CLEVELAND — Tristan Thompson, Matthew Dellavedova and Iman Shumpert all received qualifying offers from Cleveland on Tuesday, meaning the Cavaliers can match any offers those players get from other clubs this summer.
All the moves were expected. The Cavs had indicated they want each to return next season.
Thompson is of particular importance to the Cavaliers, who went to the NBA Finals this past season. He has appeared in 308 consecutive games for Cleveland, has averaged 10.1 points and 8.4 rebounds over his four-year career and saw his stock soar by averaging 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in this year’s playoffs.
Dellavedova — who played an increased role once starting point guard Kyrie Irving was lost for the post-season with a knee injury — had big playoff moments, with seven double-figure games. Shumpert started 16 playoff games for the Cavs, who lost in the finals to Golden State 4-2.
The Cavaliers have a slew of free-agent issues to deal with once the off-season shopping period opens Wednesday, most notably addressing LeBron James’ future. James opted out of his contract for next season to give both himself and the team flexibility, though James is almost certainly going to re-sign with Cleveland.
Other players of note for the Cavaliers to deal with during free agency include forward Kevin Love, who has said he wants to be back in Cleveland, and guard J.R. Smith.
Also Tuesday, the Cavaliers said forward Mike Miller exercised his $2.85-million option for next season. Miller averaged 2.1 points in limited action this season.
