Cavs, spurred by LeBron James, have strong interest in Mike Dunleavy

ByMARC STEIN
June 30, 2015, 11:11 AM

— -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have strong free-agent interest in Chicago Bulls swingman Mike Dunleavy, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that Cleveland plans to pursue Dunleavy in free agency, which begins after midnight Tuesday, with Cavs star LeBron James foremost among the Dunleavy admirers in the organization.

The Cavs have several free agents to deal with as well -- most notably Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova -- but they are known to be seeking depth on the wing and in the backcourt as well additional shooting. Dunleavy, who will be 35 years old at the start of next season, could certainly address some of those concerns.

But sources stressed this week that Dunleavy, much like Bulls restricted free agent Jimmy Butler, is likely to stay with Chicago.

Teams and free agents can begin negotiating -- and even strike verbal agreements on new deals -- starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. But contracts can't officially be signed until July 9, when a leaguewide moratorium on player business is lifted.