While We’re Waiting… What Others Are Saying About Antawn Jamison
February 18, 2010Cavs Trade for Jamison: Welcome to the Flip-side of the Coin
February 18, 2010The emails and tweets started trickling in right after the deal was first reported. You had questions. Lots of questions. I try to answer as many emails as I can, and I know the other guys do the same. I thought perhaps a frequently asked questions post might be in order, since so many more probably are wondering the same things, but didn’t ask. Here goes-
Will Zydrunas be back?
It’s funny, but no matter how many times it has been written that the Cavs were trying to acquire Jamison or Amar’e or whoever, Ilgauskas’ name is always the one that comes up. But when the deal finally happens it was like some sort of shock that Z is gone.
I really like Zydrunas. I think he is one of the best Cavaliers ever. I think he is one of the nicest pro athletes I’ve ever met. And like we’ve all been saying- his contract will be bought out, and he will be back in 30 days. Is that a 100% certainty? No, but not much aside from death and taxes is. His agent has already stated that they will be asking for a buyout. He has a home here. He has a family here. There are few situations that would even be enticing for Zydrunas at this point. He will be a free agent, but nobody in contention has much spare cash under the cap to sign anyone, so they won’t be offering millions and millions more than Cleveland will offer. The Cavs have just under $2 million that they can use to sign Z. A team (like the Mavericks) would have to use the MLE to sign Z to more. There just aren’t many teams that have the full MLE left to spend, and even fewer of those that are ‘buyers’ right now. From Andrew, here is a list of teams that still have their MLE-
Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Golden State, LA Clippers, Miami, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Sacramento, Utah, Washington. Are any of these teams buyers right now? I don’t think so. Miami isn’t really in contention for a title. Even the idea of trading for Stoudemire is more for next season and keeping Wade than trying to win it all this year.
What happened to trading for Amar’e Stoudemire?
This is the million dollar question really. First, it sounds like the Suns just weren’t that impressed with what the Cavs were offering. J.J. Hickson may or not have been part of that package. Reports are sort of conflicting. Ferry has to be commended for eventually pulling the plug on the Amar’e deal and moving on to Jamison. The Arizona Republic has said that the Cavs actually pulled Hickson out of a package offer. Whether it was because they had plans for Hickson, or even just if Ferry was trying to force some action on the deal we may not know.
Will Jamison start or come off the bench?
Good question. Conventional wisdom is that you start your best 5 players. I don’t think that Antawn is a slam dunk to start, especially at first. In order to make this transition as seamless as possible I think the Cavs will want to keep the starting unit together. Andy Varejao hasn’t been the starter for a long time now, but he still gets more time on the court than Hickson. Plus, without Zydrunas for at least a month, Varejao’s role changes slightly. He is now the primary back-up center. It makes sense to me to keep Shaq and Hickson playing together, and let Varejao and Jamison find some chemistry on court together. Don’t forget, Jamsion was a 6th man award winner before. He could provide that punch off the bench we need, especially when LeBron sits.
Will the Cavs make any more moves?
I really don’t think so. (Other than offering Zydrunas a contract of course.) The only other possibility would be if a shooting guard was available. Even then, I just don’t think it is in the cards for another trade to happen. A sign and trade with Wally would take longer to develop than the Cavs have time left.
Why did the Cavs and Wizards need a third team to make this deal?
Well, for one thing the Cavaliers didn’t want to give up Hickson. The Wizards also wanted to be done with the Drew Gooden contract that they had just picked up in the Dallas deal. Certainly the Cavs weren’t going to take Gooden.
The original deal that I heard had Brian Skinner in it, what happened there?
Math. Pure and simple. The Wizards wanted to get under the luxury tax threshold, and after buying Zydrunas out they will be.
Why would the Cavs take on Sebastian Telfair?
