I'm not joking here. Given what we have to spend, I would seriously consider putting in a call to Alonzo Gee's agent. I'd be happy to have him back in a non regular rotation bench wing spot. He's a good insurance policy and could always give spot duty as a wing defender.

I'm not joking here. Given what we have to spend, I would seriously consider putting in a call to Alonzo Gee's agent. I'd be happy to have him back in a non regular rotation bench wing spot. He's a good insurance policy and could always give spot duty as a wing defender.

 

That's a reach.  Gee tries really hard but his skills are limited. It's one thing to play solid ball, and even shine from time-to-time, with those awful Cavs teams in-between LeBron eras, but the expectations are so much higher now, especially in the playoffs.  The Moment is often too big for even experienced players -- ie: after his last year's heroics, we saw Delly tumble back to earth in this year's championship drive to the point where he fell out of the rotation completely.  I question whether Gee could give the Cavs anywhere near the quality backup-3 minutes Richard Jefferson did this season; assuming RJ was just kidding the fans about coming back for another season.

I wasn't thinking of him for RJ's role. More like the next wing behind RJ and Shump. Non rotation player. Insurance policy.

 

If Ryan Anderson is getting $20mill, who do you expect to get with less than $4mill to offer?

 

 

These deals have been ridiculously large. The league will have to increase the MLE to keep up with the drastically increased salaries.

 

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

 

We don't get the MLE.  I think it is because we are not just over the cap, but over the luxury tax threshold.

We don't get the MLE.  I think it is because we are not just over the cap, but over the luxury tax threshold.

I'm just saying in general. That $5.5 million or whatever it is isn't enough anymore. People who usually would agree to it are getting double digit millions per year now.

 

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

 

There's D-Wade buzz again.  I'm skeptical but in the wake of the Durant "Decision" it's out there.

There's D-Wade buzz again.  I'm skeptical but in the wake of the Durant "Decision" it's out there.

 

If MIA is offering 2 years @ $20m per, there's no way he's coming here.  We could never get anywhere close to that, right?

If MIA is offering 2 years @ $20m per, there's no way he's coming here.  We could never get anywhere close to that, right?

 

Not without dumping a lot of contracts off the bench. The problem is finding trade partners for those guys.

 

How would D-Wade fit on this team? I like his game when he's healthy, but he would be the second best guard on this team (third if you count Bron running point).

I just don't see him being a good fit here, either. I'd rather they keep the roster as intact as possible and try to find a few other solid role players to fill it out. I don't want to see them fundamentally change the nature of a team that won the title because Golden State made a big move that I believe may or may not even ultimately work for them.

 

I've heard David West's name floated as a possibility if he decides to play next year. Not sure how that contract would fit, either, but I'd prefer matching his skill-set to the Cavs roster than what Wade would bring.

Wade turns 35 next season.  Hell no.

Wade turns 35 next season.  Hell no.

 

And that alone isn't even my prime reason for having reservations, it's his injury history.

Methinks this is just epic trolling of Miami by Cavs/Bron/Wade.  There's a lot of smoke, but I suspect that is all this is. 

Wade turns 35 next season.  Hell no.

 

And that alone isn't even my prime reason for having reservations, it's his injury history.

 

My concerns too.  I'd rather add a top notch center.

Methinks this is just epic trolling of Miami by Cavs/Bron/Wade.  There's a lot of smoke, but I suspect that is all this is. 

 

That's what I think, too. Although I don't understand the point.

It puts the pressure on Miami to give Wade what he wants.  Cavs are just playing along to either (a) appease LeBron, (b) troll Miami, © a little of both.  My bet is c

 

Wade turns 35 next season.  Hell no.

 

And that alone isn't even my prime reason for having reservations, it's his injury history.

 

My concerns too.  I'd rather add a top notch center.

 

LeBron is not best friends with any top notch center

Methinks this is just epic trolling of Miami by Cavs/Bron/Wade.  There's a lot of smoke, but I suspect that is all this is. 

 

That's what I think, too. Although I don't understand the point.

 

It may seem like that, but rest assured, if Lebron and Wade want this to happen, it will happen.  According to Ethan Skolnik who is as plugged in down there as anyone, Wade is furious with the HEat.  He was also at Game 7 and saw Lebron go through that...You don't think he wants that feeling again?  What person wouldn't?  His career is going to be over in a couple years...but he still has juice left.  Coming here will be his last shot...and Lebron has the leverage now to say I don't NEED you, but I WANT you here.  If Wade blows it off, fine.  Cavs will still be in the running.

