Will the Cavaliers make a trade?

[consigliere]

Only 3 days until the deadline. Not many rumors at all. Hopefully some things pick up in the next few days as I would be very disappointed if they cannot get a deal done for a need (PG).

[consigliere]

Any rumors?

Rich, anyone going to write an article the day of or before on what's up?

[Dozen]

Usually when things quiet down, somethings up. The general public usually hears trade talk after the fact.

[pup]

I think they are standing pat. They don't have the players to pull off a big deal, and they don't have the balls to deal Sasha/Andy for a solid, yet unspecacular PG.

Just like the Indians, they think these oppurtunities will come along every year, so they will never pull the trigger on a move to win today, if it means they could look bad in 3 years if Andy/Sasha blow up.

[Dozen]

Like Kapono? Andy and Sasha are prolly gone after this season anyway. They may be able to keep 1 at best.

[leadpipe]

For the last time, they are unable to make a trade of any signifigance because of their contract situation. Sure, they may acquire a garbage player/contract in exchange for a garbage player/contract. This is their only option. This was clear 4 months ago.

Lastly, someone has stuck me with the tagline/avatar "Ted Stepien fan Club" I just want it to be known that while Ted was an enormous boob he isn't that far ahead of many in a horrible organization. Yeah, you can rip on the Stepien era, or you could turn your attention to the fact they let an alcoholic, Lew Alcindor tradin' Wayne Embry call the sots for years. Or, maybe we can concentrate on the worst GM in basketball history, Paxson, if we like. Or, we could focus on about 100 other extremely dumb things the Cavs have done in thier history. It may have begun with Ted, but it doesn't end there.

[Dozen]

February 19, 2007
Deal or no deal?
When it comes to the final days before the trade deadline, things can change drastically in a matter of hours. With that being said, Kings exec Geoff Petrie said Saturday afternoon that there was nothing of significance cooking at that time.
"Right now, for us, there’s nothing that could be called on the front burner," Petrie said. "I’m not even sure if the stove is turned on."
And the prospects for things heating up soon?
"We’ll see," he said. "It’s like any deadline, like when you file your taxes you wait until the very last day to get them in there. Right now, there’s nothing of any interest for us."
I was told by a source to keep a keen eye on Cleveland, which already had talks with the Kings regarding Mike Bibby that died down quite some time ago. The Cavs wanted point guard Andre Miller from Philadelphia, but Bibby is supposedly high on their list, too. Asked whether a three-team deal might be the more plausible means toward making a move, Petrie said, "Not necessarily. I mean right now we’re at ground zero. (And) the more moving parts you have, the harder it is to get things done in general."
- Sam Amick

http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

[swerb]

Lastly, someone has stuck me with the tagline/avatar "Ted Stepien fan Club" I just want it to be known that while Ted was an enormous boob he isn't that far ahead of many in a horrible organization. Yeah, you can rip on the Stepien era, or you could turn your attention to the fact they let an alcoholic, Lew Alcindor tradin' Wayne Embry call the sots for years. Or, maybe we can concentrate on the worst GM in basketball history, Paxson, if we like. Or, we could focus on about 100 other extremely dumb things the Cavs have done in thier history. It may have begun with Ted, but it doesn't end there.

Pipes, that was me. Just let me know if you want it changed. I've seen you reference Stepien stunts in past posts and thought it was funny.

[Dozen]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cavs still want guard help
Trade deadline is approaching; team managers keep on talking
By Brian Windhorst
LAS VEGAS - The Cavaliers and general manager Danny Ferry have a little less than three days to make a move before the NBA's trading deadline, which strikes at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Ferry and his other front office executives have been in conversations with teams for weeks judging the market. They were on hand for the general managers meetings over All-Star Weekend, where talks often get serious.

The Cavs don't feel pressured to make a deal just to make a deal, but they have made one on deadline day in each of the past two years.

One worked quite well: picking up Flip Murray for Mike Wilks last year. One didn't: swapping the 2007 first-round pick for Jiri Welsch in 2005.

