Cooler heads have prevailed, somewhat. After saying they would not assist LeBron James or the Miami Heat with a sign and trade in order to give LeBron James more money - and the Heat more flexibility - the Cavaliers reversed course tonight and will in fact work a deal with Miami.
While details are still being finalized, it appears that the Cavaliers will acquire 4 future draft picks from the Heat believed to be 2-first and 2-second round picks. The caveat, however, is that the picks are believed to be far in the future because the Heat is believed to have traded their 2011 first round pick to the Raptors for Chris Bosh. Thanks to former Cavaliers owner Ted Stepien, teams cannot trade first round picks in consecutive years. Stepien, of course, traded every first round pick the Cavaliers had during his tenure in order to save money.
The Cavaliers are also believed to be receiving a $16 million trade exception. Consider a trade exception like free salary-cap space. It can only be used in a trade, however. The Cavaliers can use it in parts or use it all at once and it lasts one year. Word on the street, however, is the Cavaliers are going to look to add a piece right now.
As much as it hurts to give LeBron James the full max contract he turned down from the Cavaliers - 6-years, $129 million(give or take), this was the right move for the Cavaliers moving forward. They need to acquire picks, and they need flexibility to add players. Four draft picks and $16 million in trade exceptions helps the Cavaliers do both. A tip of the cap to Chris Grant, and Dan Gilbert for that matter, for putting pride aside a bit and doing what was best for the Cavaliers on the floor in the midst of a very difficult situation.
Of course, the question becomes, who is available.
In the trade market, you'll hear names like Al Jefferson, Tyson Chandler, Emeka Okafor, Rip Hamilton, T.J. Ford, Hedo Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Jose Calderon, Elton Brand and Marcin Gortat.
Obviously that is not list of players the Cavaliers would be interested in, or is it a group that fits what the Cavaliers need. It is simply a list of recognizable names that might be available.
The rebuilding process begins. The 24-hour rule now applies. As Chris Grant said today, LeBron James is no longer a member of the Cavaliers. To me, here at a Cavaliers site, I am done reporting, talking or thinking about him. What's the point? SBNation has a fine Miami Heat site, and they'll do a great job.
GO CAVS!