Monday, January 25, 2010

Black Jesus

Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote a great beat blog piece last night regarding the Cavs and Amare. Here is the whole article:

Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns talking Amare Stoudemire trade, according to report: Windhorst Beat Blog

The Arizona Republic reported late Sunday night that the Cavaliers are one of three teams to be in talks recently with the Suns about trading for star Amare Stoudemire.

The reporter on this story is the Republic's Paul Coro, which why there is a blog going up on this topic now and it is not being regarded as common fodder. Coro has a good reputation for being credible. For example, was the first to report the Cavs and Suns had re-started trade talks for Shaquille O'Neal last June.

I had not heard the Cavs have discussed trading for Stoudemire, but league sources have said the Suns are quite worried that Stoudemire plans to leave via free agency next summer and have been looking for a commitment from him now. If they can't get it, a source told me last week, they will press ahead looking to make a deal before next month's deadline.

The Suns have already made several salary-dumping trades over the last year, the biggest was sending O'Neal to the Cavs for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic, which saved the team more than $10 million when both players were bought out (figuring in luxury tax savings).

It would be surprising that the Suns would want to do another salary dump trade with a star, but it isn't impossible. This move potentially could save team owner Robert Sarver another $10 million, and perhaps more.

The natural trade that makes sense here would be Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson for Stoudemire. The Suns could also ask for draft picks, as the Cavs own their full slate of first-round picks in the future. The Cavs and Suns talked about Hickson in the O'Neal deal, but the Cavs wanted to keep him. So the Suns have a history of interest in Hickson. They also considered drafting him in 2008 but took Robin Lopez instead.

Straight up, this type of deal would save the Suns around $3.4 million off their payroll ($6.8 million including luxury tax). However, the Suns currently are a little more than $5 million over the luxury-tax line. It is possible they could then negotiate a buyout with Ilgauskas and get below the tax, which would probably enable such a trade to save them around $10 million in real money. The cash advantage could actually increase because, if the Suns got below the tax line of $69.9 million, they would be able to get their share from the fund created by the tax-paying teams. In other words, it would be worth millions more.

In addition, because of a clause in his contract, Ilgauskas has already been paid about 75 percent of his $11.5 million salary this season. He would be owed a trade kicker of around $2 million, but the Suns could save up to $3 million in the swap from money already paid to Ilgauskas that wouldn't have to come out of their coffers. All of that is subject to negotiation, of course, but the point here is this is a potential deal worth lots of money to Phoenix if they worked all these details out. But, in short, it is complicated.

Coro reports that the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves have also talked to the Suns. The Suns and Warriors nearly pulled a deal for Stoudemire last June before the draft but it fell apart. There is little doubt that both the Wolves and Warriors could put together more talent-rich offers for Stoudemire. The Cavs cannot and will not offer the same package of young players.

But with Stoudemire having the right to become a free agent this summer, it would be foolish for either team to trade for him without an agreement he'd re-sign with them. He already made it clear he didn't want to go to Golden State last summer, which was one of the sticking points to that failed trade. It is hard to believe he'd want to stay in Minnesota, which is in the middle of a large rebuilding project.

That factor reduces Stoudemire's value on the trade market and is why such a deal would make some sense for the Cavs. Stoudemire has said he wants to play for a contender, but probably would also be attracted to New York or Miami in the offseason. So the danger is the Cavs may find themselves renting him as well.

Another issue in thinking about this potential trade, however, is Stoudemire's relationship with O'Neal. The people in Phoenix say that O'Neal and Stoudemire got along just fine in the locker room, but they didn't so much on the floor. Their styles got in each other's way, and it was one of the reasons the Suns first thought about trading Stoudemire a year ago and then flirted with the idea again in the summer before trading O'Neal instead.

Stoudemire is a pick-and-roll specialist who loves going to the rim. O'Neal was often in his way. It is questionable whether pairing them together again would work on the floor or be acceptable to either player. There would have to be agreement on all sides, and that doesn't count Ilgauskas, who would have to agree to a buyout to make the trade even come together.

Of course, LeBron James is in the picture as a playmaker, but O'Neal and Stoudemire had Steve Nash, one of the greatest playmakers of this era, to help in Phoenix. So all of this could be simple posturing and due diligence from the Cavs. They'd have to be convinced the two could work together and that they would have a good chance of re-signing Stoudemire to go forward with it.

If nothing else, this rumor should create a lot of chatter, which is why fans like this time of year. If I didn't think there was some basis for it or that it wasn't possible, this blog would not have been written.