The Cavs are in the market for a guard, one who can handle the ball and can shoot a little. While they'd love to be able to get a player who could be a long-term fit, they also would take a short-termer that could buoy what they already have on the roster.

According to league sources, the Cavs have made everyone on their roster available, with the exception of LeBron James.

But unless they feel it is a slam-dunk move, they won't want to disturb their core.

Especially considering the team played well before the All-Star break, winning six of its last nine games.

Here's a look at point guards who may be on the market and what the Cavs have to offer:

Potential targets

Mike Bibby, Kings -- The Cavs have been in on-and-off talks with the Kings about their point guard for a long time. It is believed the Kings would move Bibby for the right deal but the Cavs don't have the parts needed. A third team needs to get involved and both sides have been looking.

Juan Dixon, Trail Blazers -- He's not a pure point guard. He's more of a combo guard and may be too much like Daniel Gibson for the Cavs to consider. But he can handle the ball, he's available and he could help.

Beno Udrih, Spurs -- He's lost his playing time again and is constantly in and out of coach Gregg Popovich's doghouse. Ferry was a part of the team that drafted Udrih three years ago and he likes the lefty's game. It is questionable whether the Spurs would let him go, though.

Travis Diener, Magic -- The Magic have been shopping their quick guard, according to reports. But potential playoff opponents aren't usually trading partners.

Marko Jaric, Timberwolves -- He's been in rumors for months now, ever since he voiced some displeasure earlier in the season. The Cavs looked at him in the summer of 2005, when he was a free agent, but the hefty contract he eventually signed makes him prohibitive. He's very unlikely to be going anywhere.

Jason Hart, Kings -- Never plays, isn't happy, wants to be traded. He's the type of player the Cavs could get cheap and he could be a change-of-pace ballhandler for the stretch run.

Potential assets

Sasha Pavlovic -- His talent and recent run of good play make him a desirable prospect, especially considering he's in the final year of a contract.

Anderson Varejao -- Everyone who calls the Cavs wants him, but the Cavs won't give him up unless it is for a prime player in return.

Scot Pollard -- His $2.2 million deal is expiring, which makes him attractive. He's also a versatile big man, someone always in demand for a team looking to stock for the playoffs.

David Wesley -- He also has an expiring deal, worth $1.75 million, with just $250,000 guaranteed for next year.

Trade exception -- The Cavs have one worth $2.1 million, which they can swap for a player. But it cannot be used in a combination with players in a deal.

Dan Gilbert's checkbook -- Teams can include up to $3 million in a deal, and the Cavs owner hasn't been timid in writing checks before to teams looking to limit losses.

Dribbles

• Even if the Cavs can't make a move, they might look at other options.

The Cavs are expected to take a hard look and even perhaps make a hard sell on Scottie Pippen, who wants to make a comeback.

Pippen has said he prefers a warm-weather town, especially Miami, but playing for a contender is most important.

He's watched the Cavs play and believes he can help handling the ball.

One thing the Cavs might be able to offer him to sweeten the pot is a player/coach role, which would enable him to share his experience and give him a place to go without losing face if the comeback doesn't go well.

• A review by the Gastonia (N.C.) Gazette showed that Cavs' coach Mike Brown is the fifth-lowest-paid coach in the NBA at an average salary of $2.2 million.

Brown, who seemed to get a fair market value contract for a first time coach two years ago, actually is making less than $2 million this year before bonuses.

The Cavs did pick up an option in Brown's contract worth more than $2 million for the 2008-09 season last spring. Of course, the Cavs are still paying Paul Silas $4 million this season to finish the coaching contract he signed in 2003.

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/...s/16738698.htm

[consigliere]

If the Cavs land Bibby, I will be elated. Depending on what we give up, I'd consider us a favorite in the East and a legit title contender THIS year. Again, depends on what we were to give up, but then again I don't see any untouchables on this roster minus of course Lebron.

Get it done Ferry.