 

I honestly think it could happen, not saying it will...but It sounds like conversations are taking place.  I would say there are no safe contracts other than Lebron, Kyrie and Tristan at this point

I'd say maybe a backup plan in case JR decides not to come back. LBJ would pretty much need to take the contract hit if he wants Wade otherwise. 

The Finals next year will be fascinating.  GS will be chucking 3's and basically not play a center/rim protector.  The Cavs will need to up their D and will want to drive it down the Warriors' throats.

I'd say maybe a backup plan in case JR decides not to come back. LBJ would pretty much need to take the contract hit if he wants Wade otherwise. 

 

I get that Wade is not the player he once was, but he would never be considered a back up plan to JR

Methinks this is just epic trolling of Miami by Cavs/Bron/Wade.  There's a lot of smoke, but I suspect that is all this is. 

 

LeBron is helping his buddy Wade get more money while making his nemesis Riley sweat. The best of both worlds to LeBron.

It puts the pressure on Miami to give Wade what he wants.  Cavs are just playing along to either (a) appease LeBron, (b) troll Miami, © a little of both.  My bet is c

 

I understand to a degree if LeBron were doing this, but there's no justifiable reason for the Cavaliers organization to get in on the troll. And I certainly don't think that they're in the business of taking action simply to appease LeBron; they basically do what he says now, as far as I understand.

Lebron has something to gain by bringing in Wade at this point. The Warriors improved, the cavs get scarier w Wade. I'm almost expecting it to get done at this point. Not sure how, but Griffin makes money to figure that out

Well David West agreed to sign with Golden State. That's bad news.

It puts the pressure on Miami to give Wade what he wants.  Cavs are just playing along to either (a) appease LeBron, (b) troll Miami, © a little of both.  My bet is c

 

I understand to a degree if LeBron were doing this, but there's no justifiable reason for the Cavaliers organization to get in on the troll. And I certainly don't think that they're in the business of taking action simply to appease LeBron; they basically do what he says now, as far as I understand.

 

Which appears to be working, of course.  Especially since by all accounts he listens to Lue on the court.

 

At some point I expect him to end up with at least a minority ownership share in the team, perhaps more.

The Finals next year will be fascinating.  GS will be chucking 3's and basically not play a center/rim protector.  The Cavs will need to up their D and will want to drive it down the Warriors' throats.

 

Also, it appears they have figured out Thompson and Curry.  Knock them around and wear them out and later in the game the Splash Brothers join the Bricklayers Union.

Well David West agreed to sign with Golden State. That's bad news.

 

That's one expensive ring he is hunting for. He gave up over $10 mill to sign with SAS last year and probably passed up on more to sign with GSW now

Well David West agreed to sign with Golden State. That's bad news.

 

That's one expensive ring he is hunting for. He gave up over $10 mill to sign with SAS last year and probably passed up on more to sign with GSW now

 

So now there has to be 30 people on GSW's roster, right?

I'm not sure Wade would be a huge upgrade.  JR fits in because he's a catch and shoot guy, which helps when Kyrie and LeBron are dominating the ball and driving and kicking.  Wade basically does the same thing, but can't shoot the 3 anymore.  If you start Wade but don't bring back JR, there's basically one 3 point shooter in Kyrie, and if Love is hitting his outside shot.

Well David West agreed to sign with Golden State. That's bad news.

 

That's one expensive ring he is hunting for. He gave up over $10 mill to sign with SAS last year and probably passed up on more to sign with GSW now

 

So now there has to be 30 people on GSW's roster, right?

 

They've essentially exchanged Barnes, Bogut, and Ezeli for Durant, Pachulia, and West.  Much better on offense (I'm not sure they really needed help there.... except the end of Game 7) and much worse on defense, IMO.  They will bring back Livingston, but Barbosa is still up in the air last I heard.

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/7/6/12105580/ray-allen-warriors-rumors-cavaliers-retirement

 

Ray Allen could be coming back.  To the Cavs??

That's one expensive ring he is hunting for. He gave up over $10 mill to sign with SAS last year and probably passed up on more to sign with GSW now

 

From what I was reading he was considering retiring this year (actually last year). It's definitely not about the money for him anymore.

^There's absolutely no doubt about that.  He opted out of his $12 mill contract last year to sign with SAS for the vet minimum. 