They wanted Jamison. Truthfully they would have probably taken you in the deal as long as it brought Jamison and they got to keep Hickson. But he plays the point, and that is not the deepest end of the pool. He will be the little guy at the end of the bench, or in the suit behind the bench when everyone is healthy again. In other words, it doesn’t matter. He is along for the ride for this year and next. Plus, his $2.5 million contract will be expiring next year, and could be used to make a trade next February.
How are the Cavs going to find shots for all these big men?
This question would have been a bigger deal had they gotten Stoudemire. Every account you will find about Antawn Jamison says the same thing- this guy is a team first player. If he needs to take 5 shots a game for the Cavs to win that’s what he’ll take. If he needs to take 10 shots a game then that’s what he’ll take. If you are talking about the playoffs, how could it possibly hurt to have depth? The odd man out in the short term is likely going to be Leon Powe. Coming back from a serious knee surgery takes time, even when you start playing again. Powe will likely have to scrap for minutes in practice before he sees much game time.
Did the Cavs just give the Clippers the cap space they need to sign LeBron James this summer?
Okay, that question didn’t come in my inbox. It was posed by Chad Ford. Seriously? No. Thanks for playing.
46 Comments
It’s good to know that the Cavs are interested in my services, but I’m hoping to be packaged and moved elsewhere… RIGHT SIDE!
Z just a $600,000 bonus and a 30 day rest before the playoffs… I think he’ll be back
the cavs are at a 15-man roster now. what will they do to clear a spot to sign Z again? another trade? cut someone?
i also read on espn that dallas has just the veteran minimum to offer, whereas cle has its biannual exception still.
Thanks for letting me know that there were conditions where the Cavs would put me on the team. I’m touched. I think I could handle shooting guard.
#3
See ya later Darnell Jackson.
Rick:
Where do we turn to cope with trade rumor withdrawal?
I would think that Telfair would just be cut at that point since we are at 15 on the Roster, but that’s just an educated guess at this point
Ferry never contacted me or my agent to be part of the deal. I’m a little upset at the way he slighted me. I’d gladly be the guy at the end of the bench, or in a suit behind the bench. Hell, I’d even buy a new suit for that! Since no other offers have come in (and the trade deadline is 4 hours away) I guess I won’t storm my boss’ office to proclaim he can kiss my rear, I quit!
@Eli, stop being so full of yourself. I’m pretty sure he was talking to me.
Though D-Block would cost quite a bit less to cut and make me sad in the process in doing so
Rarely Asked question:
Who the hell is Emir Preldzic?
Hate being the guy that repeats the same point ad nauseum but Z just adapted young boys who are in the middle of their school year. Guys out there who have lived this situation: ya think Mrs. Z will let Mr. Z be totally absent from Cleveland from February until his other “contending team” is done in the playoffs? For a couple extra bucks at this stage of his career? His return is as close to 100% as you will get. Maybe he’ll take the boys to see the Smithsonian before he turns around; maybe he never even gets to Hopkins.
I’d have to say that D-Block would most likely be the odd man out. He really never plays now, and after adding another 4 (Jamison) his days are probably numbered. I imagine the Cavs would live for him to play in Erie.
Telfair’s contract is guaranteed for 2 years, so unless the Cavs want to eat the remainder of his salary (probably ~$4 mill.) D-Jackson is the guy, like dwhit put.
The Cavs didn’t extend his rookie contract so his contract only goes through the end of the year, so buying him out would probably be about $350k.
Plus, we now have Jamison, Hickson, Powe, and Andy at PF – Jackson isn’t going to see another minute unless the scoreboard crushes the entire starting 5 at tipoff.
Telfair isn’t exactly a stud at this point, and is injured, but he’s another warm body at PG, which we need a LOT more right now than a 1-dimensional big.
I posted this on the other thread but just had to post again.
“Where does our owner rank among NBA owners in terms of net worth?”
I know it seems like we got Z for “nothing,” and that may be essentially true in terms of player dynamics. But in today’s league, we took on a lot of salary, like $34 million (28 to jam, ~6 for Telfair who will obviously exercise that player option). So, it’s not EXACTLY nothing. It’s a lot of lot of money and now is when we have to be SUPREMELY grateful that Gilbert is such a dedicated owner.
