NBA Trade Rumors: If Cavaliers Trade for Rip Hamilton, Should They Keep Him?
Most NBA fans have heard the rumors of Rip Hamilton being traded to the Cavaliers, first before the February trade deadline and again recently packaged with the eighth overall pick in this June's draft.
Let's assume that the deal ends up happening, and Rip packs his bags for Cleveland.ย
The Cavs are just going to buy him out, right?
Or could they actually use him as a veteran piece going forward?
Let's look at the arguments for keeping or cutting Rip Hamilton from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They Should Keep Hamilton Because:
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It's no secret that the Cavaliers need help at the shooting guard position.ย Anthony Parker did a decent job the past two years, but he's better suited coming off the bench for a contender, not starting for a rebuilding team.
Hamilton is still productive at age 33, averaging just over 14 points per games despite playing less than 28 minutes a contest.ย He would fill a scoring need and upgrade the position until a younger, cheaper talent can be found.
The Cavaliers should keep him because he provides an upgrade at shooting guard.
They Should Cut Hamilton Because:
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An NBA roster can hold 15 players, 12 of which can dress for a game.
Currently, the Cavaliers have 13 players on their roster (assuming Ryan Hollins picks up his player option), with four picks (five if you count the eighth overall pick acquired with Hamilton) in the upcoming draft.
You do the math.
By keeping Hamilton, the Cavaliers would have to part with either a young player or fan favorite like Anderson Varejao or Daniel Gibson.ย Either way, Hamilton's not worth it.ย The open roster spots should be reserved for the incoming lottery picks and a possible free agent pickup.
Oh, and Joey Graham should be released to free up one more.
They should cut Hamilton because they need the roster spot for incoming draft picks.
They Should Keep Hamilton Because:
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Hamilton is a proven star in the league and won a championship with the Pistons in 2004.ย Currently, the Cavs have zero players who have ever won a ring anywhere.ย Hamilton's presence as a winner could be great in a young locker room or in a backcourt with Kyrie Irving or Brandon Knight.
Antawn Jamison fulfills the role of veteran leader currently, but he's entering the last year on his deal and likely won't make it past the trade deadline in Cleveland.ย
Baron Davis is a veteran yes, but his "leadership qualities" are questionable at best when looking at his career resume.
They should keep Hamilton because he would be a veteran presence on a young and unproven club.
They Should Cut Hamilton Because:
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The Cavaliers estimated team salary for next season is $55 million before counting incoming draft picks.
With Rip Hamilton's salary, that number jumps to $67.6 million.ย Not that Dan Gilbert cares much about financial details, but the NBA's salary cap rules do.
With the trade exception, the Cavs could take on the added money no problem.ย The real trouble would come into play when trying to make a splash in the free agent market.
This year's salary cap was set at $58 million.ย It will most likely decrease for next season, since the NBA is losing money faster than last summer's BP stock.ย Taking on Hamilton's salary would push the Cavs way over the cap and limit them to the mid level exception of approximately $5.7 million.
If they buy him out, however, none of the money would count towards the cap, keeping the Cavs flexible and able to make a move in free agency.
They should cut Hamilton to keep financial flexibility.
They Should Keep Hamilton Because:
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Think about the teams who would be interested in signing Hamilton if the Cavs do decide to buy him out.
Playoff teams like the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks all need help at shooting guard.ย Does Cleveland really want to help them out?
It only makes sense that they keep him, since they're going to have to pay him one way or another.ย If you're going to invest money in something, why not reap the benefits of said investment?
Why help out another team, especially one in your division by letting Hamilton walk away?
It may seem obvious, but...
They should keep Hamilton so another team doesn't get him.
They Should Cut Hamilton Because:
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Rip Hamilton, whether he plays his current contract out with the Cavaliers or not, doesn't have a future in Cleveland.ย
He's already vetoed one trade to the Cavs, so it's obvious he isn't interested in another rebuilding job.ย The best case scenario is that he helps Cleveland win a few more ballgames, but is he really going to lead them to the playoffs in 2011-2012?ย I don't think so.
The Cavs, like or not, shouldn't try to be winners next season.ย Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder put pieces together through multiple drafts and didn't try for the quick turnaround while sacrificing future success.ย Now it appears as if they'll be a playoff regular for years to come.
The Cavs would be smart to do the same.
They should cut Hamilton because he doesn't fit into the team's future plans.
Conclusion
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While there's arguments to be had for both sides, I feel it would be unwise to keep Rip Hamilton on the Cavaliers next season.ย
The Cavs shouldn't be in a win-now mode, and Hamilton probably wouldn't be too motivated playing for a rebuilding team.
Yes, this means helping out a team like the Bulls, but it's only a temporary help for them.ย Using his roster spot for a young player means that in future years when Hamilton's retired, that player could be playing a large role for the Cavs thanks to the opportunity he got this season.
If this were the Cavaliers teams from 2006 to 2010, it would make sense to keep a veteran to help push them over the hump and help bring home a title.ย The only thing Hamilton would help with now would be a few more wins and a worse spot in the draft next year.
Keep the roster young and financially as flexible as possible and build for the future, without Rip Hamilton.
Conclusion: Cut him.
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