Now why would the Cavs want to deal for Amare? I have 2 theories. One, the Cavs think that they can get Amare at the price of Z (buyout), JJ, and picks. By adding Amare, the Cavs will have one of the best frontcourt players in the NBA. Amare is only 27 years old, and he would be a great 2nd fiddle to LeBron. He is a strong finisher at the basket, can run the pick and roll, and has a good mid range jumper. The Cavs do not have the cap space to sign a max free agent in 2010, but if they have the opportunity to add a max player via trade then they will. Getting a talent like Amare at that price would be a steal. The other teams that are interested include the 76'ers, Nets, Bulls, and Heat. The Heat are a team that could definitely trade for Amare because they could trade the expiring deal of Quentin Richardson, and they could dangle Michael Beasley in a trade. The Bulls could offer the expiring deals of Tim Thomas or Brad Miller, along with Tyrus Thomas. The 76'ers don't have any expiring contracts, but they do have Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala to offer. The Nets could offer the expiring deal of Tony Battie, along with Devin Harris or Courtney Lee in a deal. As you can see the Cavs do have some competition in terms of trading for Amare.

Second, this could be a smokescreen by the Cavs to get the Wizards and Pacers to lower their demands for Jamison and Murphy. I think this is a more plausible theory to believe because I don't believe the Cavs have the assets to pull a deal for Amare. The Cavs could be sending a message to the Wizards and Pacers that they are talking with other teams, and that they can get a star player like Amare by giving up a little more.

Some of the risks I see with Amare are that he is known as someone who could be difficult to deal with, and that his attitude might not be the greatest. I have heard from a couple sources that Amare and Shawn Marion caused a few problems in the Suns locker room as they were unhappy with the amount of shots they were getting. Another risk is that Amare' defense is just bad. Yes, he plays for the Phoenix Suns, where defense is optional, but he has never impressed me as a defender. I remember watching the Cavs play the Suns once last year, and Anderson Varajao drove to the basket and just dunked in front of Amare. He made no attempt to even defend Anderson. Also, the idea of having Shaq and Amare down low would clog the lane as Amare is great at the pick and roll, while Shaq is a tree down low.

The final thing I will say about this is that the Cavs must get some sort of assurance or indication that Amare is going to stay in Cleveland. The Cavs would own his Bird Rights which would allow them to sign him to a max deal after this year. It makes no sense for the Cavs to just rent Amare for 4 months. This would greatly increase our chances of keeping LeBron. I don't see Amare giving an indication that he will stay unless LeBron does the same. Do I want Amare? Yes, he would be a great low post threat who has a lot of good years left in him. Will it happen? Probably not, but the fact that Windhorst is writing so in-depth about it gives me some sort of hope that the Cavs are looking to add a big name player by the trade deadline. Read the last two paragraphs of the article. They are trying everything to keep LeBron, and utilize the last key asset the team has (Z's expiring deal). Keep this in mind too, Suns GM Steve Kerr is very good friends with Cavs GM Danny Ferry. Kerr traded Shaq to the Cavs for nothing. Celtics GM Danny Ainge got Kevin Garnett from then Timbervolves GM Kevin McHale (Ainge and McHale were teammates for the Celtics in the 80's). Jerry West was the GM of the Grizzlies when they traded Pau Gasol to the LA Lakers (West played for the Lakers). I'd be surprised if a deal for Amare happend, but you never say never....

Thanks for reading. Go Cleveland!

-Raz

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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

Monday, January 4, 2010

One Man Gathers What Another Man Spills

Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer is reporting that the Cavs might be close to making a small trade. The reasoning for this is the Cavs have 4 non-guarenteed contracts on the roster. These 4 players are Coby Karl, Danny Green, Darnell Jackson, and Jawad Williams. According to Windhorst, he believes Jackson and Green are safe. This Wednesday, all contracts in the NBA are guaranteed. 15 teams are in the NBA the luxury tax, which is $69.92 million. For teams that are close to the luxury tax, they could make a trade with the Cavs for these contracts, and they could renounce them. Once the teams renounce these contracts, they will be able to cut payroll and either get under the luxury tax or save some money. A key point in these trades is that the Cavs might look to get a cheap bigman who can play sparingly if Z does get traded and bought out. If he is bought out, Z has to wait 30 days to come back, and someone will have to help fill in his minutes. Leon Powe is a candidate, but he will be coming off surgery and he might not be able to handle that workload. Some people have made the notion that Danny Ferry might ask for a draft pick in a deal as well. Here are some names that could become available.

