Cavs were willing to pay $18 million for Detroit's 2012 1st!

[mup]

I think we use the TPE in a deal that brings back more picks, similar to the B. Davis and proposed Hamilton deals. Somebody will want to move a dog contract and give up a first rounder to do it.

Considering it was pretty much the only compensation we got for James, I think not using would leave (even more) egg on our face. Gilbert knows that. We have to use it, I think.

[Tommy Udo 6]

The 2012 pick? Why the 2012? If anything I would have guessed the 2011 unprotected 1st (unless within maybe the top 3).

Because of the uncertainty of a new CBA and possibility of a lock out, many athletes are expected to stay in school - thus lowering the quality of the 2011 draft.

Bulls now have 2 first rounders (theirs + Miami) and a second rounder - but they are expected to try to deal tham all away by draft night

[JustCame]

I would've done what Rip did..that's an extra $7 mil right there.

[bstein14]

I would've done what Rip did..that's an extra $7 mil right there.

Unless there is a lockout next year where we lose half the season... Then Rip loses money by not taking that buyout.

[Skip2MY]

Essentially this is one of the wisest moves ever... look at the possible talent and depth the next draft could possibly have.

1. 2011 get top ten lottery or get out. Top 10 picks are gonna be talented and get their money... Cavs have their own and Clips pick. Lesser talented players...the back 20 are debating dropping out ... with the lockout can essentially use the lockout year to increase their stock to try and get into top 10 and good money in the next draft.

2. 2012 draft just got deeper with all the talent that would have been in the 2011 draft.

3. If there is a lockout in 2012... there is no draft... increasing the talent to an astronomical amount... College, international players will now be running into the draft and imagine what you will get at the end of the 1st and beginning of the 2nd all the way til the end of the 2nd.

4. The undrafted players and the draft afterwards will just be catch up to balance out the field.

This is a great move and Cavs should continue and be back in the playoffs in no time. I like it... I like it a lot.

[chrbal]

Teams have given up a lot to get a potential lottery pick. this would have been bad for the cavs, but not horrible.