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11/22/2024 09:00:08 am

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NBA News & Rumors: Matthew Dellavedova Agrees To Cavs' $1.2M Offer

Matthew Dellavedova (#8)

(Photo : Getty Images) Cavs' Matthew Dellavedova (#8) drives past Warriors' Stephen Curry during the 2015 NBA Finals.

Third-year pro Matthew Dellavedova had agreed to accept the Cleveland Cavaliers' one-year, $1.2 million qualifying offer and stay with the team for the 2015-2016 season, according to Yahoo Sports.

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Delly had developed a cult following last season after his remarkable performance in the recent NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors where he was assigned to defend arguably the hardest player to guard in the planet today, Stephen Curry.

Although the gritty Australian did not actually stop the reigning league MVP in the championship series, which the Warriors won, 4-2, there were stretches that looked like he did it, which endeared the 6-foot-4 former Saint Mary's standout to legions of Cavs fans all around the world.

Dellavedova became a restricted free agent this summer after his two-year, $1.3 million rookie contract expired. He was not immediately signed by Cleveland due to salary cap and luxury tax issues, but the management is reportedly keen on bringing him back to keep the team's core that reached the Finals last postseason.

Finally, the Cavs signed him to join the franchise for another season of chasing a ring.

Bleacher Report indicated that the offer was "significantly less" than the long-term contract both sides were negotiating in early July, which was about $3 million to $5 million annually, but Delly was keen on returning to the Cavs as well so he accepted the offer. He does have one more season to play superbly then hope to cash in next summer.

Dellavedova was more effective in the playoffs last season, averaging 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in almost 25 minutes per game in 20 postseason games. His regular season averages were slightly low except in dimes at 4.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, and 3.0 apg in 20.6 mpg. He is also known to be a defensive stopper and hustle player that sacrifices his body to get the loose ball.

ESPN noted that with the deal the Maryborough, Victoria native would become an unrestricted free agent next summer where the salary cap space is expected to expand immensely. By then, the Cavs will be able to give him perhaps more than he wanted right now if the team still intends to keep the championship core intact.

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