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/7/6/12105580/ray-allen-warriors-rumors-cavaliers-retirement

 

Ray Allen could be coming back.  To the Cavs??

 

Like everyone else, he's mainly looking at GSW. Will Rodman come out of retirement to play for them? Is Kareem available? What about Bill Russell?

 

Durant will take the ball away from the only guy who showed up in Game 7 of the Finals: Dray Green. And KD slowly faded away in the OKC/GSW series passing up shots and forcing Westbrook to act like a Lebron/Kyrie combo. GSW is still soft in the paint and KD won't help them there. There is no inside presence like Steven Adams on GSW either. Is KD ready to get banged around when the Splash Brothers go cold? Upgrade, yes. Unstoppable, no.

Ray Allen could be coming back.  To the Cavs??

 

Or the Warriors. It's almost funny to see what's happening. Maybe Wade will join the Warriors, too? (Just kidding, he's about to commit a robbery on some sad franchise...it's definitely about the money for him at this point in his career.)

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/7/6/12105580/ray-allen-warriors-rumors-cavaliers-retirement

 

Ray Allen could be coming back.  To the Cavs??

 

Like everyone else, he's mainly looking at GSW. Will Rodman come out of retirement to play for them? Is Kareem available? What about Bill Russell?

 

Durant will take the ball away from the only guy who showed up in Game 7 of the Finals: Dray Green. And KD slowly faded away in the OKC/GSW series passing up shots and forcing Westbrook to act like a Lebron/Kyrie combo. GSW is still soft in the paint. KD won't help them there is no inside presence like Steven Adams on GSW like he had in OKC. Upgrade, yes. Unstoppable, no.

 

Dang, you beat me to it!

 

Though in regards to your other point, Durant's presence should help Curry and Thompson get even more open looks...and I don't think we can expect them to play as poorly over such a long stretch again. Unless you believe that the Cavaliers really did "solve" them.

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/7/6/12105580/ray-allen-warriors-rumors-cavaliers-retirement

 

Ray Allen could be coming back.  To the Cavs??

 

Like everyone else, he's mainly looking at GSW. Will Rodman come out of retirement to play for them? Is Kareem available? What about Bill Russell?

 

Durant will take the ball away from the only guy who showed up in Game 7 of the Finals: Dray Green. And KD slowly faded away in the OKC/GSW series passing up shots and forcing Westbrook to act like a Lebron/Kyrie combo. GSW is still soft in the paint. KD won't help them there is no inside presence like Steven Adams on GSW like he had in OKC. Upgrade, yes. Unstoppable, no.

 

Dang, you beat me to it!

 

Though in regards to your other point, Durant's presence should help Curry and Thompson get even more open looks...and I don't think we can expect them to play as poorly over such a long stretch again. Unless you believe that the Cavaliers really did "solve" them.

 

Who knows. The Cavs played great defense when it mattered and GSW collapsed. The Durant move, to me, is an necessity and not an "embarrassment of riches". The Warriors now know they would not have won a title yet if Kyrie and Love were healthy over the last two years. If they want an asterisk free title they had to make this move.

 

I also love how Harrison Barnes is being thrown under the bus. All these stat guys loved Harrison Barnes role on GSW until he flamed out in June. Barnes and Bogut's move to the Mavs makes winning the Western Conference harder, not easier. Glad they stayed over there.

I might have to amend my previous answer on what the Cavs get out of the playing a seemingly pointless role in the Wade sweepstakes which has, perhaps not so coincidentally, accelerated his suitors' pursuit into overdrive.  A few of them (Heat, Bulls) need to clear some space to give Wade what he wants.  We just so happen to have a trade exception.  I'm just hoping Griff is as smart and shrewd as I think he is.  We could wind up with a quality piece plus a pick before this is over.

^hit that nail on the head...

I might have to amend my previous answer on what the Cavs get out of the playing a seemingly pointless role in the Wade sweepstakes which has, perhaps not so coincidentally, accelerated his suitors' pursuit into overdrive.  A few of them (Heat, Bulls) need to clear some space to give Wade what he wants.  We just so happen to have a trade exception.  I'm just hoping Griff is as smart and shrewd as I think he is.  We could wind up with a quality piece plus a pick before this is over.

 

Jimmy Butler?

 

Jimmy Butler?

 

I don't see the Bulls trading Butler unless they're trying to lose games and get a lottery pick.