Kosta Koufos, C, Utah Jazz
-As I have said before, the Jazz have a high payroll of $77 million. They traded PG Eric Maynor along with F Matt Harpring's large contract to the Oklahoma City Thunder for nothing. The team is 18-15, and they won't be contending for a title anytime soon. Koufos hasn't really played much with the Jazz, which is another reason I could see them trading him. He is a 7 footer who enjoys shooting 3 pointers, and he can block some shots from time to time. He sounds a lot like Z to me. This is his 2nd year in the NBA, and he is averaging 9 minutes a game. This year he is averaging only 3.5 minutes, compared to 11.8 last year. With his playing time diminished this year, the Jazz could save themselves about $2.8 million. A trade that works is Coby Karl and Jawad Williams for Koufos. If a team is over the luxury tax, they pay a dollar for dollar penalty for any contract that helps them exceed $69 million. Karl and Williams' contracts add up to about $1.4 million, and the Jazz can just cut them without having to guarantee their contracts. Koufous could serve as someone who could play limited minutes if Z gets traded and has to wait 30 days to come back to the Cavs. Now, will Koufos get traded? Probably not, but he is an interesting name to throw out there. He is in his 2nd year, his minutes have declined, the team has a high payroll, and they traded their first round pick this year to help save money. One last note, according to the Deseret News, Jazz GM Kevin O'Conner said that the team might be making a trade this week.....

Joey Dorsey PF/ Jermaine Taylor G, Houston Rockets
-This is an interesting idea here. The Cavs again could send Karl and Williams for these 2 guys. The Cavs could save the rockets around $2.8 million. The Rockets are above the luxury tax with a payroll of $73 million. While the team is playing above expectations, the team could save a few million dollars. The reason I have these two on here is because Dorsey has played 3 games this year, and Taylor has played 12. The Rockets really don't use these guys, and they have an opportunity to save some money. While Dorsey is 6'8 who is strong, athletic, he has no offensive game to speak of. He is a lot like Ben Wallace. He was a great rebounder and post defender in college. Taylor is an athletic 2 guard who can shoot but is undersized (6'4) and does not share the ball. The Cavs could use a bigman to help share minutes if Z is traded.

Royal Ivey PG/ Primoz Brezec C, Philadelphia 76'ers
-The 76'ers are another team with high payroll with mediocre results. The team has a $62 million payroll, and has a record of 10-23. Their payroll is expected to increase next year as well. Ivey is a 6'4 PG who isn't great on offense but is a solid defender. The Cavs could use a backup ballhandler. Brezec is 7'1, and he can shoot a midrange jumper. He can help play a few minutes if Z is traded and bought out. Karl and Williams will do the trick for Brezec and Ivey, and the 76'ers will save about $1.4 million. Again, since the 76'ers would be saving money, Ferry could ask for a future 2nd round pick in this deal.

Francisco Elson, C, Milwaukee Bucks
-The Bucks are a team who are a team who is doing average with a record of 13-18. The team is under the tax, but they have a high payroll of $67 million. Elson is 7'0 who is mobile and can defend the pick and roll. He could be useful if Z is traded and bought out. Karl and Williams will get the deal done. The Bucks would save about $1.4 million by trading Elson.

Again, these names are pure speculation. I by no means have any inside information. I am just trying to make sense with names that I think of. Koufos would be the name I would like to see the most. He is only 20, and he could become a serviceable bigman down the road. I really feel that Ferry might be trying to either pawn a draft pick by using a couple of the non-guaranteed deals he has or he is trying to get 4th PF/C to split time with Leon Powe while Z is gone if he is indeed traded and bought out. The reason I am writing about this is because Brian Windhorst is probably one of the best beat reporters in the NBA, and he has very reliable sources that are close to the Cavs. To me, where there is smoke, there is fire.....

Thanks and go Cleveland!

-Raz

Friday, January 1, 2010

Total Destruction

Hope everyone had a great holiday and a wonderful New Years! Here are some quick Cavs thoughts.

-According to numerous reports, the Washington Wizards are going to be blowing their team up. This shouldn't be a shock as they have 10-20 record, injuries to Antwan Jamison and Mike Miller, a $79 million payroll, and the Gilbert Arenas fiasco on hand (he supposedly had guns in the locker room, and he drew them at teammate).

-With this said, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the team is looking to trade Gilbert Arenas' long contract, and Antwan Jamison. Rockets G Tracy McGrady has a $23 million expiring contract and the Wizards are apparently trying to trade for it, as they will try to use Caron Butler has a "sweetener" in the deal. The Wizards are trying to get a large expiring contract in a deal.