Everyone thinks he’s super loaded when really he’s smack dab in the middle of the pack in terms of NBA owners’ net worth.
Gilbert is rich; but not super rich. Just dedicated (and a smart business man). In addition to Cribbs, can we get a “Thanks, DG” billboard.
But Swig, I have NBA height and that’s all you need right?
I admit that a squirrel playing basketball would be awesome, but I doubt its ability to alter shots on defensive close-outs.
Dear Dallas and/or Denver,
You can’t have Z. You can’t. Instead, we offer you the services of Darnell “D-Block” Jackson. Enjoy.
Bwahaha,
Cavs Fans
I hope I see Z on the National Mall. I’m sure he’s impossible to miss.
Those tentacles would help greatly on defense, but I’m easily faster and we’re looking for a guard here.
Eli, which would effect your shot more? A squirrel leaping into your chest? Or a tallish man with his hands up?
Do the foul rules apply to the squirrel? Or can he bite your ankle?
Do you have a squid head or a regular head?
Can you match catchphrases like, “Yo, toss me that acorn?” or “Squirrely Veteran”?
I personally would be more worried about being guarded by a river on fire than a bottle of hot sauce. Sorry Jack.
@Jack.
You are absolutely right about Gilbert. He is a great owner and we as Cavs fans are very lucky.
Man, it is nice being buyers at a trade deadline!
Where does one go to see the net worth of NBA owners?
cool: http://thisonesforz.tumblr.com/
Chad Ford looks for every opportunity for Lebron to leave. I can’t stand when a ‘national’ media memeber is openly rooting for Lebron to leave. Why the hostility?
When the Cavs when the Championship can give his farewell speech there and go out with style.
Something I havent seen since Kareem! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG0OHFSDL6Y
Now that’s how a player should go out!
*Typos
Charlie – that’s nice and all, but rumor has it Z is extremely upset (to put it nicely) at the Cavaliers orginization. Althogh it’s not a given he’ll be back, I hope the 30 days will give him time to think rationaly, and come home to the team with the best chance at a title.
I am sadly unconvinced that Z will be back at all. We don’t have a roster spot, and we may not have a great need for him. Sure, we can offer the prorated biannual exception, but being over the cap, it will actually cost double that. Most importantly, we haven’t heard a word from anyone in the Cavs front office about it. The Dannies have been generous, but who knows if they’ll go that far?
Roosevelt,
Z may or may not be back but I’m pretty sure the Cavs front office can’t say anything about that or else they would be breaking some rules.
I’m sure everyone inside knows what will happen but they can’t tell us
“How are the Cavs going to find shots for all these big men?”
This is not an issue. They will shoot when LeBron lets them shoot.
Roosevelt – The Cavs will waive Darnell is a buyout can’t be reached. Z will not be NOT returning because of a lack of roster spot.
If he doesn’t come back, then I lose respect for him. This could’ve been further proof of his warrior status. He could return a hero. Jersey retired. Championship winner (maybe).
If he pouts his way to Dallas or Denver, then so be it. He’s worth more to this team in the form of a Jamison acquisition than if we had just stood pat.
I do believe, however, that there is no one who guards Gasol more effectively. Length is the one thing that bothers Gasol’s shot on offense. It impairs his ability to wrist flick on that little hop hook. I’d like Z back for that.
A few more questions….
1) Why didn’t the Cavs explore doing a sign and trade with Wally instead of trading Z? We would have not had any risk of Z coming back, plus we’d have him for the next 30 days. Are there financial implications? Or did the Cavs just not think of this? Or was Wally not agreeable? Or did they fear the NBA would reject the deal?