[Dozen]

If the Cavs land Bibby, I will be elated. Depending on what we give up, I'd consider us a favorite in the East and a legit title contender THIS year. Again, depends on what we were to give up, but then again I don't see any untouchables on this roster minus of course Lebron.

Get it done Ferry.

Im not sure this is a realistic trade unless Sac drops it's asking price. Hell, Im not sure the cavs have anything that they want. The only common theme here is Sac wants Bibby gone and the cavs need a PG.

[Dozen]

sports1140 is still reporting that the Cavs and Kings are still talking Bibby. Here is the link to the stations broadcast for any more updates
http://cbsplayer.streamtheworld.com/ind ... IGN=KHTKAM

[consigliere]

"Give me Bibby, or give me death."

[papacass]

Here's how I rate the Cavs wish list.

1. Mike Bibby
He's the point guard they need, and I think Ferry is making a hard push based on what I've read. I also think the Kings want to move him. But in order to make it happen, they'd need a third team to get involved. That might be difficult.

2. Andre Miller
Both Miller's salary and the fact that he's been traded within the past 60 days stand a huge hurdles to clear. Does anyone know if that 60-day window will be up by the deadline?

3. Beno Udrih
Being a Spur, you know Ferry and Brown like him. Don't really know if he would contribute much more than Dan Gibson, though.

4. Scottie Pippen
I still don't know about signing a 41-year-old, but if the Cavs can sell him on a player/coach role, I'd like Pippen a lot more. For a while, I've thought the Cavs need a guy to come in here and pump this team up the way Nate Thurmond did for the Miracle of Richfield Cavs. Pippen would set one heck of a precedent for achievement.

[consigliere]

Interesting.

Before the game on TNT tonight, David Aldridge reported that the Kings have found a 3rd team to pair up with the Cavs and according to him the Cavs "are feverishly working to get Bibby" but don't want to give up Varejao.

Also, supposedly Pippen is in town.

[FUDU]

Isn't Bibby the guy in LBJ's first commercial and isn't Bibby the guy that supposedly didn't want to be dunked on by LBJ in that commercial and isn't Bibby the guy that LBJ schooled first in his inaugural NBA game in 2003?

[leadpipe]

Here's my wish list;

1. That the Cavs weren't on a 30 year stupid streak.

Also, if they bring Pippen in as a player coach, when the head coach already seems to be on some thin ice, aren't you really promoting a circus atmosphere. The Cavs.

[jb]

and it involves dealing Gooden and Hughes, I ask

- who is the starting 5 ?

- who is first off the bench on the 7 / 8 man rotation?

- is the team really better overall?

Urinalysis?

(I can't believe I'm defending Hughes)

[pup]

Bibby
Sasha
LBJ
Gooden/Andy
Z

Gibson
Marshall
Jones


Yes that is better.

[Dozen]

Interesting.

Before the game on TNT tonight, David Aldridge reported that the Kings have found a 3rd team to pair up with the Cavs and according to him the Cavs "are feverishly working to get Bibby" but don't want to give up Varejao.

Also, supposedly Pippen is in town.

Boston is the 3rd team

[consigliere]

I've seen rumors as well that Portland or Minnesota may be that 3rd team.

Anyway, you trade Hughes and Sasha replaces him in the starting pineup....assuming he isn't traded.

[Dozen]

I have heard those 2 teams as well. I can see Portland with Magloire's contract although I thought they would be the 3rd team in the Lakers/Nets deal for Kidd. Minn, Im not sure? Maybe Blake? Boston makes the most sense. Regardless I hope they land Bibby, and before tomorrow cuzz Im taking the family to "Operation Orange".

[papacass]

Lead Pipe:

I think rumors that Brown is on thin ice are exaggerated, if not downright false. I don't think that just because LBJ and Brown had a difference of opinion on how the offense is run necessarily means Brown is teetering on the brink.

Players and coaches argue all the time. In moderate amounts, it's healthy because it means people are bringing different perspectives to the table.

As for certain national media reports that LeBron is trying to get Brown fired, that's a load of hooey.

