Rumor: Kings Looking to Move Salary, Cavs In Talks
March 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) moves the ball against the defense of Sacramento Kings power forward Chuck Hayes (42) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
As the free agency wheel turns the Cavaliers, flush with cap space (even after signing Jarrett Jack and Earl Clark, draft picks and young players are still churning in the rumor mill. Last night rumors began, actually continued from early in the offseason, that the Cavs were pursuing a 1 year “make good” deal with Andrew Bynum, which Evan reviewed late in the evening last night. Today rumors come that the Sacramento Kings are looking to free up space to sign Monta Ellis, previously of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors. Some version of movement would leaves Ellis with the Kings, Jeff Teague with the Bucks and Brandon Jennings with the Atlanta Hawks. How the Cavaliers fit in is that they Kings would need to free up some cap space to sign Ellis. This would involve the Kings unloading Jimmer Fredette and Chuck Hayes on the Cavaliers.
What the Kings Could Offer:
Looking at the Kings roster it is hard to find anyone they could offer the Cavs to “sweeten the pot” for them to accept these salaries. Based on Hayes salary for 2014-2015 and the Cavs desire to look to sign another player this off-season, perhaps even that big money deal to Bynum, the Kings would have to make it worth the Cavs interest to make the trade. Demarcus Cousins and Ben McLemore are obviously not coming over in the deal, so that leaves one intriguing option and one less so. The Kings could offer to remove the protection on the pick they owe the Cavs. This would entice the Cavs as they could be looking at a high lottery pick in the loaded 2014 draft, instead of a top 12 protected pick. Its possible the Kings would want to protect it against being the #1 pick but if their pursuit of Ellis tells us anything it tells us to not underestimate the Kings. The second option is a future #1 pick. This would be less appealing to the Cavs and probably not cause them to pull the trigger.
What the Offer Does for the Cavs:
The players involved have some impact on the Cavs, but would depend on how Mike Brown sees them and possibly other moves. Jimmer, of BYU fame, has a consistent jump shot but has not shown the ability to make an impact on the floor with the Kings. This is partially due to the crowded backcourt, ever changing coaches and his limitations. Jimmer is 6’2″ 195 pounds. His limited build makes he hard for him to play consistent defense against 2 guards in the NBA. His limited defensive abilities make it hard for him to cover point guards. With the Cavs he would pair with Jarrett Jack to be a backup guard. With Jack, Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the fold there are limited minutes for another guard, unless injury creeps up again. Last year Jimmer averaged 14 minutes a game and chipped in 7 points on 42% shooting and 41% from 3 point land. So Jimmer’s benefit is negligible. Hayes is a grinding type of power forward. Adding a veteran with savvy can be very beneficial to a young team. Unfortunately this young team already has Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Earl Clark and Anderson Varejao who can play the 4. Unless Andy was traded for another asset or player, Hayes would have little time on the court available. His contract being guaranteed in the summer of 2014 is more problematic. Hayes would have little impact on the floor, not due to talent but due to playing time and could cause problems for us signing a max level free agent; Lebron, Melo, Kobe, etc.
Concluding
With the two players providing limited on court support, and Hayes limiting future cap space, only an unprotected pick in 2014 could be enough to make this worth the Cavs liking. Would love to hear your thoughts?
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