One Month Left

Well folks, we are just one month away from the NBA trading deadline. I have gone in depth with a few names that the Cavs could go after. There have not been too many new developments on the trade front. Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer reported last night that no trade appears imminent but that the Cavs continue to have conversations about different players. Windhorst reported that the Pacers made an offer in which we would acquire PF Troy Murphy, but he said it was a laughable offer. He mentioned that they wanted multiple draft picks as well. Bob Finnan of the News Hearld reported that the Cavs offered Z for PF David West and probably another contract. I will dedicate this blog to the reasons for the Cavs making a trade, and then list a few names you might hear in the next month.

Reasons for a Deadline Deal

1. This is the Cavs last chance to add a big name player for at least the next year. Next year, the team will have very little cap space, one first round draft pick, and a guy named LeBron James will become a free agent. The uncertainty surrounding Z and Shaq will also come into play. With Z's expiring contract and the ability to sign and trade Wally Z, the Cavs have put themselves in a position to help a team save money and cut payroll. Wally Z did sign with CBS Sports to do commentating for March Madness, so the Cavs would have to convince him to come back and at least travel with the team he is traded to. I am strongly against putting JJ Hickson or a first round pick in any deal unless its for a superstar. The Cavs need to keep young pieces around LeBron and retain as many assets as possible. LeBron wants to win many championships, not just one. You don't just throw in first round picks, no matter how late they are. Just ask the Spurs (PG Tony Parker), Knicks (PF David Lee), and Mavericks (SF Josh Howard).

2. Dan Gilbert. The Cavs have one of the best owners in the NBA. Aside from Mark Cuban, I don't know too many owners who are willing to take on more money in these economic times. We currently have the 7th largest payroll at $80.2 million. Most teams are trying to cut salary (ask the Suns, Bucks, and Nets), but Gilbert knows he can't be cheap now. He bought this team hoping to win numerous titles with LeBron James, and he will pressure the front office to continue to improve this team. He took on the contracts of Mo Williams, and Shaq. He has bought 3 second round draft picks in the last two drafts. He just got the Casino amendment passed in Ohio (which he was a big part of), and he got Chinese investors to buy a 15% stake in the Cavs (further exposing LeBron to the Far East markets). These are all seeds that Gilbert has set up in hopes of keeping LeBron.

3. Sellers Market. Right now, a lot of teams are trying to get more cap space for the summer of 2010, or trying to cut payroll to avoid paying the luxury tax. Teams such as the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76'ers, Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Hornets will all try to cut salary. Teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, NY Knicks, and New Jersey Nets are trying to clear more cap space for the 2010 free agent class. Teams are trying to rid themselves of long contracts, and they appear willing to package a young player in a deal. Why do you think the Jazz gave away rookie PG Eric Maynor for nothing? Because the OKC Thunder had enough cap space to absorg F Matt Harpring's $6 million deal. Also, an important fact to remember is that only 8 teams have full season sales of 10,000 tickets or more (the Cavs being one of them), compared to 11 teams last year. As you can see, the economy is indeed affecting the NBA.

Who are some of the players that you will hear?

Antwan Jamison, PF, Washington Wizards
I have written about Jamison a few times, so no need to go over everything. He would fit great here, and I would love to have him. He is averaging 22 ppg and 9 rpg this year. He can score inside/outside, and rebound. He would be the ideal stretch 4 we could use. His defense needs some work, but Mike Brown's system could mask that. His contract goes for another 2 years after this year, but after next year he becomes an asset because he becomes an expiring contract. The most I would trade for Jamison is Z (who gets bought out by the Wiz and comes back to the Cavs), Danny Green, and a future 2nd rounder. I wouldn't use a first or JJ Hickson in this deal. Why? The Wizards have no leverage. Aside from the Dallas Mavericks (who already have Shawn Marion and Dirk), I can't think of a contending team who will take on Jamison' contract, especially since he is 33 already. The Cavs can save the Wizards $28 million by trading them Z and buying him out. We need Z's size against teams such as the Lakers, Celtics, and Magic. You saw how well we played against the Lakers with Z and Shaq out there. I think there is a good chance Jamison ends up a Cavalier, but it probably will happen the day of the deadline. We all know the mess the Wizards are in now (14-26 record) with the whole Gilbert fiasco, and the team will be blown up. The possibility of a 3 team trade has also been mentioned with Jamison and the Cavs. As a note, last year late Wizards owner Abe Pollin vetoed a deal that would have sent Jamison to Cleveland because he wanted to keep the core of the team together. Ted Leonsis is trying to buy the Wizards now (he owns the Washington Capitals of the NHL). Once the Gilbert Arenas and ownership situations begins to clear, then I believe you will start to see Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld make some trades.

Troy Murphy, PF, Indiana Pacers
As I stated earlier, the Pacers did offer us Murphy is a lopsided trade. Again, I would trade Z (buyout) and either Danny Green or a 2nd round pick for Murphy. Murphy is a better outside shooter than Jamison, and a better rebounder, but he isn't as good of an athlete or defender. He is averaging 14 ppg and 10 rpg on 40% shooting from 3. He would fit the bill of a stretch 4. The Pacers front court already has C Roy Hibbert, PF Tyler Hansbrough, F Mike Dunleavy, and C Jeff Foster. The team is not doing well as they have a 14-26 record and a $66 million payroll. I think there is a solid shot Murphy could become a Cavalier if Jamison does not.