I like the supposed deal Brown struck with his players after the fallout from the Pistons loss: He supposedly told his players, "You get defensive stops and I'll let you run more."

Seems to be a deal both sides find palatable so far. The Cavs are 4-1 in their last five, and by all rights should be 5-0.

[Dozen]

I think rumors that Brown is on thin ice are exaggerated, if not downright false. I don't think that just because LBJ and Brown had a difference of opinion on how the offense is run necessarily means Brown is teetering on the brink

I disagree, Ferry went on record as saying the "Organization" discussed the move to start Gibson over Snow and several insiders have said the Cavs FO wasnt happy with Brown. Usually where theres smoke.....................If the FO has to step in and make lineup changes, they obviously feel Brown couldnt figure this out on his own. They also lobbied for Sasha to get more minutes. You dont hire a coach to be a puppet unless you are the Oakland Raiders.

[swerb]

You dont hire a coach to be a puppet unless you are the Oakland Raiders.

Or the Cleveland Browns.

Mike Brown is clearly not going anywhere in season. They lose 1st rd, or get manandled 2nd rd, he'll be in hot water.

Remember, this is the NBA. The regular season means nothing. Outside of about 6 teams, the rest of the league only plays their hardest about 60% of the time on average, if that.

LeBron, Mike Brown, et al ... will all be judged by their playoff performances.

[consigliere]

Something is going down.

Apparently, the Cavaliers are currently in discussions with the Trailblazers for Marcus Banks. This could be a Plan B if the Bibby deal falls through.

[pup]

Isn't Marcus Banks on the Suns?

[Dozen]

yes, hes with the suns. It was posted on scout. Tony, does this guy have a good rep?

[Dozen]

Miami may outbid Cleveland for Bibby per/sports1440

[consigliere]

Yeah, I meant the Suns. And the guy has a great rep, he is the board mod over there and has contacts with various teams.

[Dozen]

But his contact is from Portland, right? Would this be plan B or something to go along with the Bibby deal?

[furls]

hahahaha,

that would be perfect if the Cavs overpaid heavily for plan D in typical Cleveland fashion. I'd rather see Gibson get the minutes even though he is more of 1.75 than a 1.

[consigliere]

I've seen two rumored deals.

1. Gooden, Marshall and Pollard for Bibby and a player from Minnesota.

I don't buy this, although with the loss of Marshall, it does create a "spot" for Pippen.

2. Snow and Gooden for Bibby

I don't see this either....I mean, this would be a steal if you ask me. But, supposedly this is the rumor coming out of Sac-Town.

[Dozen]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 21, 2007
Brown? Snow? Gooden? The possibilities
There's still time before Thursday's trade deadline, but the Kings are having a difficult time moving Mike Bibby. The challenge is simple, with most of the difficulty coming because of the size of his contract ($28 million in the next two seasons) and the uncertainty of his situation. A team willing to pay for his services has no guarantee he won't opt out after this season, and those looking for salary cap space that would come by acquiring him and Bibby opting out have no guarantee he won't stick around. His recent play is probably a small factor, but it can't help matters that he's offering very little on the floor.

Cleveland remains the closest thing to a frontrunner, though a three-team situation continues to appear the most likely way. Interestingly, I was playing craps at the Palms a few days ago when I could hear a conversation between Cleveland's Eric Snow and Chicago's P.J. Brown, both of whom would seem to have some chance of landing in Sacramento. Snow was venting about how he'd recently lost his starting job, and Brown -- who has wanted out of the Windy City for some time -- was saying the trade talk had been quiet but he was sure the Bulls would pull something off when he least expected it.

The Cavs could send Snow and Drew Gooden -- who I was told the Kings want -- for Bibby, but obviously that deal hasn't had legs. As for Brown, he matters only because a source told me the Bulls are interested in Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Brown makes $8 million while Abdur-Rahim makes approximately $5 million, so another piece would have to be offered from the Kings. But Brown would not only offer a veteran, defensive-minded, rebounding presence behind Brad Miller but an expiring contract.
-- Sam Amick




Posted by grobertson at 09:16 AMhttp://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/

[consigliere]

Something is definitely going down with Bibby and the Cavs. There are rumors all over the place connecting him to the Cavs.

