As expected the Cleveland Cavaliers made a move before today’s trade deadline. But they did not acquire Amare Stoudemire as rumored earlier in the week.
The Cavaliers acquired Antawn Jamison from the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team deal that also included the Los Angeles Clippers.
Cleveland sent Zydrunas Ilgauskas to Washington along with Emir Preldzic and a 2010 first round draft pick. The Wizards got Al Thornton from L.A. also.
The Clippers receive, recently acquired, Drew Gooden from Washington. Gooden will be playing for his ninth different NBA team.
Cleveland will also get Sebastian Telfair from the Clippers as part of the deal.
Jamison was brought in for two reasons – bolster the Cav’s roster to help the team win an NBA title and keep Lebron James in Cleveland.
Many analysts feel the only way James will not leave town to seek a more lucrative opportunity in a big market is if the Cavaliers win the title this spring. Others say James is gone for sure.
Tell us what you think James will do. Will the Jamison trade convince James to stay in town? Can Jamison’s presence propel Cleveland to a championship? Will the Cavaliers stumble with the new player in town?
Post your thoughts below or on our discussion board of our Facebook Fan Page.
Cleveland is a small market basketball team. They will give LeBron the best offer they can, but the New York Knicks now have Tracy McGrady. Therefore, the team he always wanted to play for is going to give him an offer he can't refuse. It may get interesting if the Cavs win the championship, however. I still don't think their good enough to beat Boston, Orlando or Atlanta in a seven game series though. Jamison gives them a tough guy, but he is no Amare Stoudemire or Carlos Boozer.
ReplyDelete