The Cleveland Cavaliers have matched the Miami Heat`s $26.5 million, seven-year offer for forward John Williams, the Cavs announced Thursday.
”I`m glad that this issue is behind us,” said Cavaliers General Manager Wayne Embry. ”Now we can continue working to assemble our team.”
If they had permitted the restricted free agent to sign with Miami, the Cavaliers would have received nothing in return.
By matching Miami`s offer, the Cavaliers` payroll will soar through the NBA`s $11.87 million salary cap, limiting the team`s ability to sign free agents. The salary cap can be surpassed in this case because Cleveland had no control over the Heat`s offer.
Before matching the offer sheet, the Cavs extended guard Mark Price`s contract for three years. Cavaliers officials reportedly also have spoken with center Brad Daugherty about reworking his contract.
The Heat signed Williams to an offer sheet Aug. 22 and offered a first-year signing bonus believed to be $4 million plus a $1 million first-year salary.
Williams, 28, averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds a game last season. Usually the Cavaliers` sixth man, Williams was a starter when veteran Larry Nance was sidelined with an injury early last season.