Cold Pizza just mentioned another rumor: Varejao for Bibby straight up. Obviously this can't happen, but this may be why a 3rd team is needed. Or Varejao is the headliner and then we'll throw in some stuff to make it work cap-wise.

[consigliere]

Cavaliers, Two Other Teams Call Phoenix On Banks
21st February, 2007 - 1:25 pm
East Valley Tribune -
According to league sources, the Suns are talking with several teams as the trade deadline nears.

Marcus Banks and Kurt Thomas are the players other teams are bringing up in the discussions.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and at least two other teams have inquired about Banks, and the Suns might be willing to move him as a way to trim their payroll without getting anything in return .

[consigliere]

From WTAM:

They just mentioned this potential deal reported on NBA Coast to Coast:

3-way deal between Cavs, Kings and Wolves on the table. Cavs would get Bibby, Sac would get Gooden and Mike James, and the Timberwolves would get Sasha and filler (Pollard or Wesley). Reportedly the Cavs are holding this deal up because they don't want to give up Sasha.

[pup]

3-way deal between Cavs, Kings and Wolves on the table. Cavs would get Bibby, Sac would get Gooden and Mike James, and the Timberwolves would get Sasha and filler (Pollard or Wesley). Reportedly the Cavs are holding this deal up because they don't want to give up Sasha.

The Danny Ferry is an idiot, and will go down with Mark Shapiro as Cleveland GM's unwilling to do whatever it takes to bring a title to Cleveland!

[consigliere]

The NBA is just a different animal. I do not believe you need youth given the much smaller rosters. I mean, in the NBA org-wide you have 15 players....in the NFL org-wide like 60-some players and in MLB org-wide like 200-some players. Youth is much more important in the other two sports and especially baseball.

But in the NBA, for a contender, I don't believe it is. Most of the roles where you have the pups can be filled with retread FAs. So, if Varejao, Gibson or Sasha bring us back a much-needed player, I am all for it. And, in this case of Gooden and Sasha for Bibby, I do it. I'd hate to lose Sasha, but to get something you have to give up something.

Would be a nice change to the dynamic of the team:

PG: Bibby
SG: Hughes
SF: James
PF: Varejao
C: Ilgauskas

Main bench cogs: Gibson, Marshall, Snow

We'd probably need to find another body for the front court to backup Z/Varejao, but I would like this team much better with Bibby.

[Dozen]

From WTAM:

They just mentioned this potential deal reported on NBA Coast to Coast:

3-way deal between Cavs, Kings and Wolves on the table. Cavs would get Bibby, Sac would get Gooden and Mike James, and the Timberwolves would get Sasha and filler (Pollard or Wesley). Reportedly the Cavs are holding this deal up because they don't want to give up Sasha.

Thx for the update, I have sport1440 locked in right now, LMK if anything else is said as I will do the same.

[leadpipe]

If the Cavs trade for Marcus Banks and take on their 9,238th bad contract in the last 10 years, well, I suppose it won't be much of a suprise. You might file that under making a deal just to make a deal. Or, you could file it in the already packed "stupid" file.

[Dozen]

Not looking good

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/w ... index.html

As potential trades go, the best ones were either dehydrated, prostrate or about to have their plugs pulled. But with less than 24 hours to go, the Cleveland Cavaliers were making a final all-out attempt at reviving their candidate patient.

His name is Mike Bibby, and the Cavs were still hoping to acquire his contract by the NBA trade deadline of 3 p.m. ET Thursday.

League sources report that the Cavaliers spent the early part of Wednesday trying to acquire Bibby in a multi-team deal that would have left Sacramento with power forward Drew Gooden, point guard Marcus Banks (via Phoenix) and the expiring contract of center Scot Pollard, whose $2.2 million comes off the books this summer.

