Since losing in the NBA Finals a few weeks ago, there has been tremendous anticipation as to what the Cleveland Cavaliers will do to take the next step and win the title. However, the draft passed without GM Danny Ferry making any moves, and now the free agency period is starting. The Cavs have only their mid level exemption to use on the free agent market, so the wine and gold will have to be judicious and creative in making the team better heading into the 2007-08 campaign.
The Cavs made qualifying offers to their own restricted free agents, Anderson Varajao and Sasha Pavlovic, which gives the team the right of first refusal on any contract either sign in this period. It has been rumored that Varajao will receive a five year, $40 million offer from Memphis when firm offers can be made. Together with Drew Gooden, the Cavs will be spending about $16 million per year on the power forward position if they match the offer to Wild Thing.
It says here that Ferry needs to match it, and then look to find a taker for Gooden. Let’s face it, Varajao’s game fits more with Mike Brown’s philosophy, that’s why the Brazilian gets the bulk of the playing time down the stretch of games. Also, even though Gooden has been in the league longer, he’s still an inconsistent performer. That sort of thing drives coaches crazy. Also, Gooden’s contract would allow the team to bring in a bigger salary player in a deal. Ferry would then have to find another big man to back up Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Varajao, but they could find a veteran big man to take that job.
The Cavs also are talking to free agent Morris Peterson, late of the Raptors, as a shooter. Peterson would ideally replace Donyell Marshall’s role in the offense. However, I can’t see using the entire exemption on MoPete unless Ferry can move some of the dead weight at the end of the bench making big money (Snow, Marshall, Newble, Jones). If the only big personnel move this team makes is signing Peterson, it doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy about next year’s prospects, since the team would still be banking on the improvement of young players to make gains.
Ferry also needs to address the point guard spot. Clevelanders may not want to hear it, but here’s hoping the wine and gold stays away from Earl Boykins. The former Central Catholic star is 32 years old, a defensive liability, and likes to dominate the ball. With LeBron James here, that would be a problem. A guy like Steve Blake would be a good fit here. Blake isn’t a strong defender, but Mike Brown has upgraded that part of the game with everybody on the roster, so Blake could improve. Blake is a distributor and can make the open shot if it’s there. Since he’s an unrestricted free agent, there will be plenty of competition to get the former Nugget.
It has been rumored that Mike Bibby has been in town recently, which would lead to speculation that a trade with Sacramento is being considered. Bibby had an off season in 2006-07, but was battling some injuries which affected his game. However, what the Cavs would have to give up in such a deal might make this a less desirable option. Another possibility at the point is Sarunas Jasikevicius, who considered the Cavs when he came to the NBA a couple of years ago, but signed with Indiana instead. He finished the year with Golden State, barely getting off the bench there. The cost to get him would be minimal.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 