Cavs extend qualifying offer to guard Matthew Dellavedova

CLEVELAND (AP) The NBA champion Cavaliers have made a qualifying offer to popular backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova, making him a restricted free agent.

Dellavedova is expected to draw interest from other teams once free agency begins, and depending on how much he's offered, the Cavs could face a tough decision on whether to re-sign the Australian. The 25-year-old had a solid third season with Cleveland, averaging 7.5 points and 4.4 assists in 24.6 minutes per game.

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However, his playing time dwindled during the NBA Finals as coach Tyronn Lue gave minutes to Mo Williams.

Dellavedova was vital for Cleveland during the finals a year ago when Kyrie Irving shattered his kneecap. The 6-foot-4 guard is a relentless defender, and star LeBron James joked during a rally last week that if Dellavedova was battling a bear for a loose ball that ''Delly would tear that damn bear up.''