Well, Chicago trading Kirk Hinrich and the 17th pick to Washington, opening up enough - or close to enough - money for two max free agents, certainly changes the landscape of everything.
(One caveat: I’ve read different things about whether this deal gets the Bulls to the $32M mark, and the official salary cap number hasn’t been set yet anyway).
Something is certain though. The Eastern Conference has become a salary cap arms race between New York, Miami, and Chicago. And right now Chicago is winning.
I would almost argue that the Cavs need to start operating under the pretense that LeBron James will leave - but I know that there are 30 million reasons for them not to go there yet.
At the same time, the Cavaliers have a couple needs no matter what happens with James. They need a 5, and they need 2. If James leaves they need a 3 (ha ha) and they also most likely need a 1.
The reason I say that is because there remains a big concern, in my opinion, that James does not fit with a traditional ball-dominating PG (like Derrick Rose - or even Chris Paul). Yes, people can complain about the LeBron versus the World offense, but the truth is that the high pick and roll is a very efficient play with James running it. It works.
Further, I think there’s definitely an argument to be made that James should play more point guard moving forward.
So what the Cavs really need to do tonight are two things.
1) They need to look to try and address their needs.
2) They need to look to do something that will insert themselves in the arms race.
I don’t see how it’s possible for the Cavs to create cap space - not when nearly every other team in the league is trying to do the same thing. Which means they might have to take on a huge, risky contract (read: Emeka Okafor, Monta Ellis, Elton Brand) to make a deal for an impact player and/or a high draft pick.
This will not be easy. And it will be very risky, especially if James leaves. But it’s less risky if the deal is for a high draft pick that nets a future All-Star like Evan Turner or DeMarcus Cousins. Both of those guys fit the Cavs needs and provide something to build around for the future in case LeBron leaves.
Of course, when it comes to drafting, you’re always taking a risk. And if you trade assets and/or take on massive contracts - a practice that is only made more dangerous by the new CBA that’s looming (who knows what the salary cap could be like, or if Bird Rights will still exist) - you better fucking draft right.
Hello, Chris Grant. I hope this is your dream job.
*I suspect we’ll be tweeting on and off during the draft, so follow us there.*
