veteran defensive specialist and free agent Shawn Marion. The team can’t offer anything more than the league minimum, but the Cavs are reportedly the front runners for former All-Star.
Cavs general manager David Griffin already has a relationship with Marion from their days with the Phoenix Suns, where the 36-year-old forward started his career and Griffin worked for 17 seasons from 1993-2007.
Marion has spent the last five seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, winning a championship with them in 2011. Marion guarded Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James at different times during that year’s playoff run. The Cavs hope to add his defensive presence, depth and versatility to help propel them to the NBA Finals.
Last season, Marion averaged 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 48.2 percent from the field.
Photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
