NBA Trade Deadline 2012: A Blockbuster Trade the Cavaliers Should Pursue
Kyrie Irving was selected first overall last season in hopes of replacing the void left behind by Lebron James.
The Cavs have their nucleus for the next three seasons with Anderson Varejao, Kyrie Irving, and Tristian Thompson signed under contract. Daniel Gibson is also under contract for 2 seasons at a modest $4.4 million.
That leaves the shooting guard and small forward position open and over $45 million in cap room.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Cavs will be looking to make moves to better the future.
They are not in the hunt for a championship this season, but with the right maneuvers, they may be sooner than expected. Antawn Jamison and Ramon Sessions have been linked to many trade rumors this season.
Here's a trade I believe that Cavaliers could do that would make them instant contenders and benefit all the teams involved.
Cavaliers get Pau Gasol (three years/$18.7 million) and Sheldon William (one year/$3 million).
Lakers get Ramon Sessions (two years/$4.3 million), Anthony Morrow (two years/$4 million) and Brook Lopez (one year/$3.1 million).
Nets get Antawn Jamison (one year/$15.1 million).
Why does this trade work for all three teams?
Cleveland adds a valuable piece to the puzzle in Gasol for the next two seasons, forming a very strong front court of Varejao, Gasol and rookie Thompson. Sheldon Williams has an expiring contract and is only used to make the terms of the deal sufficient.
The Cavs' salary obligations for the next two seasons increases to $37 million, leaving the team $20 million under the cap. With the Cavaliers much improved, the team will have money to sign a shooting guard and small forward.
The Lakers do give up one of their core pieces in Pau Gasol, but replace him with younger, cheaper Brook Lopez. A front court of Lopez and Andrew Bynum is just as formidable as Bynum and Gasol. If things happen to not work out, Brook Lopez has an expiring contract.
Also, the Lakers get the much needed back court help with Ramon Sessions and a very underrated player in Anthony Morrow.
Both would be a great fit in Los Angeles and having Sessions and Morrow as the first two off the bench significantly improves the Lakers' chances of winning a title this season.
With the Lakers parting ways with Gasol's $18 million contract, Los Angeles is now in position to spend big money in free agency with the likes of Dwight Howard and Chris Paul potentially available.
With the added cap space, the Lakers may be able to sign both.
The Nets see this as a way to free up space for free agency to make a huge run to sign Dwight Howard.
The $15 million expiring contract of Antawn Jamison does just that.
Deron Williams may become a free agent at the end of the season. However, if he sees the Nets making a play to add Dwight Howard into the mix, it may entice Williams to stay in New Jersey.
It remains to be seen whether Kris Humphries will stay with the Nets beyond this season. Also, they will likely have a top five draft pick, giving the Nets a chance to add an impact player
It's safe to say the Nets will be looking to make a big splash in free agency.
