Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Players Worth Pursuing with $14.5 Million Trade Exception
On July 11, 2011, the Cavaliers' $14.5 million trade exception, acquired in the you-know-who trade, officially expires at midnight, and with it the chance to obtain talent from a willing, cash-strapped franchise.
The rebuilding process for the Cavaliers will very much be dictated by the upcoming NBA draft and the use of this exception. Chris Grant could easily have Cleveland back in the playoff picture next season or, with the wrong collection of players, set them back for the next five years.
To make Grant's job a little easier, here's my list of players worth pursuing before the exception expires.
Jason Thompson
1 of 5
Salary: $3 million
Why the Cavs Could Use Him:
Thompson is a young, athletic big who, at 6'11", could see some time at center for the Cavs, another area of need. He has career averages of 14.1 ppg, 9.5 rbg and 36 minutes of play.
Only 24 years old, he has a lot of room to improve and has already shown flashes of greatness when given the opportunity.
Why Kings Would Trade Him:
After drafting DeMarcus Cousins last season, Thompson saw his minutes drop from 31 per game in 2009-10 to just 23 per game in 2010-11. He was in and out of the starting lineup, seeing his playing time change sporadically from week to week. The Kings are in financial pain and could use the salary relief.
O.J. Mayo
2 of 5
Salary: $5.6 million
Why the Cavs Could Use Him:
Mayo is an instant-offense shooting guard who maintains high free throw and three-point percentages. He also needs a change of scenery. He is a free agent after next season, so if his style clashes with what Byron Scott wants to do Mayo is free to walk with no hefty contract keeping him around.
Why Grizzlies Would Trade Him:
Mayo was benched by Memphis this season, got into a fight with teammate Tony Allen and would have been traded to the Pacers had the deal been submitted in time. The strong play of Allen as a starter and the return next season of Rudy Gay signal that Mayo's stint with the Grizz is closing. Memphis may ask for a draft pick in this deal, but I have no doubt they would accept a trade for Mayo.
Marvin Williams
3 of 5
Salary: $7.5 million
Why the Cavs Could Use Him:
Williams is a 6'9" small forward who can score with ease and, at only 24 years of age, could still reach the star potential he was granted coming out of North Carolina. He has playoff experience, youth, athleticism and promise. Plus, he always seems to kill the Cavs whenever the Hawks are in town.
Why Hawks Would Trade Him:
Williams's minutes have dropped for a third straight year and he now finds himself coming off the bench. Atlanta could move Josh Smith to small forward and Al Horford to power forward, allowing them to match up better with the opposition. Only attempting 10 shots combined in the Hawks first three playoff games, Williams's time in Atlanta could be coming to an end. The Hawks could use the additional money to either acquire a new center or to help re-sign Jamal Crawford.
Chris Kaman
4 of 5
Salary: $12.2 million
Why the Cavs Could Use Him:
Kaman would give the Cavs a true center and only has one year left on his deal. Therefore, if it doesn't work out in Cleveland, they wouldn't have to worry about his contract. A great rebounder and shot blocker when healthy, Kaman would allow the Cavs to move Anderson Varejao back to the bench and J.J. Hickson to play a full year at power forward. At 28, Kaman should be in the prime of his career if he stays healthy—which is a big if.
Why Clippers Would Trade Him:
Kaman missed 50 games last season and, in his absence, center DeAndre Jordan stepped up nicely, emerging as the Clippers center of the future. If Kaman doesn't fit into LA's future plans, and Donald Sterling can save $12 million by trading him this offseason, you better believe the Clippers would trade him.
Andre Iguodala
5 of 5
Salary: $13.5 million
Why the Cavs Could Use Him:
Iguodala plays shooting guard and small forward, two positions at which the Cavs are extremely thin. He's also a great perimeter defender, he can score, rebound and even averaged 6.3 assists per game last year. At 27, he should just be entering the prime of his career.
Why the 76ers Would Trade Him:
The Sixers drafted Evan Turner with the second overall pick in last year's draft. Turner has a similar style to Iggy's but comes much younger and at about a third of the salary. Turner struggled for most of the year but showed improvement as the season went along.
Iguodala is Philly's second highest paid player behind Elton Brand. They could use the money saved with the trade exception to extend the contracts of other young players, such as Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young or Turner.