2) The trade as stated does not work with the ESPN Trade Machine. It gives an error that Gooden can’t be traded with any other players, since he was recently acquired (which I don’t understand, maybe the Trade Machine is wrong). Was this trade actually done in 2 distinct parts? This might explain why the rights to Preldzic were part of the deal. There’s a rule that every trade must have something of value exchanging hands, maybe they needed to throw him in so they could make this deal work in 2 distinct parts.
3) I’m very scared that Atlanta will offer Z $5M if they do indeed have their MLE. They are definitely a contender and they could probably use Z.
Z may be upset, but I guarantee that he understood it wasn’t personal and was merely for the betterment of the team. I can’t see him signing anywhere else b/c he wants to win and the Cavs have the best opportunity at that. I think the Mavs/Nuggets discussing signing Z is just a way to make the Cavs overpay to get him back. Z is truly one of the true Cavs greats and I think we will see a Z banner raised in the Q at some point in the future. No way he gives that up.
So who does Nike create a puppet of while Z is gone for 30 days? I’d like to see a Mo or Delonte.
@ 30 5kmd: They can’t say “we’d love to get him back if possible?”
@33 tyson: Wally would have been able to fill a salary hole of a couple mil. They wouldn’t sign him to a 12 million dollar deal just to complete a trade; it’s way to expensive.
@ #2 Joe H
Not only does Z get the 600,000 trade kicker, but doesnt he get the full MLE to sign back with us?
@tyson and Roosevelt – I thought it was that the salaries didn’t match. They can’t sign Wally to whatever they want, can they? It pro-rates and declines as the season goes on to prevent things like that from happening I thought.
Could be wrong though.
I don’t care if Z is upset. He is no where near as important an Mr. James. Z can whine and complain all he wants. but, at the end of the day we had to do what we had to do to make sure LBJ is happy. We have to try to win LBJ a ring. We NEED to re-sign LBJ
LBJ > Z
Ring > Z
Antawn > Z
Me > Z
Z needs to play his role on this contending team.
@Jack They have his Bird rights, so they can go over the cap to sign him (I think). Presumably could have signed him for $11M, prorated for the season. Right? This might have cost Washington less money too, because they could have signed him for the minimum amount to make the trade work.
In fact, I wonder if they could still do a sign and trade with Wally and send him and JJ to Philly for Iguodala in the next few hours.
Tyson, as much as I love Andre Iguodala… I don’t want to change my avatar again. lol
I had Rip and LBJ on there. We don’t get rip, so I get a pic of JJ posterizing some dude with a spanish name… I’d have to change it again and that would be bittersweet
From another post:
“. . . said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “We feel that we were able to acquire a quality young player in Al, a first round draft choice and a young prospect while putting ourselves in a much better position in terms of the salary cap.”
Didn’t even mention that Big Ol’ Z was in their plans. He won’t be with Wash.
Enjoy the vacation. Find a beach that has NBA League Pass. I wouldn’t hang around Cleveland in Feb / March if I were a millionaire with a month off.
The front office can’t say anything to Z, but Assistant GM Lebron probably called him yesterday. I doubt he’s pissed.
Anyone hear from Boogeyman? Just wanted to make sure he is ok after last nights Jamison excitement.
You’ll never hear the Q as loud as it’ll be when Z comes back in 30 days….They will need a drainage system for all the crying fans (joyful tears).
@43 Jake I’m fine I’ve just been reading without commenting since everything has pretty much been covered at nauseum. I’m just waiting for AJ to make his debut hopefully with a splash and hopefully tonight. If not tonight tomorrow verse Charlotte would be nice.
I think Chad Ford will die inside if LeBron doesn’t go SOMEWHERE this summer.
He’s written so many articles saying so I think he won’t be able to take himself seriously anymore if it doesn’t happen.
His latest tweet: “They BETTER get ‘Bron” – talking about NYK.
[…] agent, it becomes fair game to discuss any and all teams. As reported, Atlanta and Utah have the ability to pay Ilgauskas more money than the Cavs via their mid-level exception. Being over the salary cap, Cleveland would be forced […]