Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
Over the weekend, Sean Deveney ran through the major free agent disappointments of this season. Shawn Marion wasn't on there, because while he changed teams, it happened back in 2007-08, and came as a result of a trade. Yet Marion's been fairly quiet, and most people figured he'd have to tear it up, and reprise all the multi-positional craziness that made him such a force in Phoenix, for the Heat to make any noise this year. He hasn't, his contract's up this summer, and voila, one of the league's most versatile players becomes trade bait.
For the Heat, Szczerbiak has a $13 million expiring contract, and Varejao has a player's option on $6.2 million. He'll likely opt out. This leaves Miami with a chance to negotiate a new contract with Varejao, or let him lapse and allow the Heat even more cap space for the summer. Still, Cleveland is 20-4 and hesitant to mess with the chemistry. Nevertheless, the Cavs are trying desperately to win a championship with James prior to 2010 free agency.This piece has a lot of other "do they dare" talk which frankly, seems a bit silly to me. Wally isn't a winner. I hate that cliche, but here it applies. Varejao plays hard, doing the dirty work around LeBron and Big Z. He sells a lot of funny wigs. Marion? He's like that, but skilled, better defensively, more of a threat offensively, and makes a team deadly in transition. What's more, it's only one year. Varejao has been a good soldier, but the Matrix is still a star at what he does -- things no one else in the league can, or more importantly, will, do.
This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
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Well said about no bold move coming without its risks. I think, over and above the well-fitting financial puzzle pieces, Marion’s game is i-friggin-deal to play baby-Pippen to Bron’s Baby Jordan. Yes I said it, dammit.
But somehow I’m not sure what sets this supposed deal apart from others in the past that have made absolute perfect sense at first, only to happen and then manage to not out work so well… I’d love to see it, like most people, but my gut tells me they won’t pull the trigger on that.
by logicjohnson on Dec 16, 2008 11:21 PM EST reply actions
If Marion joins Cleveland then it wont last long since King James will definitely leave Cleveland in 2010
by -rncubero- on Dec 17, 2008 7:32 AM EST reply actions
This might have been a good trade last season, but this year I would not pull the trigger on this trade. This rumor was reported to be false in today’s Plain Dealer so it might not even be worth debating.
The Cavs have a very good chemistry this season, which is something that they haven’t had in recent years. All championship teams have this kind of good chemistry and the Cavs have had it since camp.
Varajao has really improved this season offensively and he is more active than ever (if that’s possible). He lost a lot of weight and came to camp in better shape than ever. With Big Z out with an ankle, Andy is a starter. There is no way that the Cavs can trade him. They need to lock him up for many years to come. He is a player that LeBron’s trusts. They run a beautiful pick and roll.
Wally, however is a little bit more expendable. He hasn’t been knocking down shots lately, but has helped the team in other areas. I think the Cavs could do without him and be alright. That’s why if Cleveland can trade Wally and a draft pick, I would be all over it.
by browns_4_life on Dec 17, 2008 12:45 PM EST reply actions
Why mess with chemistry when you’re 21-4? And what position will Marion play, he’s a 3 and the Cavs will become smaller in the East where there are some bigs that can cause trouble (Howard, KG, and the Nets have three, young 6’11 dudes in Yi, Boone and Lopez.)Someone at SI said that Varejo "brings constructive chaos to the proceedings."This is good. Trade Wally or Boobie, not Andy.DMichaelE
by DMichaelE on Dec 18, 2008 5:11 PM EST reply actions
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