Cleveland is desperate that is obvious, everyone knows they are interested in Jackson. The warriors would love to get away with Big Z and his expiring contract leading into the summer of 2010. It's been all over the news, yet there seem to be some obstacles.

The Cavs are counting on Big Z in case Shaq goes down or as an alternative to the big guy in games. Shaq can bang down low and Big Z can shoot. But both centers have a common problem. Both guys are slow on the high screen roll and have become a liability to the team defensively. Based off what I saw in their first two games, it looks like this inabilty to cover the pick and roll has cost the Cavs both games. In fact, the Cavs went on there biggest run in Toronto last night in the 3rd quarter with Lebron at PF and Varejao at C. It is clear that the Cavs should be very concerned with the quickness of the 2 big men. Ideally they are looking for another C in the trade to who has a jump shot, can block shots on the defensive end and has better lateral quickness than either Shaq or Big Z. 

The warriors don't want to give up any of their big guys (Turiaf), so it is time to look around the league at other teams. I think the best fit for this third team would be the Timberwolves and Mark Blount.

Blount has a nice jump shot and is a defensive upgrade on the screen roll over either of their current centers. He has a 7.9 millon expiring contract so the Cavs can save some money based off what they think they will be playing Lebron in one year. Blount is a veteran who has been around the league, I think he would be a good addition for the Cavs. Minnesota has depth at the C position with Love, Jefferson, & Hollins. Blount is headed out of town at the end of the year anyways.

The warriors would send Claxton and George to Minny. Claxton gives them a thrid PG and his 5 million comes off the books after the year. George gives them another swingman to go with Brewer and Gomes and his 1.5 million comes off the books at the end of the year. Basically, they add more vets as backups at different postions. Hopefully sell them on the idea of Calxton as a veteran tutor to the two young guys. The cavs would also have to send JJ Hickson to Minnesota. JJ Hickson is a young PF who could give Minny another project young big man to add to the collection. The Cavs would need to swallow losing this guy in the hopes that Powe (when healthy), Darnell Jackson (who is fat), and Blount can replace his production.

The warriors get the expiring contract of Big Z, and only lose Jackson, Claxton, George, and maybe a secound round pick to get the Twolves to agree to the deal. The Cavs get Jackson plus Blount while only losing Big Z and JJ Hickson. Minny gets expiring contracts and a young project PF in Hickson along with a warriors 2nd round choice.

Seems like Minnesota makes a nice partner for this threesome to work. How do we get this to management?