NBA Trade Deadline 2012: 5 Trades the Cleveland Cavaliers Should Pursue
The NBA trade deadline is approaching and teams are frantically trying to add the missing piece to a championship run or shred cap space to make room for high-profile free agents.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are not interested in doing either of those but have pieces to accommodate a team attempting to do either.
Ramon Sessions has been linked to many teams needing a solid point guard for a championship run and Antawn Jamison has a large expiring contract that many teams see ideal.
There is no doubt the Cavs will be involved in trade talks in the coming weeks. Here is a list of trades the Cavs should pursue.
Three-Team Trade: Cavs, Magic, Warriors
1 of 5Cavs get Monta Ellis (3 years/$11 million) and Andris Biedrins (3 years/$9.0)
Magic get Ekpe Udoh (3 years/$3.3) and Antwan Jamison (1 year/$15.1)
Warriors get Ramon Sessions (2 years/$4.3) and Dwight Howard (1 year/$18.1)
Why this works?
Cavs get their shooting guard and center to pair with Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejao, and Tristan Thompson for the next three seasons. This makes a solid, big starting five that would be in the playoffs and allow the team to build.
Magic get a young talented center with a great contract for Dwight Howard, who will likely leave in free agency. With an expiring contract in Jamison, the Magic will shed $15 million from their cap and still be able to use the amnesty clause to shed another in hopes of signing Howard or others in the offseason.
Warriors agree because they get their big man and add another quality starter in the deal. Stephen Curry, David Lee and Howard would be a very tough team to beat in any playoff series. Also, it makes GS a contender to sign Howard in the off season. (Think of the CC Sabathia trade to Milwaukee Brewers).
Cavs and Nets
2 of 5Antawn Jamison (1 year/$15.1 million) to Nets for Anthony Marrow (2 years/$4), Jordan Farmar (2 years/$4), Johan Petro (2 years/$3.3)
Why this works?
The Cavs add valuable pieces to their squad for the next season while still maintaining their lottery status and a great draft pick.
The Nets clear up almost all of their salary obligations going into next season and have plenty to spend in free agency.
Three-Team Trade: Cavs, Magic, Thunder
3 of 5Cavs get Hedo Turkoglu (3 years/$11 million), Kendrick Perkins (4 years/$7.1), Daequan Cook (2 years/$3.3)
Magic get Antawn Jamison (1 year/$15.1), James Harden (2 years/$4.6), Ramon Sessions (2 years/$4.3), Narz Mohammed (1 year/$3.8)
Thunder get Dwight Howard (1 year/$18.0)
Why this works?
The Cavs have a starting five for the next two seasons of Irving, Cook, Turkoglu, Varejao, Perkins. A very solid team along with a probable lottery pick in this years draft.
The Magic will be able to clear a lot of salary cap room to pursue a deep free agent class and have a quality backcourt next season in Sessions and Harden even if Jameer Nelson does not return.
The Thunder become instant favorites to win the NBA title this season with Westbrook, Durant and Howard.
Three-Team Trade: Cavs, Lakers, Warriors
4 of 5Cavs get Pau Gasol (3 years/$18.7 million), Monta Ellis (3 years/$11)
Lakers get David Lee (5 years/$11.6), Ramon Sessions (2 years/$4.3)
Warriors get Antawn Jamison (1 year/$15.1), Daniel Gibson (2 years/$4.4), Josh McRoberts (2 years/$3.0), Cavs and Lakers' first-round pick
Why this works?
Pretty clear why the Cavs would do this, Irving and Elllis in the back court, paired with Gasol and Varejao in the frontcourt is a more than a formidable lineup.
The Lakers make the shakeup they have been discussing a put together a more balanced lineup with Lee and Bynum in the front court along with a strong quality PG in Sessions.
The Warriors are the wild card in this deal, the first-round picks are intriguing considering it is a deep draft and they will have three picks possibly two lottery picks. Also: they will ship a major salary obligation and have plenty of money to sign free agents in a deep class.
There are a lot of good players going to new teams next season and the Warriors could benefit greatly. Remember, they have Stephen Curry and top-seven pick Klay Thompson in the backcourt.
Cavs and Bulls
5 of 5Antawn Jamison (1 year/$15.1 million) to Bulls for Luol Deng (3 years/$12)
Why this works?
The Cavs trade a quality player in Jamison to a contender and in return get another quality player for the next couple of seasons. Deng paired with Irving makes a dang good duo (pardon the pun) for the next few seasons.
The Bulls have a veteran player in Jamison to replace Deng and free up $15 million in cap room to sign a high profile free agent to complete their roster and finally become the team to beat in the east.
