While We’re Waiting… Ron Artest’s Twitter, 2010 Free Agency, and Cavs Jersey History
July 2, 2009The Old Bit Brigade
July 2, 2009Reports are that the Detroit Pistons have come to an agreement with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. This ends any plans that the Cavs may have had on signing CV-31 to a mid-level deal. To Villanueva I say, good luck. Have fun trying to beat the Cavs for the division next year. I have no bad feelings for Charlie. He took what he thought was the best situation for him. The Pistons gave him more money than the Cavs could offer (reports are around $8 million per for five years give or take a little). Not only that, but I’m sure he felt that the Pistons would be able to offer him some sort of job security by way of a starting spot. He also had to wonder what his situation would have been like in 2010 if LeBron chose to sign elsewhere.
Brace yourselves Cavalier fans, I think you are going to see more of this. It’s called a bargaining tactic. In order to secure the deal you want you have to have some leverage. In the NBA leverage can be as simple as saying- “you know the Cavs want to give me the MLE, and I think I could win a ring if I went there.” Here’s the problem with that- for 99% of the players in the league they are much more interested in the extra dollar than the ring. Usually the only players truly willing to take less money for a chance at a title are past their prime stars that never won one.
So who are the Cavs going after, and who is trying to use them as leverage? Let’s start with the juicy rumors shall we? It appears that the Cavs, and their star have been actively campaigning Houston’s Ron Artest to consider taking the MLE and coming to Cleveland. In the past, I’ve been against bringing Artest to The Q when the trade deadline has loomed. I have to admit that my stance may be changing a little.
From a basketball perspective, he actually fills two holes. The Cavs need another guard that can defend on the perimeter, and can also hit some outside shots, just to keep the defense from crowding the paint. They also need a tweener type of forward that can lock down a guy like Rashard Lewis. I think Artest would be able to do both.
From a ‘trouble maker’ standpoint, you have to give Artest some credit for keeping things in check lately. There have not been any incidents. With the leadership and focus that LeBron has learned to bring every night, I think that Artest would fit in better now than previously. I’m not sure if Mike Brown is interested in coaching Artest again, but in reality it isn’t his call.
Now, my personal feeling is that the Cavs still need to re-sign Andy Varejao, even if they were able to draw Artest to Cleveland. Losing Andy and not replacing him with a Charlie Villanueva type would force LeBron to play the “4” more than he may be comfortable with, or press Hickson or D-Block into a more important role than they are ready for.
What are the chances of getting Artest? I don’t think they are too good. Houston has Bird rights on Artest, and we know how hard it is to leave money on the table. There will be other suitors for Artest as well, so he would have to really think this is the right place for him to go in order to win the title, and he would have to be willing to leave money on the table. As for the sign and trade possibilities- let me ask you this, how often do those actually happen?
But, he could battle Daniel Gibson for best haircut designs.
The other rumor floating out there is about Los Angeles’ Trevor Ariza. Chris Broussard came right out and said the Cavs were making a strong play for the 24-year old. But let’s be realistic here. Do you think that Ariza is going to leave the West Coast to come play for the MLE?
I don’t doubt that he’s upset with the Lakers, but he wants more than the MLE. And don’t forget the teams that are making a play at Hedo Turkoglu, like Toronto and Portland. Whichever team doesn’t land Turk, you have to assume that they pull a move similar to Detroit and just take the next guy on their list. And, of course, both teams have more money to offer than Cleveland. And for Ariza, this is his chance to cash in on a great playoff run. If I’m wrong than it wouldn’t be the first time, but he has a ring now. That would be what the Cavs are dangling- come play with LeBron and win a title. He just played with #1b in the league and won a title. Now he wants the cash. Whoever gives him a deal for more than three years above the MLE will get him. And that just can’t be the Cavs. As far as the Cavs landing both Ariza and Artest- that would be some kind of ninja GM move.
41 Comments
We are sooooo going to sign Sheed with the mid-level exception. Better start talking myself into it.
I’d like to think that Ferry is a ninja…at least I hope he is…
Welp, seeya later Ariza.
Real GM
With all the talk in the media about Cleveland being able to bring in a lot of talent because of the facilities and playing with Lebron, and now Shaq, it really doesn’t seem that those are even factors that players consider. We haven’t signed any really great FA’s in the past few years, and it’s looking like the trend will continue this year. Money talks louder than winning in this league, and that’s a little sad.
Ferry is a ninja. I caught him on film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_QLUJHaB6U
Reportedly the Lakers aren’t considering giving Ariza more than the MLE so he wouldn’t be leaving money on the table in L.A. He made about 3 and a half mil last year so the MLE anywhere is a pay raise for him. I guess it depends on how many teams want to pay him more than the MLE. I agree he probably goes wherever he gets the most money.
As far as Artest, I’ve read that the Rockets are considering not pursuing him and building around their young core since McGrady probably won’t be back and Yao could be done with basketball because of his foot. He’s also reportedly itching to play on a title contender.
I wouldn’t say that getting either is unlikely, though I also wouldn’t bet heavily on it.
