Shawn Marion To Be Dealt to Cleveland Cavaliers?

Could Shawn Marion’s play for the Cavaliers be the final piece to the puzzle, allowing LeBron to win his first Championship? LayupDrill’s Senior Editor Brandon Ribak, on behalf of Rumor Mill, analyzes the trade and states who is clearly getting the better deal.

Breaking Down the Trade

All-Star SF Shawn Marion would be sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers for PF/C Anderson Varejao and SF Wally Szczerbiak

Marion is in the final year of his contract ($17,180,000) and becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Varejao is in his final season contract ($5,784,480) with a player option for the 09-10 NBA season.

Szczerbiak is in his final season contract as well ($13,000,000) and becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Trade Outcome

If the trade were to be accepted, the Cavaliers would obtain a very solid player in Marion, with tons of potential to do better than he is right now. He would add another defensive threat to the Cavaliers lineup, and would be expected to help the Cavs make a run for the Championship.

Since Marion is in his final contract season and becomes an unrestricted free agent during the 09-10 offseason, the Cavaliers better hope they make it to the Finals this season. Otherwise, Marion may depart once again.

The Miami Heat would obtain a young and talented center in Varejao, with tremendous amount of upside. The Heat will make sure Anderson re-signs with them during the offseason and you can expect a long-term contract to be signed as well. Varejao would be the starting center for a re-building Miami Heat team and could fit in rather well.

Szczerbiak is the only dud in this deal. Although he is a consistent shooter and can help the Heat this season, the truth of the matter is that Miami probably won’t make it to the playoffs this year. Wally’s contract gives him $13,000,000 at the end of the year and the chances of the Heat re-signing him are slim to none.

So what do you think about this deal? Should the Heat and Cavaliers make this deal a reality, or will it just be another rumor circulating around the entire league?