Andrew Bynum: Why the Cleveland Cavaliers Are Best Possible Destination
With trade rumors between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic heating up, the Cleveland Cavaliers—the possible third team involved—would be the best case scenario for Andrew Bynum.
The Lakers, Magic and Cavs are in early stages of a deal, according to FOX Sports’ Sam Amico. The proposed deal would send Howard to the Lakers, Bynum to the Cavs and Anderson Varejao and multiple draft picks to the Magic, according to Jarrod Rudolph of Real GM.
Other possible destinations for Bynum include the Magic and the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN. Of the three teams that could end up with Bynum on their roster—or four if you want to include the Lakers should no deal get done—Cleveland would be the best destination for him.
The Cavaliers haven’t been good since LeBron James left, but have now put together a nucleus of young talent that could earn them a trip to the postseason as early as next season.
With last season’s Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving bound to get even better over the course of his young career, Bynum would already have a solid point guard to play alongside with. Bynum hasn’t had a great point guard during his time with the Lakers.
Bynum would also have the opportunity to play with an up-and-coming big man in Tristan Thompson, who was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team last year. The duo could combine for a lethal low-post game and become dual forces on the glass.
There will not be a Kobe Bryant on this team that has the ability to take a game into his own hands, but Irving could turn into that type of player. He takes nearly all of the big shots despite just being a rookie last season. The pressure doesn’t seem to faze him at all and he’s ready to take on any opponent.
Outside of Irving and Thompson, Bynum could also help Tyler Zeller transition into a solid big man. Zeller would likely backup Bynum at center or Thompson at power forward, and could be a nice option off of the bench. This would be especially important since Varejao would likely be playing elsewhere.
A lineup that includes Irving, Thompson and Bynum would be nothing to be ashamed of. Those three are capable of taking Cleveland to the playoffs as early as next season and ensuring plenty of future success.
With Bynum going to Cleveland, it gives him the opportunity to be a bigger star than what he was in Los Angeles—playing under the spotlight of Kobe. Bynum is arguably a better overall player than Irving is too. Wouldn’t he want to be a star on a young team with such great potential for the future?
The Rockets and Magic don’t have the good, young players that Cleveland has and the Lakers clearly don’t want him.
If Bynum is going to be dealt, he should be honored to go play with the Cavs.