“I caught him on film.”
He moves to fast to be caught in frames.
If all they want to use is the MLE, all we’re going to get is another C-lister.
There is a differnence between a “c-lister” and a role player. And they don’t have anything bigger than the MLE to use, unless they make a trade.
I feel like we’re more likely to sign and trade Varejao for Artest, then we can use the MLE on either one or two players, and still use the bi-exemp on someone like Mcdyess. If we get AD, then we really could afford to lose Andy for Artest. Our lineup would be:
Mo
Artest
LeBron
McDyess
Shaq
Pretty good, I think. That’s without whomever we’d get with the MLE
Are we all completely off of the Barnes bandwagon?
I have a feelings we’re going to see all these guys resign elsewhere and wind up with a Barnes/Channing Frye combo. Just setting my expextations low at this point…
do we really want Ariza?? 6 points per game and 4 rebounds?
he “improved” to like 11 points in the playoffs? w-o-w!?
@RobGoBlue
Its not a matter of “only wanting to use the MLE”. They dont have an option.
@12 – exactly. Ariza was good for like 2 weeks. He’s a solid defender, but this is a sign of how bad the market is, when Ariza is trying to get more than the MLE and he might do it?
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We need a player of consequence. Not a “role player”.
Lebron and a cast of role players isn’t going to win squat.
I don’t quite get it. If I’m the Blazers, what do I want with Ariza? That’s a team that’s jam-packed with young swingmen as is. What that team needs is a true PG or a veteran like Turkoglu. Shouldn’t they be chasing Ramon Sessions or barring that Jason Kidd?
The Raptors definitely could use him, though.
RobGoBlue – So, Shaq is a role player now?
I don’t care if a guy is a “marquee” player or a “roll player.” We just need guys to fill the holes on the Cavs roster. It’s about need and fit. The Cavs don’t necessarily need the biggest names in the league.
The Bucks traded RJ and let Charlie V walk just to keep Sessions, so I’m sure they’ll match any offer.
I’m surprised they aren’t going for Miller as hard as they’re going for Turk, though.
“The Cavs don’t necessarily need the biggest names in the league.”
They already had that with “SZCZERBIAK” and “ILGAUSKAS”, no?
Scott – #19 Hahahahaha! Right! That’s the whole reason the Cavs were after VILLANUEVA, isn’t it?
@ Denny – I’d hardly call a tweet from Adrian Wojnarowski any sort of reliable source. I could start tweeting on free agency and have about the same credibility. Not saying it isn’t possible, but considering the source…
The Cavs only had the best record in the league and lost a series vs a team that created huge mis-matches but no longer exists. The Cavs CAN win with what they have, it’s just not 100% (but never really is).
McDyess > Sheed. McDyess + Barnes would be solid (realistic) pickups.
Funny how even in a poor financial situation teams are still shoveling tons of cash at players.
@KevinH: Exactly. Also why the whole Yao Ming bit was completey rumor.
#4, unfortunately that is the case all too often. Its sad but true. All these players care about is cash. Its a shame because all of the fans would do the exact opposite. When your not touching big amounts of money all the time 5 mil sounds just as good as 8 mil if you can go down in the record books as a champ.
@ #21 – You’re right, but the fact that two teams who actually HAVE money to throw around are willing to do so pretty much puts the Cavs in the backseat for Ariza. Couple that with the fact that A) it’s obvious players just want money and B) AW broke the Pistons news yesterday, and it certainly limits the Cavs’ hopes in getting Ariza.
Artest would be an awesome move. With Lebron, Shaq, and Artest, they’d be borderline Bad-Boy. But nobody would want to risk more than a couple years with him.
Ariza is an overrated role player coming off a hot playoffs. That’s the kind of situation that results in the “What the heck were they thinking?” two years down the line. If they give him money or years, they’ll be regretting it just like they did with Hughes.
@22 – agreed…they dont need to go super overboard at this point…artest would be a great pickup, and regardless of what others say, I still like Barnes and Ariza…I’d take either of them…this team was not bad to begin with…had we went up against the C’s I think we win that series…we got taken by a mismatch, and taller wings…if we can solidify that without any major changes, I think we’re in good shape…
I agree with those that aren’t high on Ariza. He seems like too much of a crap shoot, even for the MLE. I also think the Cavs chances of getting him are slim to none with Toronto and Portland both ready to offer 7-8 million per year to Ariza if they lose out on Hedo.
Artest I think it a real possibility. All the reports out of Houston suggest that the Rockets are ready to move on due to the Yao/McGrady injuries. It wouldn’t shock me to see Artest sign a short term, 1-2 year deal with someone for the MLE. Given that Artest is a player still very interested in a ring, you have to think CLE and BOS would be his primary potential destinations. It looks like Boston is heavily courting ‘Sheed though (no thanks) and could use their MLE on him.