-With all this said, there aren't many contenders who will trade for the 33 year old Jamison. Lakers? They have no expiring contracts worth trading for. Celtics? They have small expiring contracts, and they didn't want to take on the contract of F Andres Nocioni earlier this year. They just signed Rajon Rondo to a new deal, and Ray Allen will be a free agent next year. Magic? Again they have no large expiring contracts. Hawks? Their ownership had to fight with each other to take on G Jamal Crawford's contract. Spurs? They have a bunch of small expiring deals, and that of G Manu Ginobili, but he isn't going anywhere. Suns? They are bleeding money, they traded Shaq to us to save money. Portland? They have the $9 million expiring contract of F Darius Miles, but I feel that they would be reluctant to trade some of their younger players (Rudy Fernandez/Jerryd Bayless) for Jamison. The injury of C Greg Oden really hurts this team, and they won't want to take on the 3 year contract of a 33 year old that could hamstring them in free agency.

-The Dallas Mavericks are the only team I could see going after Jamison. They have an owner who will take on more money in Mark Cuban. They have F Josh Howard who has 2 years left on his deal, with the final deal being a team option. They could use that to trade for F Jamison, but do they really need him? The team already has Shawn Marion, Drew Gooden, Erick Dampier, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Thomas, and James Singleton at their 3 and 4 positions. The team has a payroll of $87 million this year, and you have to wonder when Mark Cuban will realize that trading young talent, draft picks, and expiring contracts (2 first round picks, Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Devean George, and Maurice Ager) for aging talent (Jason Kidd), will not get you a championship. You never say never in the NBA, but there is a shot Dallas gets in the mix for Jamison.

-My point is that everyone keeps throwing JJ Hickson's name in the deal. Why? What leverage do the Wiz have? Everyone knows they aren't good, and they have said that they are going to blow the team up. There aren't going to be a lot of contenders calling for Jamison, and if ownership says that the team has to cut payroll, they will have to be forced to trade Jamison. Jamison is 33 years old, and his deal goes until 2012. His production will eventually begin to erode, and while he has played well the last few seasons, he did suffer a shoulder injury that kept him out for the first few weeks of this year.

-The Cavs and LeBron know that JJ Hickson can be a solid contributor in the future, and you can't trade your young talent for aging/long contracts of players. They want to win many NBA championships, not just one. Ask the Toronto Raptors how long it took them to get back to playoff contention after they traded Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Marcus Camby. Cavs GM Danny Ferry puts a lot of value into young talent and draft picks, so I find it hard that he would trade Hickson or a pick for Jamison. Ferry worked with Spurs GM RC Buford and GM Wayne Embry in Toronto. He saw how to rebuild a team in Toronto, and how to build a championship team in the Spurs.

-Also, the Wizards have to know that there are going to be other PF's on the market that the Cavs could realistically get for Z's contract. One player is PF Troy Murphy of the Indiana Pacers. According to NBA sources, the Cavs have shown interest in Murphy. Again, the Pacers will probably try to cut payroll as they have a $66 million payroll, and a 9-22 record. If they bought out Z, it would again save the team more money.

-As long as a non-contending team decides to not take on the contract of Jamison (like the Grizzlies did this year by taking on the large contract of Zach Randolph), then I could really see Jamison here with the Cavs. We could save the Wizards even more money if they agree to buy Z out of his deal. Instead of paying him the remaining $6 million of his contract, they can pay him $2 or $3 million to release him. This will help cut there luxury tax bill, as teams who are over the luxury tax pay double for any new salaries added.

-GM Danny Ferry will probably make an offer to the Wizards in the coming weeks, and just wait to it out. He will offer what he thinks is the best deal for the Cavs, and he won't hyperextend himself in adding a player like JJ Hickson or Christian Eyenga. I have heard that the Bucks wanted a draft pick in the Mo Williams deal, and the Suns wanted a first round pick in the Shaq deal. He did neither. He will continue to play hardball when looking to make a trade. Ferry will wait for a team to bite on an offer.

This Jamison story will probably continue to fester like the Stephen Jackson rumors did. Hopefully this time we will actually get Jamison. If the Cavs can get Jamison and get Z back, then I really think they can legitimately win the NBA Championship. He would add more size, scoring, and rebounding to our frontcourt. He is probably the hungriest player on the Wizards, he would definitely love to win an NBA title in his career, and the Cavs give him a great opportunity to do so. Even if the Cavs add F Troy Murphy for Z getting bought out, then we improve our chances of winning an NBA Championship. I am sure a couple more names will pop up in the near future. Stay tuned, it should be an interesting couple months. Thanks for reading and go Cleveland!

-Raz