The Kings thought about it for awhile before, said no thanks -- then invited Cleveland to come back with another offer that includes more expiring dollars. I'm speculating here: Gooden, a No. 1 pick and another expiring contract to go with Pollard's.

It was a logical response from Sacramento president Geoff Petrie, who is willing to yield Bibby only if he nets the expiring money that will enable the Kings to be free-agent players this summer, in addition, of course, to one or more draft picks and one or more young players.

Why is the trade important to Cleveland? It would instantly make the Cavaliers (31-22) a legitimate NBA Finals contender in the woeful East, where they stand just 2½ games behind the conference-leading Pistons. Bibby is shooting a career-worst 38.8 percent this season, and his averages of 16.6 points and 5.2 assists are four-year lows. But he's only 28 and would give the Cavaliers the starting point guard they've long desired. He's also one of the best clutch shooters in the league with 3-point range. Cleveland would create immense matchup problems with LeBron James, Bibby and Larry Hughes on the wing, which would generate more space inside for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

The East is available to be stolen this spring, and Bibby would help the Cavaliers swipe it.

Instead of folding Banks into a deal with Sacramento -- the Suns have been trying to unload his regrettable five-year, $21.4 million contract all season -- the Cavaliers must now find a way to lure in one or more expiring contracts instead of or in addition to Pollard's. A few of the possible suspects include:

• Jamaal Magloire ($8.4M), though the Blazers desire a high draft pick.

• P.J. Brown ($8.6M), though the Bulls are unlikely to aid a divisional rival.

• Austin Croshere ($7.3M), though the tax-paying Mavericks would need something delicious in return for the expense.

• Morris Peterson ($4.6M), though the Raptors need someone like him to help them win their first divisional title.

Sacramento has been aggressive in pursuing a new home for Bibby, who has suffered while trying to complement Ron Artest. The Kings offered him to Dallas for young point guard Devin Harris and Croshere's expiring money, according to NBA sources, but the Mavericks weren't going to risk the league's finest chemistry just two months before the playoffs.

[jb]

Bibby
Sasha
LBJ
Gooden/Andy
Z

Gibson
Marshall
Jones


Yes that is better.

Word is ( I love quoting Roger) Sasha and Goooden are on the block for Bibby.

So here's what we'd have:

PG: Bibby
SG: Glass Man
F: Bron
PF: Side Show Bob
C: Z

Bench

Guards: Gibson, Snow, Jones

Front Court: Marshall and...... Pollard

So you have Z, who is a matchup liability on any given night,and is no spring chicken , and Marshall, who is 700 years old, and Side Show Bob who has the offensive skilll set of Chris Dudley, and Pollard, the latter day John Lambert with bad hair.

Dudes, you have 6,000,000 guards and you are leaving your front court and backup forwards completely bare. This makes us a worse team.

I'm also of he belief that Gooden is tremendously underrated by Cavs fans. Sure, 11 / 8 isn't the be all, end all line. And yes, dude has mental lapses like he's an Irish Setter. But he's active, he's a legit big man, and he's a decent 3rd offensive option. You deal him and give his minutes to SSB and you'll miss the skill set on O, you'll miss Gooden's boards and D not at all, but you'll feel it off the bench. Donyell Marshall is a specilaist. You don't want the old dude getting serious minutes and you don't want him doing much more than hoisting some treys. Scott Pollard is a non-entity.

I like Bibby's game, but he's slipping. He's not a league leader, and he's just not all that at 16 / 5 . If fuckin' Roker would stop chapsticking his lips long enough to give Gibson 30 minutes a game, his line for the year projects to 10 / 2 compared to Bibby's 16 / 5 and you keep Sasha spelling Bron, carrying the O for the 2nd unit, and you keep a strong front line rather than a depleated one.

I know this is the contrarian POV and the immediate reaction is going to be those looking at Bibby's 20 / 6 line of previous years, wanting to win it all now and call me nuts, but I don't see the cavs being about 2007 yet. Bron needs to be more hungry & focussed, the team needs to gel more, and SSB , Gibson and Sasha can be so much better in 2 years if we keep this group together instead of being impatient.

