Shaq traded to Cavs

[wdleehi]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

[Fafnir]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

[wdleehi]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

Who says it has to be one of those FA?  There are stars out there that are not on the last year of their contracts that could be moved. 

Vince Carter for example.

[Fafnir]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

Who says it has to be one of those FA?  There are stars out there that are not on the last year of their contracts that could be moved. 

Vince Carter for example.

Richard Jefferson, Michael Redd, Elton Brand, and that sort of quality would be the most they could get. Not a good move. Especially if you consider their nightmare scenario, LeBron leaves.

Part of the whole two max FA contracts strategy is that it lets them rebuild immediately if LeBron bails.

They could have had Carter for Wally's contract last year, plus some picks and change. Anyone else?

[Jon]

4 words describe this trade.

We-are-in-trouble

that pretty much sums it up....orlando is too

Maybe.

Shaq could also totally break down this season.  He's 37.  While you can argue that Kareem and Parish stayed good up until 40, there body types were dramatically different.  With all the weight (even if some of it is muscle) pulling on his enormous body, he's a disaster waiting to happen.  

Plus, while we can talk about how Shaq had a good season last year, if Shaq was really anywhere close to the player he was in LA (or even Miami), would the Suns really have missed the playoffs?  Keep in mind that Shaq had as a surrounding cast Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Jason Richardson, Grant Hill, and Leandro Barbosa.  

Again, I think this helps the Cavs if Shaq stays healthy.  But I'm not sure if the improvement is as dramatic as we would think.  Unfortunately, for Cleveland, their All Star center Big Z, is probably too slow to play next to Shaq, so it's not like they could bump someone like Varejao from the lineup and go with two All Star bigs down low.  They'll have to split time at the 5 spot, which to me, minimizes how dramatically they improve.  

[PosImpos]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

Who says it has to be one of those FA?  There are stars out there that are not on the last year of their contracts that could be moved. 

Vince Carter for example.

Yeah, if the Cavs somehow managed to get Vince that team would be pretty [dang] good... Mo Williams, Vince Carter, LeBron, Sideshow Bob, Shaq with Delonte as 6th man. 

[wdleehi]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

Who says it has to be one of those FA?  There are stars out there that are not on the last year of their contracts that could be moved. 

Vince Carter for example.

Richard Jefferson, Michael Redd, Elton Brand, and that sort of quality would be the most they could get. Not a good move. Especially if you consider their nightmare scenario, LeBron leaves.

Part of the whole two max FA contracts strategy is that it lets them rebuild immediately if LeBron bails.

They could have had Carter for Wally's contract last year, plus some picks and change. Anyone else?

If Redd is healthy, you don't think he would be a good player to add to that team?  Shaq demanding attention inside.  Redd and Williams pulling player outside. 

[Fafnir]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

Who says it has to be one of those FA?  There are stars out there that are not on the last year of their contracts that could be moved. 

Vince Carter for example.

Richard Jefferson, Michael Redd, Elton Brand, and that sort of quality would be the most they could get. Not a good move. Especially if you consider their nightmare scenario, LeBron leaves.

Part of the whole two max FA contracts strategy is that it lets them rebuild immediately if LeBron bails.

They could have had Carter for Wally's contract last year, plus some picks and change. Anyone else?

If Redd is healthy, you don't think he would be a good player to add to that team?  Shaq demanding attention inside.  Redd and Williams pulling player outside. 

Good addition yes, but is he worth killing their ability to sign a max money FA with LeBron?

Remember they can always trade for those type of 2nd tier guys when they are under the cap for a Marcus Camby type deal. The salaries don't have to match up in that case.

With Jefferson gone though I'd be surprised if you could get Redd for just expiring deals. They don't need to clear more cap space again.

[wdleehi]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

Who says it has to be one of those FA?  There are stars out there that are not on the last year of their contracts that could be moved. 

Vince Carter for example.

Richard Jefferson, Michael Redd, Elton Brand, and that sort of quality would be the most they could get. Not a good move. Especially if you consider their nightmare scenario, LeBron leaves.

Part of the whole two max FA contracts strategy is that it lets them rebuild immediately if LeBron bails.

They could have had Carter for Wally's contract last year, plus some picks and change. Anyone else?

If Redd is healthy, you don't think he would be a good player to add to that team?  Shaq demanding attention inside.  Redd and Williams pulling player outside. 

Good addition yes, but is he worth killing their ability to sign a max money FA with LeBron?

Remember they can always trade for those type of 2nd tier guys when they are under the cap for a Marcus Camby type deal. The salaries don't have to match up in that case.

With Jefferson gone though I'd be surprised if you could get Redd for just expiring deals. They don't need to clear more cap space again.

Yes, he is worth it.


The best way to keep Lebron is to put around him the best team you can now. 


And just remember this, Shaq's deal becomes valuable next season.


I imagine there are more then a few team that would like a 20 million expirering contract.

[Fafnir]

Anyone who thinks this trade isn't a big deal for the Cavs is kidding themselves, or they just need som perspective.  First things first, this is only the beginning for the Cavs.  They are trying hard to move up in the draft tonight and looking to acquire either a big swingman or someone like Earl Clark.

They will also be looking to get sign or trade for a PF that can spread the floor (McDyess, Sheed, possibly CV but I doubt it).

Anyone who thinks this hurts Lebron is kidding themselves again.  First, look for Lebron to be playing some PF this year.  Getting him the ball in the pos with Shaq on the other block will be brutal for other teams.  Want to rotate your center over to help on Lebron, Shaq's getting an oop.  Want to rotate your center on a Lebron drive?  Shaq is getting an oop.  Lebron is an excellent passer and will be looking to set up Shaq frequently. 

