Last night, news broke that the the Raptors and Mavericks were discussing a sign and trade deal that would send Shawn Marion to Dallas. In order for this trade to benefit the Raptors, a third team must be involved to help make the salary-cap math work.
If the Raptors and Mavericks can find a third party to help facilitate the trade, sources say Jerry Stackhouse would be heading to Toronto. Stackhouse, 34, is projected to make $7 million next year, however only $2 million is guaranteed. Though Stackhouse will go to Toronto, Bryan Colangelo will probably waive him when he is eligible, which is August 10th.
If this trade somehow works, the Raptors put themselves in an excellent position. The Raptors would apparently be able to retain their MLE, and will also be able to bring back Carlos Delfino or Anthony Parker. With Delfino/Parker, as well as $5.6 million handy, the Raptors will be able to put together an excellent bench, to go along with a very solid starting 5.
If this trade goes down, it will have to happen sometime today. Today's the day teams will have to renounce the rights to certain players, and tomorrow, free agent signings become official. So it will be interesting to see how it all goes down, but my gut feeling says that Bryan Colangleo has a plan for us, and this trade will indeed happen.
According to many sources, the Cavs desperately want Trevor Ariza. Ariza, who signed a 5 year/$33.5 million deal with Houston, is reportedly second guessing his decision, according to ESPN's Ric Bucher. Ariza has received phone calls from LeBron James, as well as Shaquille O'Neal. Ariza asked James about his future plans with the Cavs, in which LeBron said he plans in staying in Cleveland long term. "Trevor asked LeBron if he would be in Cleveland after next season," the source said. "And LeBron said, 'I'll be there. Of course, I'll be there.'
NOW, reports are saying LeBron has denied this statement, and didn't talk about the future with Ariza. Here's what I believe happened-- LeBron told Ariza he planned on staying in Cleveland past 2010, but then realized he shouldn't have said such a bold statement. And since LeBron would never admit that, I'm guessing he'd just deny it
With the pieces the Cavs have right now, I don't believe LeBron will re-sign with Cleveland. I think it's too much of a "one man show", and LeBron can't do it anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if LeBron signs with the Nets, considering they are relocating to Brooklyn. But who knows--with Shaq now in Cleveland, maybe it will be different.
I guess we'll just have to say tuned, and see how this all unfolds.
you're wrong about the MLE - the raptors cannot get it back. and they will not be bringing in Stackhouse - that's the whole point of the 3rd team... they're the ones that would take Stack. Raps want to not take any salaries back.
ReplyDeleteWell, IF, the Raptors trade with Orlando, then they will get the MLE back. But according to many sources, Orlando does not want to partake in this trade. If the Raptors can find another team to participate in this trade, the Raptors will be able to retain Carlos Delfino. Having Delfino back is huge, because it gives the Raps much needed support off the bench.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the Stackhouse thing--it appears if this trade happened, Stackhouse would go to Toronto, but there is an issue with his salary. So I'm not sure how that will play out. Jerry Stackhouse's contract is worth $7 million but only $2 million of that is guaranteed next season. What that means is if a team acquires him, he wouldn't be staying in all likelihood. They'd waive him right away and pay off the $2 million in guaranteed money, saving themselves $5 million in cap room. If the Mavericks keep him all season, he'd cost them $14 million (they're in the luxury tax territory so half would go to him and half to the league). If they cut him before a given date, he'd only cost them $4 million. Even then, offering him up in a trade could yield a starter like Marion where they wouldn't be paying cash just to make someone disappear.
I'm guessing all these questions will be answered around midnight tonight, and we'll get a better explanation as to what's going on.