If we can get Artest for the MLE, I think that’s a steal. Try to re-sign Andy (and with CV setting the market at 8 mil, I don’t see how Andy can get more than 7 mil) or let Andy walk and try to lure McDyess (who Boston is also reportedly interested in). Hell, I’d even trade Andy in a sign-and-trade to get Artest, and then use the MLE on someone like Barnes (though Windy reported today that Barnes was not called by the Cavs on Wed. for whatever that’s worth).
@24 I think it might have more to do with players at that good but not great level. At that age and talent level, it’s probably the best they figure that they’ll get. It could be the biggest contract they’ll possibly ever see. Older players tend to go after the ring, after their prime days are behind them, and they made their cash. On the other hand, superstars will get paid no matter where they go (Lebron, Kobe, Wade, etc.) and chances are they’ll go where they can get a ring. The cash will be there regardless.
As for this years FA period, I just get burnt out on the names being thrown around that we’re interested in to get our hopes up, when we all know we can’t offer the money that some other teams can. Everyone that has been mentioned so far may fill a role, but they’ll get paid more by another team. Ariza has a ring, CV31 has a lot more time to get one, and Artest is Artest, and I don’t think he plays for less money than he made last year.
We did get Shaq for basically nothing, and if he performs like last year, hell we did better than most and got an All Star. My sights are just set for next year when at this time hopefully the report is that we signed both Lebron and Bosh on the same day. And I think that would be more realistic than landing a marquee name this year.
overpaying for Ariza is like Houston reportedly being hot for Gortat…(“Hot for Gortat” sounds like a reality show, doesn’t it?)
These guys make a “name” for themselves during a playoff run, and get overpaid the next year. I agree with Ben, 2 years from now, they’ll be the Contracts everyone is trying to uload…
By the way, I love this from Simmons (via Twitter) and think it’s dead on:
Statement from Pistons to fans: “Look, any time you can tank a season for the chance to spend $95 mill on 2 non-AllStars, you gotta do it.”
@AMC – i saw that too…funny, because everyone was saying they were lining up to be big players in 2010, and we might have been worried about LBJ in Detroit…now, they have no coach, and a lot of money tied up in “non-allstars” and their heart is playing in Denver.
Ariza = Gibson (one good game in Detroit series skyrocketed his profile)
Artest = pipe dream (he can command $8M easy)
Ferry = Farley’s beverly hills ninja, at best
Like the post said, 99% of the playeres are after the money. There is no such thing as pride and loyalty these days in sports.
AI
forget the cavs
Ariza needs to stay with the lakers for kobe can get his 5th ring
not saying kobe cant do it without him but i just hope the lakers pay Ariza because he is really a good player
Ariza is a proven lockdown defender!!!!!!
just saw the Shaq press conference….wow…friggin hilarious…
@33. Ariza = gibson?!?!
Man you guys didn’t watch Ariza play. He is one of the best defensive SF in the league. I would rate him 2nd to LeBron in transition defense and he only came up with oh, about 10 huge steals in clutch situations during the playoffs.
He is 6 foot 8 with a 90 foot wingspan, he is ultra athletic, he gets made steals, plays lock down defense, and hit the 3 way better than Gibson did this year.
yeah….that sounds just like Daniel Gibson….(rolls eyes out of head)
Ariza is a stud, he is 24, and he is the most athletic player on most teams, not to mention a really good defender. Now that he’s knocking down 3s at an insane percentage? I hope Ferry can pull off a ninja move and nab him.
As far as the talk about who we are getting, I think McDyess would be a great fit. He is automatic from 17 feet. Do you know he was like 5th in the NBA last year in 2 point jumper %? Even higher than Mo Williams. That would be huge on our team. If they could nab him for the BAE, that would be really slick.
Obviously I think Artest would be a great fit. It’s fairly obvious that the Cavs are looking at guys that play very good defense. We aren’t going to need scoring as a necessity out of whoever we use our exceptions on.
The Guys we should most want:
Artest
Ariza
McDyess
Anthony Parker
Daghntey Jones
The other thing is, if they don’t get McDyess, then you HAVE to resign Varejao. We need at least 1 mobile defensive prescense in the frontcourt.
30 foot wingspan – The NBA, where Stretch Armstrong happens.
The Cavs aren’t going to got get a guy like Barnes.
He is a suspect defender, and his best talents are playing an up and down style and jacking up a lot of bad 3s.
He played very well for Golden State against Dallas in 2006, and he played pretty well for Phoenix last year. He DOES NOT FIT on the Cavs. He plays LeBron’s position and doesn’t defend well. He’s like a slight Sasha upgrade on offfense with less D.
If they sign a SF it will be a guy that is a BAAAAD (good) defender. Like Ariza, Artest, Parker etc.
I don’t think theres a team that Artest wants to go to that can pay 8 mil. Artest wants a championship, and 5.6 mil for 1-2 years in cleveland could give that to him. I would much rather have someone who can put up about 18 points a game and play great D too, rather then a young kid with a lot of potential to score. The Cavs need to win this year, and getting Artest (in ways that AMC mentioned above) and some sort of PF would make the Cavs one of the favorites.
With Artest in LA I have one request. Please don’t pay Trevor Ariza to play for us.
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