http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/12/with_gms_beginning_to_assess_r.htmlThe Cavs are targeting several players believed to be on the trade market. Multiple sources said the team has been in touch about the following:
• Anthony Randolph, Warriors: The young, tall and talented Randolph has been an enigma. He's had some excellent games but has had steady run-ins with Warriors coach Don Nelson and his playing time has varied. Is he being held back because of his immaturity or because Nelson hasn't managed him as well as he could? There are differing opinions.
One thing that is sure, says a source, is the Cavs' interest in giving it a try. This week rumors emerged that the Warriors would be willing to trade Randolph and the Cavs have announced their interest. Cavs coach Mike Brown fell in love with Randolph before his rookie season after draft workouts and seeing him at summer league.
The Cavs and Golden State have already had extensive trade talks this year, for Jackson, and things could re-kindle in a package around Randolph.
• Troy Murphy, Pacers: According to multiple sources, there's an interest from both parties for the prototypical stretch forward. Murphy hasn't been on the best terms with the Pacers, who are losing lots of money and still owe Murphy $12 million next year. Murphy is averaging 13 points and nine rebounds this season and the 6-11 big man is a career 40 percent 3-point shooter. Those are good numbers but perhaps not enough for the Pacers, who have a losing record and a $65 million payroll.
The downside to Murphy is that he's not a good defender. But he would fit well on the floor with Anderson Varejao or Shaquille O'Neal because of his ability to hit the outside jumper. Plus he's an excellent pick-and-pop player, which makes him a good match to play with James and Mo Williams in halfcourt situations.
Murphy may not be the Cavs' first choice, but he's probably going to be one of the best players available and it is something the team is already studying.
• Antawn Jamison, Wizards: Right now Washington, says a league executive, is not ready to do anything with its roster despite a poor start. One of the reasons is that because of injuries, the Wizards are without key off-season addition Mike Miller. But there's another factor at play that may decide what happens with the Wizards' future.
Team owner Abe Pollin's death was a huge blow to the franchise. Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, whose company owns 44 percent of the Wizards and the Verizon Center, has the right to buy the rest of the team and the arena. Leonsis has said he intends to do just that.
The question is when Leonsis will finalize the purchase and just what changes he'd want to make. With an $80 million payroll, a losing record and new management, the Wizards could be ripe for cost-cutting and rebuilding. Jamison is having a great year, but has $28 million and two years left on his contract after this season. If the Wizards get to the point where they have to make a move, trading Jamison for expiring contracts could get them around $10 million under the salary cap next summer.
The Cavs have made trade proposals in the past for Jamison and will do so again. If Jamison is ever traded, expect the Cavs to push hard to be the team. He fits in nearly perfectly with the type of player the Cavs want both on the floor and off. Like Murphy, he's not a great defender. But unlike Murphy, Jamison can create his own shot offensively.
There will certainly be more names that emerge between now and February. But trust that these three will remain at the front of the Cavs' thoughts as they see how things unfold.
Some interesting names on this list..
