Cleveland trade suggestion
Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 3:07 pm
Would you guys do this trade?
heathmalc wrote:A trade I've been thinking about, that looks good for both teams:
Cavaliers get: Al Jefferson, Ramon Sessions, 16th pick in draft
Minnesota gets: Anderson Varejao, Delonte West, Anthony Parker.
:::::::::::::::::Why this works for both teams::::::::::::::::::
For the Cavs: Al Jefferson posted PERs in the mid-20's before his ACL injury in February of last year. He also has double double seasons of 20/10 both years. His defense has improved dramatically, as he went from a HORRIBLE defender, to an "average" defender, who can rotate to the perimeter. He's no "Wild thing" on "D" , but what he lacks in defense, he makes up for in "spades" on offense! Many people considered him a HUGE snub from last year's all-star game, when Shaq went instead of him. But The Wolves had a bad record, and Shaq was a "name." Al was expected to have a big drop-off year after the ACL injury, but he still averaged 18/10, and got progressively better as the season progressed. Al was considered the 2nd or 3rd top player in the west before his injury, and since then has taken a lot of flack for Minnesota's losing, despite the fact that his numbers were well within his previous 2 seasons, despite the injury. He would be a HUGE acquisition for the Cavaliers!!! - Ramon Sessions was considered one of the best up-and-coming point guards in the league while playing in Milwaukee. He was signed by Minny in the off-season for 16million/4yrs. He has also caught a lot of flack for Minnesota's losing...despite the fact that coach Rambis clearly didn't like playing him because he doesn't have deep range. Sessions' minutes were up & down all season, which made it really hard for him to get into any type of groove, and his number suffered. Yet, when he got the minutes he expected, he often had big games. Sessions other huge bonuses are his defense and his ability to drive the ball. He was once again one of the top free-throw shooters per minute/shot at his position. He is regularly compared to Andre Miller, as he has similar size and ability...with a better handle. - The 16th pick gets the Cavaliers into the draft, at a decent spot. They could pick up either another SG or another PF, depending on their confidence in Powe and Hickson. The Cavs would also get considerably younger, as both players are only 24/25, and both have very good outlooks...and playing with LeBron.... could make a HUGE difference for them & the Cavs!
Why for Minnesota: The Timberwolves have only Corey Brewer to play SG, and although he is very good defensively, he is about as good as Varejao on offense. That has hurt the Wolves for the last two years. A.P. would be a great leader and vet for a young team that is sure to pick up another wing this off-season. The fact that the Wolves have an extra expiring contract, and smart-defensive player, who can shoot the "3" doesn't hurt either. Delonte West could be waived (Saving Minnesota over 4 million immediately), but they might actually keep him at his price; for his talent-level. He is good on offense, and can get hot, and he is an obove average defender, and can also play the point and shoot the "3". If the Wolves kept him, then they wouldn't need to waste money or a pick on another wing, and West would still be expiring. A win - win deal for Minny. Jefferson and Love never played well together because both need the ball on offense. Varejao is a defensive specialist who can also play Center. He can either start beside Love, or come off the bench and provide valuable relief to the starters...especially if Darko is re-signed, and is guaranteed a starting role. This trade saves Minny 4 to 8.5 million this coming season, and and 55 million over the next 3 years. This also saves Minny from the problem of having Rubio, Flynn, and Sessions all at the PG position, all with long contracts...with one of them (sessions?) likely to barely play, thus the Wolves basically paying him for nothing. The Wolves also would save an additional 2 million this season by trading the 16th pick, which they'd have likely used on a defensive big anyway; which they get in Varejao.
This looks like the type of deal that could help both teams dramatically. The Cavs not only get young at the center position, and bring in a young PG with a lot of upside, but they still would have Mo and Antawn to use in trades or to play off the bench in specialized roles. Varejao would be hard to lose, as he is so valuable...but Jefferson will do like Amare and have a huge impact in his 2nd year after surgery... and with LeBron next to him...he may challenge Howard for the all-star game! I know some of you don't believe it...but Jefferson is really, really good, and he is REALLY strong! He will not be backing down from Dwight, and he has a MUCH better offensive game than Dwight (or any center in the league,for that matter).
I know that nobody is really talking about Minny as a trade-partner...instead looking at the California teams...but I think that they may be the best team for us to trade with... besides, nobody is talking about them in the media...and that is where these trades usually come from - out of left field.
