Columbus Browns, The A to Z Podcast, and Shawn and Shelby: While We’re Waiting…
February 12, 2016Mean tweets don’t bog Kip down.
February 12, 2016With the trade deadline just over a week away on February 18, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been in search of a wing player that can assist them off the bench. According to cleveland.com’s Chris Haynes, the Cavs have inquired about Ben McLemore with Sacramento and would be very interested in adding Joe Johnson if he and Brooklyn mutually agree on a buyout.
McLemore, who was the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft by the Kings (and is represented by Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul), is averaging 9.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while playing 21 minutes per game in 49 games (41 starts) this season. While his 21 minutes of court time per game is a career-low, the 6-foot-5, 195-pound wing is currently making a career-best 37.2 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. His 45.1 field goal percentage so far this season is also a career-high.
While the Kings have denied trade offers for the third-year player out of Kansas in the past, Haynes believes that they could possibly deal him before the trade deadline due to the fact that there is so much turmoil in the Kings organization currently and many players want out of Sacramento. McLemore is owed $3.1 million this season, $4 million next season and will be a restricted free agent after the 2016-17 season.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers could add Joe Johnson and not have to get rid of any players or their traded player exceptions. The 34-year old, who is owed almost $24.9 million this season, could potentially receive a buyout considering the Nets are currently the second worst team in the NBA, with a 14-40 record.
If the veteran does in fact receive a buyout, Haynes believes that he would most likely come to Cleveland.
If Joe Johnson secures a buyout in Brooklyn, league sources are adamant Cleveland would “snatch him up” for the veteran minimum.
Johnson’s 11.4 points per game so far this season are his lowest since 2002-2003, he could be a scoring threat off the bench for the Cavs. He has also made 40 percent of his shots from the floor and 37.1 percent from beyond the arc. He was a potential trade target for the Cavs this past summer, but due to salaries and other nuances, a deal was never consummated. Due to the fact that the Cavaliers traded Joe Harris in mid-January, they currently have an open roster spot, where Johnson could come to Cleveland for the veteran’s
Although Cleveland is interested in Houston’s Trevor Ariza, Atlanta’s Kyle Korver, and Washington’s Jared Dudley, Haynes believes that landing any of the three is highly unlikely.
9 Comments
Remember that one time the Cavs drafted Anthony Bennett instead of Ben McLemore. And remember that one time the Cavs traded Bennett because he is literally one of the worst players in the NBA and tried to trade for McLemore? Man. Chris Grant was so good at his job.
But, Grant’s war chest of second round picks was legendary.
So, there is that.
Do any of these moves make us that much of a better team tomorrow or come playoff time?
You will take Bennett or else the trade will not go through!
I think Joe Johnson could. He’s playing for a completely terrible team with no future and is thrust into the role of being the team’s most creative player. Bring him to a team with a chance to win a title and put him in a role where he can be a key role player and he might perform much better.
I think Ariza adds the wing depth we desperately need.
“The 34-year old (Johnson), who is owed almost $24.9 million this season”
…..and people lost their minds about Tristan’s contract. Lawd.
Dude – ALL DAY on Joe Johnson. He could care less right now in BK. Plus, if he signs for the vet minimum, please – who wouldn’t take that guy for the veteran minimum? He is James Jones with a bigger body, and a more reliable game. Hi numbers aren’t there this season because it doesn’t matter.
Cant see why JJ would be bought out. Nets don’t own their own draft pick this year and they are struggling to fill seats. But I’d love it if they did!