Kevin Martin, SG, Sacramento Kings
People will be surprised to see him here, but they need to realize that the Kings have 2 SG's on there team. Tyreke Evans is now the #1 option, and since Kevin Martin's return the Kings are 0-3. It will be hard to put 2 scorers on the floor at the same time with no real PG. Both Martin and Evans need to ball to be successful and I don't there the touches are there for both of them. Windhorst reported earlier in the year that the Cavs had an interest in Martin, and he would be a good fit here. He would be a great #2 option for the Cavs, and he is only 27 years old. He has great size 6'7 and he can flat out score. The Kings would definitely want talent back, and they would probably send the contract of Andres Nocioni as well. I am guessing JJ Hickson, Delonte West, Z, and draft picks would be involved. I don't think Martin will be traded, but you never say never.

David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets
The Cavs have already offered Z for West, so we'll see what happens. Again, West would fit well here as he can rebound and score inside and out. His contract goes for another 2 years. The Hornets would probably want JJ Hickson, and I am not sure if I would give him up along with Z. West is 29 and he has played well this year as he is averaging 17 ppg and 7 rpg. A team would have to take on the bad contracts of either James Posey, Mo Peterson, or Peja Stojakovic. The Hornets are barely above the luxury tax, and they have played well lately (21-19 this year, 7-3 last 10 games), so I don't think there is a great chance he gets moved.

Rip Hamilton, SG/ Tayshaun Prince, SF, Detroit Pistons
These are 2 names you will hear during the deadline. The Pistons drafted 3 SF's in last years NBA Draft (Jonas Jerekbo, Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers). The team signed SG Ben Gordon, and they have two guys who play the point, but are SG's in Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey. As you can see the team has a influx of SG and SF, with no real PG or C. Both Hamilton and Prince have dealt with injuries this year. The team is currently 14-26. I am hesitant to trade for both of these guys, as we already have a guy like Prince on the Cavs in Jamario Moon, and Hamilton's contract goes for another 3 years at $12 million a year. With that said, I would rather have Hamilton than Prince only because he is a 6'7 SG who can shoot the ball very well. He is averaging 19 ppg this year, and he is a solid defender. The Pistons will want talent back, and I am not sure if the Cavs would be willing to surrender JJ Hickson in a deal for one of those two. I think one of these guys will be traded, just not to the Cavs.

Amare Stoudemire, PF, Phoenix Suns
I know last year we were all freaking out when we heard his name to the Cavs. With the Suns pedestrian play as of late (started out 14-3, and are now 24-18), frugality of owner Robert Sarver, and uncertainty of Amare's future in Phoenix makes him a possible trade target. ESPN's Chad Ford said that the odds of Amare being traded are 40-50%. Just like Chris Bosh, if Amare does not give a good signal that he will sign a contract extension, then the Suns might have to deal him in hopes of getting something in return instead of letting him walk for nothing. The Cavs would have to take on the contract of Leandro Barbosa as well. I don't think the Cavs have enough talent to trade for Amare. You would probably have to part with JJ, Z, West, and either a draft pick or the rights to Eyenga. The Suns could possibly ask for more or receive better offers elsewhere. Amare would be a great low post threat, but coupling him with Shaq could prove difficult as we saw last year in Phoenix (he is averaging 20 ppg and 8 rpg this year). He is not a good defender either but I believe coming into Mike Brown's system could help. Also, the Cavs would probably want Amare to commit to signing with us before we trade for him. I wouldn't be surprised if a 3rd team would try to get involved in a deal like this. Again, I think its highly unlikely that Amare comes here, but you never say never.

Well I think those are the names you might be hearing for the next few weeks regarding the Cavs at the deadline. Don't be surprised if Delonte West is traded for a bigger, more talented SG either. The team is looking to upgrade this position due to the inconsistency of West and they are hoping to move Anthony Parker to the bench. I would hate to see him go, but if we can get a better player, I am all for it. The reason why West is attractive is because his $4.5 million salary next year is partially guaranteed. Much like Sasha Pavlovic' contract, West has a $500,000 buyout clause in his contract. So a team that trades for him could save about $4 million if they buy him out. This makes him essentially an expiring contract. I hope West stays because I love his hustle, toughness, and fearlessness, but the Cavs will try to do anything to improve the team. As a side note, Cavs GM Danny Ferry added these partial guarantees to the final years of the contracts of Daniel Gibson, and Anderson Varajao. I also believe he did it for Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker. This gives the Cavaliers much more flexibility in terms of trades (this is how we got Shaq, Sasha' contract was partially guaranteed which saved the Suns a lot of money).

That just about does it. In the coming weeks I will write more about the Browns and there upcoming offseason/NFL Draft. If I hear any updates on potential names near the NBA trading deadline I will be sure to write about it. Thanks for reading and go Cleveland!

-Raz