Grant Hill to Join Shaq in Cleveland?

The World Famous LayupDrill Rumor Mill
6/25/09

One of the best centers of all time, and the most dominant of this decade, has a new home.

ESPN reported late last night that the Suns and Cavs have come to terms on a deal that was rumored for weeks. Shaq will play alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, while Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, a second-round pick, and Phoenix will receive $500,00 in cash.

Of course, it’s much too early to say who won or lost in this deal, but on paper it truly helps both teams.

Phoenix was not going to get more than what they received from the Cavs. Now, GM Steve Kerr can move forward from the Shaq experiment and return to the run-n-gun offense with Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire from years ago.

The Cavs, meanwhile, receive a 37-year-old four-time champion, who desperately wants to get one for the thumb for various reasons.

The Cavs may not be done reloading. There is still hope that the Cavs will be able to add another wing player who can score and defend. Charlie Villaneuva of the Bucks is the primary target, however don’t count out Cleveland making a run for Grant Hill for depth off the bench as well.

Another deal that should be finished in the next few days involves the Knicks and the Grizzlies. The NY Daily News reports New York will receive former lottery pick Darko Millicic from Memphis for Quentin Richardson.

The Chicago Bulls are still interested in moving up to draft Duke swingman Gerald Henderson, however, the Nets have turned down their offer. New Jersey may look to offer the same package to the Toronto Raptors, who select ninth overall.

It seems the Timberwolves draft plans for the fifth and sixth picks are starting to become clearer.

First, Kevin Love isn’t going anywhere. Though the T-Wolves would love to land Ricky Rubio, management has narrowed down its wish list to four players for the two picks the team owns.

Tyreke Evans, DeMar DeRozan, James Harden, and Jrue Holiday are the four players the T-Wolves are considering. Stephen Curry is not expected to be an option.