Report: Sasha Kaun house-hunting in Cleveland but no deal with Cavs yet
Maybe Sasha Kaun just really wants to live in Cleveland.
The Russian center has been house-hunting during a mini-tour of the city, Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group reports. While he hasn't signed a long-expected deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Haynes reports "it's only a matter of time," and an official signing is mostly a formality at this point.
Cleveland's attention is foremost on restricted free agent Tristan Thompson, and the situation is such that Kaun isn't expected to sign a deal during his visit. The Cavs are threatening to break records with their luxury tax bill in 2015-16, and salaries for Thompson and Kaun will push that tab even higher.
Kaun earned $2.9 million last season, a salary that's probably more than Cleveland is willing to pay for a superfluous big man, especially once tax implications are factored in.
The 56th overall pick in 2008, Kaun has spent his entire career overseas, winning five VTB United League championships. He averaged 10.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in Russia last season, and the 30-year-old shot 68 percent from the floor.
Kaun is familiar with Cavaliers head coach David Blatt, as Blatt was formerly head coach of the Russian national team. At 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds, the Las Vegas running-mate of LeBron James would add size and scoring near the rim to a roster that really isn't wanting for anything but could conceivably find a use for another interior threat.
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