The Cavaliers have emerged as an elite team, allowing the fewest points per game while boasting one of the league's most potent offenses. But you know what's really scary? They might be getting even better. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Cavs and Heat have discussed a deal that could bring Shawn Marion to Cleveland. Why wouldn't the Heat just wait and capitalize on Marion's $17.1 million expiring contract this summer?
Because by trading Marion, they'll likely be able to create even more space: Wojnarowski reports that talks have centered on Wally Szczerbiak (and his $13 million expiring deal) and Anderson Varejao (who's all but certain to opt out of the final year of his contract, which would pay him $6.2 million).
The Cavs clearly need to weigh the consequences of disrupting their current chemistry, but Marion is a special breed of player who could contribute on both sides of the ball. A gifted defender, he can match up with any guard or forward in the league, and while he's not quite as accurate as Szczerbiak from long distance, he's certainly capable beyond the arc, too.
Paired next to LeBron James, who can seamlessly shift from point guard to power forward, the Cavs would have one of the most versatile frontcourts in the entire league. Ben Wallace would be pushed to the bench, but he's averaging fewer than 24 minutes a game as it is -- replacing his minutes with someone who's almost as capable on the glass and 10 times more effective with the ball in his hands is an easy decision.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-16-2008 @ 12:45PM
Dave D. said...
The Heat are in good position to make the playoffs, so I don't see this as a good idea with that big of a downgrade in talent. If D-Wade goes out for an extended period of time and the playoffs become unrealistic, that would be one thing, but to give up on the additional income from the playoffs for an extra $2 million in the offseason is another, far inferior idea. Alternatively, if this is going to be followed up by an even bigger deal for expiring contracts, blowing things up completely, it then would start to make sense.
If the Heat want to sign Boozer outright, they need to lose contracts that go beyond 2009. Giving up their second best player for wiggle room doesn't accomplish this, and wiggle room doesn't mean much when you're wiggling around $10 mil under the cap instead of enough for a max contract.
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12-16-2008 @ 1:52PM
Mike Payne said...
That'd be a nasty trade-- we'd pretty much watch the Cavs walk right out of the Eastern Conference in the playoffs.
Its smart for both teams-- Miami get's ChairBeeAxe's expiring contract (which will help them hold on to Wade in 2010), plus a monster energy man off the bench. Additionally, they can move Beasley to start in Marion's position. While Beasley needs time to develop his defensive game, a trial by fire might be in the cards.
Cleveland gets Marion. Need I say more?
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12-16-2008 @ 3:53PM
David said...
As a Heat fan, I hope this happens.
Marion is a good player, and his rebounding and defense have definitely helped us. However, his 3 point shooting is in the tank this year. He's done an extremely poor job spacing the floor for Wade and in general looks out of place in our half court offense.
Miami's greatest need is a legit center, and Varejao (who is playing very well this year) fits the bill. I'd rather have a year of Varejao than a year of Marion considering our needs.
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12-16-2008 @ 5:06PM
jspeed04 said...
Make it happen, the Cavs would be such a better team. As well as Varejao is playing this season in the recent absence of Big Z, having Marion be able to slide between the 3 and the 4 with LeBron would be killer.
And Wally.../sigh. They should get that guy out of there. I know a lot of people like Wally, I know he's a good guy and all, but I place the loss to the Celtics last year in game 7 squarely on his shoulders, (he played 15 or so minutes, and scored 0 points). He's making 13 mill this year, and scored 0 points in the playoffs. If he made 1 three and two free throws, they would have went into OT and possibly have won the game.
If this happened, they would be able to run Mo or Danny at the 1. Delonte or Sasha at the 2. LBJ or Marion at the 3 and or 4. And Big Ben or Z at the 5. That's a good team, and takes care of who what happen should the Cavs meet the Celtics again in the semis or conference finals. Marion could guard double P while LeBron takes over.
I'm shaking all over!
Make it happen.
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12-16-2008 @ 5:50PM
Paul said...
How would this create additional cap space for the Heat? If we assume Varejao declines the option, all the money's coming off the books anyway.
If Marion makes $17MM this year and Wally/Varejao combine for $19MM, the Heat would actually increase their payroll for this season, but they'd be in the same position next year.
70 - 17 = 53
and
70 + (- 17 + 19) - 19 = 53
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12-16-2008 @ 11:24PM
grover said...
Yeah, you're right. That's some fuzzy math there.
12-16-2008 @ 10:41PM
Alberto Garcia said...
We need a center. Bring on Varejao. Pat Riley is a freekin' genious.
GO HEAT!
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12-17-2008 @ 1:47PM
Eric said...
But how about we trade marion to raptors for Bargnina
picture this
pg. charlmers
sg. Dwade
sf. Mike beasley
pf Haslem
C. bargnani
how does that sound
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12-21-2008 @ 11:11PM
Chris Rodney said...
I like it, but a) You have to balance the salaries, so who do the Raptors send along with Bargnani, and b) Where do you play Marion in Toronto, since you have Bosh and O'Neil starting at PF anc C respectively?