This is the wrong deal for the right player at the wrong time.

[consigliere]

I know this is the contrarian POV and the immediate reaction is going to be those looking at Bibby's 20 / 6 line of previous years, wanting to win it all now and call me nuts, but I don't see the cavs being about 2007 yet. Bron needs to be more hungry & focussed, the team needs to gel more, and SSB , Gibson and Sasha can be so much better in 2 years if we keep this group together instead of being impatient.

This is the wrong deal for the right player at the wrong time.

I have to disagree here....and this goes completely against my philosophy when it comes to being "patient" with the Tribe and not dealing prospects....

But, the opportunity is there this season to win this thing. Ask Miami if they decided to wait a few years last year to go for the ring. They got hot at the right time, made a run, and won it. I don't recall a trade deadline pickup for them, but all I am saying is it is not a foregone conclusion that the West wins the Finals. We all thought the same thing last year....then were proven wrong later.

Get me to the Finals, and let's see what happens.

To me, Bibby adds exactly what we need. A legit PG who can direct an offense, penetrate, and hit the open shot on kick outs. Make Boobie your combo gaurd (think Bobby Jackson). And, to me, Varejao is the second coming of Dennis Rodman. Absolutely no offensive game whatsoever, but a knack for getting to the ball, a rebounding machine, playing excellent defense, and annoying the fuck out the opponents. The only difference of course being he isn't a complete asshole like Rodman was. Varejao should be in the starting lineup and getting 35 or so minutes a night. Gooden is expendable folks.

If this deal is Gooden and a combo of any of our bench guys for Bibby, I don't know how we can't like this deal if it happens.

[Dozen]

Rack 'em, I agree with everything you just said except for winning the whole thing. I think they could represent the East, but would need a ton of momentum to be champs.

[swerb]

One thing people always underestimate, and I fell guilty of this last year in predicting an easy Mavs win over the Heat ...

The West beats each other up in deciding their champion.

It's a grind getting out of that conference. They have the best 5-6 teams in the NBA, the top teams tend to only play 8-9 guys, and the style of play is more frenetic and physically draining.

As it stands right now, the Suns would have to go through the Nuggets with AI & Melo, the Spurs, AND the Mavs just to get to the Finals. That's a tough road to hoe.

Last year the Mavs had a similarly brutal path there. They beat the Heat the first two games then just crapped out in losing four straight.

[leadpipe]

C'mon Swerb. The Suns could play 81 games in 81 nights and they still ain't losing a series to the Cavs. If Lebron is the best player in that Series the Suns have 2 thru 9. Not to be a downer here but here's my reality check.

1. They are not going to make a trade of any signifigance. They've rendered themselves useless in the trade market.

2. The East is incredibally week and the Cavs still aren't going to the finals. They are part of the reason the Eastern conference is weak. Number two conference seeds aren't generally mediocre teams, which the Cavs are.

[consigliere]

Per ESPN:

There was also talk that a fourth team was trying to get involved, and it wouldn't surprise me if it was Phoenix. I'm told the Suns and Cavaliers have discussed a Marcus Banks-Damon Jones trade as a fallback in the event a Bibby deal fell through. There also was a possibility Banks could go to Sacramento in a four-way Cleveland-Sacramento-Phoenix-Minnesota deal, with the Kings getting one of the two spare No. 1 picks the Suns have at their disposal (their own and Cleveland's). The third No. 1 pick Phoenix owns is a pick owed by Atlanta for the Joe Johnson trade. It is top-three protected in 2007 and unprotected in 2008, and is virtually untouchable.

[consigliere]

Also, supposedly, Indiana has entered the Bibby sweepstakes....

[leadpipe]

I just have to reiterate. If they take on Marcus Banks' contract I defy anyone to come on here and tell me the Cavs aren't the dumbest organization in the game. My God, has anyone seen that contract? HOOOOOORRRRIIIBBBBBLLLLEEE!!!