Dunleavy. I like it. Would have loved it if Griff could've squeezed a pick out of Chicago. This all makes sense now.  It's been reported that Wade was only seriously considering Chicago, his hometown. Denver and Milwaukee were unwitting pawns. But were we?  I don't think so. Bron has always wanted Dunleavy on his team. We tried to sign him last summer.

 

In other news, RJeff re-signed for two years. In typical fashion, Lil' Kev announced it on his snapchat account.

What excites you most about Dunleavy? His sub-10 PER? That he managed to find his way into less than half of his team's games last year?

 

The 2012 version of Dunleavy isn't walking through that door. Nothing about the move even remotely gets me excited.

What excites you most about Dunleavy? His sub-10 PER? That he managed to find his way into less than have of his team's games last year?

 

The 2012 version of Dunleavy isn't walking through that door. Nothing about the move even remotely gets me excited.

 

He had back surgery last year so his stats are off due to health issues. That being said, I'm not excited by this either. I know LeBron has always wanted to play with him but he's 35 and coming of an injury. I hope he can still be effective on some level.

 

It will be interesting to see if the Knicks or Bulls make another move to try to grab the #2 spot from Toronto in the East. Nobody is talking about the fact that DeRozan signed a long term deal with the Raptors.

^I think the Bulls and Knicks will have enough trouble making the playoffs.  Who are Chicago's bigs?  Their new starting backcourt made something like 50 three pointers, all of last season.  The Knicks will have to hope both Rose and Noah return to form and stay healthy.  Doubtful.  I'm thinking the Celtics will be up there with the Raptors for #2, and maybe Indiana too.  The Pacers have made some really nice moves, adding Teague and Al Jefferson, plus Paul George being another year removed from his devastating injury and the anticipated continued development of Myles Turner.  Those are the teams to watch in the East, IMHO.

 

What excites you most about Dunleavy? His sub-10 PER? That he managed to find his way into less than have of his team's games last year?

 

The 2012 version of Dunleavy isn't walking through that door. Nothing about the move even remotely gets me excited.

 

I am not sure how you define "excited".  I liked it.  We picked him up for basically nothing and we were not going to get anything better than him with the money we have to spend.  We spent most of that cap room re-signing RJ.

 

I like his basketball IQ and locker-room presence.  I like his 40% 3-point shooting, which spreads the floor since you can't leave him open.  Career 45% shooter from 3 in the playoffs.  I like that he is hungry for a title (much like RJ was when we signed him and nobody was excited).  I like his height.  I like that he is now a year removed from back surgery.

 

Bottom line is that he is a solid pickup.  Not spectacular.  Nothing to be jumping up and down about.  But he's never hurt his team.  He's  role player and he plays his role.  Plus, he always seems to kill us, so I will be happy to not be playing against him anymore.

So, yes, he's a professional basketball player.

^Yes.  A solid pro who should give us quality minutes whenever inserted.

 

I suppose you were holding out for the Russell Westbrook trade?

 

 

From last summer: LeBron James has interest in Mike Dunleavy

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/06/nba_rumors_lebron_james_has_in.html

 

From last night: LeBron James has always wanted to play with Dunleavy

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/07/cleveland_cavaliers_to_acquire_2.html

 

 

Turns out that the Cavs were able to S/T Delly to the Bucks, receiving in return the rights to some Spanish big man who is 34 and will likely never play in the NBA, but more importantly a $4.8 million trade exception.  Just so happens to match up with Dunleavy's salary.  This deal was finalized before the Dunleavy deal.  Seems like they should be able to use this new TPE as opposed to the larger one ($9.8mill?) they received last year in the AV deal.  That would be great if they could hold on to the entire Varejao TPE.  You can't combine TPE's so it is better to have one $10mill TPE than to have two $5mill TPE's.  The larger one can be used right up to the one year anniversary of the AV trade and will be a good chip to have at the trade deadline once teams start looking to dump salary.  And teams will likely be looking to dump salary since the cap projection for next summer went down from $107m to $102m. 

I'm excited about the Dunleavy trade in the same way I was excited to get RJ.  I think they're both the type of player this team needs.  Veterans that can give you quality minutes.  And it never hurts to have another good 3 point shooter.

 

Some people were excited about the prospect of having Ray Allen not too long ago.  I'd much rather have Dunleavy.

I suppose you were holding out for the Russell Westbrook trade?

 

No and I'm really just busting your chops at this point.

 

I've heard some chatter about signing J.J. Hickson as a backup center. Hopefully that happens.