Like I said at the beginning of this, this is just the first move for the Cavs.  They are going to be very active this offseason and at the trade deadline since this is their last guaranteed year with LBJ (although I think he is staying put).  At worst, Shaq is a 20 million dollar expiring contract that the Cavs can move at the deadline. 

They can add some FAs but they don't have much left to work with.

JJ Hickson is probably their only trade asset left. They can sign some quality FAs, but they'll refuse to commit too much because the plan of LeBron plus max FA is still paramount.

They can trade Big Z.  If they find another star player, they don't need to be a player in the FA market next season.

Who? Which high level FA from 2010 can be had for just an expiring contract. Because that and JJ Hickson is all that the Cavs have to offer. None of them will be moved for that package.

What high level players who are signed to long term money beyond 2010 are worth giving up on the class of 2010 for?

Who says it has to be one of those FA?  There are stars out there that are not on the last year of their contracts that could be moved. 

Vince Carter for example.

Richard Jefferson, Michael Redd, Elton Brand, and that sort of quality would be the most they could get. Not a good move. Especially if you consider their nightmare scenario, LeBron leaves.

Part of the whole two max FA contracts strategy is that it lets them rebuild immediately if LeBron bails.

They could have had Carter for Wally's contract last year, plus some picks and change. Anyone else?

If Redd is healthy, you don't think he would be a good player to add to that team?  Shaq demanding attention inside.  Redd and Williams pulling player outside. 

Good addition yes, but is he worth killing their ability to sign a max money FA with LeBron?

Remember they can always trade for those type of 2nd tier guys when they are under the cap for a Marcus Camby type deal. The salaries don't have to match up in that case.

With Jefferson gone though I'd be surprised if you could get Redd for just expiring deals. They don't need to clear more cap space again.

Yes, he is worth it.


The best way to keep Lebron is to put around him the best team you can now. 


And just remember this, Shaq's deal becomes valuable next season.


I imagine there are more then a few team that would like a 20 million expirering contract.

Shaq's deal expires this year, they gave up expiring deals for Shaq and his expiring. They won't extend him. If they do it is a terrible move.

Also if they trade Z I think they'd need to get another two bigs somehow. You can't have just AV/Shaq.

[im right]

wed better hope Marion and Mcdyess want to split the MLE to be able to truely beat the Cavs. Dont see that happening though and I can already envision the terrible calls in the ECF. No way the league doesnt want to see a Kobe v Lebron and Shaq finals, esp after they were deprived of Kobe v LeBron this year. Funny side note how ESPN is talking up the trade to get past Orlando, bah!

[RAcker]

I was smiling the minute I heard it.  This is great news for the C's.  Cleveland slows down and begins to come apart at the seams.  Love it.

[MMacOH]

I was smiling the minute I heard it.  This is great news for the C's.  Cleveland slows down and begins to come apart at the seams.  Love it.

Yep, I can see them comng apart at the seams as we speak.  This is what Lebron wanted.  Keep dreaming RAcker.

The Cavs weren't an up tempo team to begin with. 

Cavs move up in the draft tonight and see what comes from that.  Then lets see what happens when the Cavs sign McDyess or Sheed, or re-sign AV.  Look for them to acquire a taller swing man to come off the bench as well.

Why don't we wait until the offseason is over before you start smiling. 

Cavs would be starting the season with a starting lineup of Mo, Delonte, LBJ, Sheed/McDyess/AV and Shaq with Z, Hickson, Darnell Jackson, Gibson and newly signed swing man coming off the bench.

[Fafnir]

I was smiling the minute I heard it.  This is great news for the C's.  Cleveland slows down and begins to come apart at the seams.  Love it.

Yep, I can see them comng apart at the seams as we speak.  This is what Lebron wanted.  Keep dreaming RAcker.

The Cavs weren't an up tempo team to begin with. 

Cavs move up in the draft tonight and see what comes from that.  Then lets see what happens when the Cavs sign McDyess or Sheed, or re-sign AV.  Look for them to acquire a taller swing man to come off the bench as well.

Why don't we wait until the offseason is over before you start smiling. 

Cavs would be starting the season with a starting lineup of Mo, Delonte, LBJ, Sheed/McDyess/AV and Shaq with Z, Hickson, Darnell Jackson, Gibson and newly signed swing man coming off the bench.

Eh Sheed and McDyess are going to be in such demand they can't go everywhere. I also don't see how moving up in the draft necessarily helps them. Rookies usually don't contribute, especially low picks.

It is a good move for the Cavs, they still shouldn't take on any long term salary though.

[MMacOH]

I was smiling the minute I heard it.  This is great news for the C's.  Cleveland slows down and begins to come apart at the seams.  Love it.

Yep, I can see them comng apart at the seams as we speak.  This is what Lebron wanted.  Keep dreaming RAcker.

The Cavs weren't an up tempo team to begin with. 

Cavs move up in the draft tonight and see what comes from that.  Then lets see what happens when the Cavs sign McDyess or Sheed, or re-sign AV.  Look for them to acquire a taller swing man to come off the bench as well.

Why don't we wait until the offseason is over before you start smiling. 

Cavs would be starting the season with a starting lineup of Mo, Delonte, LBJ, Sheed/McDyess/AV and Shaq with Z, Hickson, Darnell Jackson, Gibson and newly signed swing man coming off the bench.

Eh Sheed and McDyess are going to be in such demand they can't go everywhere. I also don't see how moving up in the draft necessarily helps them. Rookies usually don't contribute, especially low picks.

It is a good move for the Cavs, they still shouldn't take on any long term salary though.

Supposedly there are a couple guys that could fall to the mid-teens that the Cavs feel could help them immediately this year.  Two players that come to mind are Earl Clark and Derozean