SB Nation Cleveland - Cavs Emerge Again As Potential 3rd Team In Dwight Howard Trade, With Andrew Bynum Also Reportedly Involved https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48841/cleveland-fave.png2012-07-23T19:55:26-05:00http://cleveland.sbnation.com/rss/stream/29105562012-07-23T19:55:26-05:002012-07-23T19:55:26-05:00Andrew Bynum Unlikely To Become Cleveland Cavalier In Dwight Howard Deal
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<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> center <span>Andrew Bynum</span> as part of a potential three-team trade involving <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> center <span>Dwight Howard</span>. But how likely is it that Bynum ever wears a Cleveland uniform?</p>
<p>While Bynum is unquestionably an attractive piece, it's unclear if he'd like to stay a Cavalier long-term. And, while the Magic want to be rid of Howard as soon as possible, there's reason to be skeptical that they would prefer a package of <span>Anderson Varejao</span> and picks to what, say, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> could offer.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/07/23/sports/nh5761281.txt?viewmode=fullstory">According to Bob Finnan of The News-Herald</a>, Cavs fans should not expect a deal:</p>
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<p>The Cavs wouldn't get involved in a deal for Bynum unless he agrees to a contract extension, and he probably won't. Indications are Bynum might want to follow Howard's lead and become a free agent in 2013. It makes better financial sense for him. Bynum can earn a maximum deal in free agency and have some say in where he ends up.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>It's all shaping up to be nothing but a lot of hot air for the Cavs, who seemingly have been involved in every rumored big deal this summer.</p>
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<p>Fortunately for the Cavaliers, they still have a future All-Star in <span>Kyrie Irving</span> to build around.</p>
<p><i>Stick with<a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/7/9/3146515/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-nets-cavs-magic-kris-humphries"> this StoryStream</a> for all the Dwight Howard news updates and rumors. For all things <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, check out <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear the Sword</a>.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/23/3180139/cleveland-cavaliers-andrew-bynum-dwight-howardJames Herbert2012-07-20T09:44:02-05:002012-07-20T09:44:02-05:00Andrew Bynum Becomes Focal Point Of Rumored 3-Team Dwight Howard Trade
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<p>There are many obstacles to the rumored three team trade involving <span>Dwight Howard</span> and <span>Andrew Bynum</span>. It's a complex deal between the Cavaliers, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Magic</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> that could fall apart, or not get very far, if that set of obstacles is not overcome in the initial stages of the discussions. One of the first big hurdles is the subject of Bynum's free agency, as the center is set to hit the open market after the 2012-13 season. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/19/3170871/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-andrew-bynum-cavaliers" target="_blank">Cavs reportedly want "assurances"</a> that Bynum would sign a deal and stay on long term, but at this point, that would only be a handshake arrangement (we saw how that worked out with <span>Carlos Boozer</span>). <a href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8182707/agent-teams-gauge-andrew-bynum-interest-extension-making-trades" target="_blank">According to ESPN, Bynum would only sign an extension now with the Lakers</a>, and hold off on signing anything with another team because of the financial differences:</p>
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<p>Sources have told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Bynum likely would not sign an extension anywhere else but with the Lakers this summer because it benefits him financially to wait until after the season so he can get a longer, more lucrative deal.</p>
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<p>While Chris Grant and his team may be looking for assurances, the <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/19/3170871/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-andrew-bynum-cavaliers" target="_blank">Lakers reportedly</a> won't let Cleveland talk to Bynum about a potential long-term arrangement until the framework of the deal is on more solid ground. As a result, the Cavs are approaching the talks by considering Bynum nothing but a one year rental, <a href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8182707/agent-teams-gauge-andrew-bynum-interest-extension-making-trades" target="_blank">according to Brian Windhorst</a>:</p>
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<p>The inability to decipher Bynum's intentions has complicated trade talks. League sources told ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst that while the Cavaliers are interested in Bynum, they have no choice but to regard him as a one-year rental because that remains a possibility unless he gives them assurances he will either sign an extension with them now or re-sign with them next summer.</p>
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<p>Bynum's agent, <span>David Lee</span>, just returned this week from a vacation in Alaska and <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/19/3170416/cavaliers-free-agency-2012-andrew-bynums-agent-has-not-talked-with/in/2910556" target="_blank">has discussed the rumors with the press</a>. He indicated that there's been no communication with the Cavaliers, but that any team would be "foolish" to trade for the Lakers' big man without speaking with him first.</p>
<p>Obstacles aplenty.</p>
<p><i>Stick with<a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/7/9/3146515/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-nets-cavs-magic-kris-humphries"> this StoryStream</a> for all the Dwight Howard news updates and rumors. For all things <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, check out <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear the Sword</a>.</i></p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/20/3171893/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-andrew-bynum-cavs-lakersBrendan Porath2012-07-19T19:12:55-05:002012-07-19T19:12:55-05:00Dwight Howard Trade: Cavs Want 'Assurances' Of Andrew Bynum Extension
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> are ready to make a deal that would net them <span>Andrew Bynum</span> and send <span>Dwight Howard</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> but not before they speak to Bynum and his agent, <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--cavs-want-assurances-from-andrew-bynum-in-potential-dwight-howard-trade-.html">according to Adrian Wojnarowski</a>. Bynum will be a free agent following the 2012-2013 season, and the Cavs are seeking assurance that the center will sign a contract extension. The Cavs can't do without that security, as Wojnarowski points out:</p>
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<p>Salary-cap space in Dallas and Houston could be intriguing to [Bynum]. That’s why Cleveland needs the promise of a contract extension to consummate this deal. The Cavaliers believe they can sell Bynum on a partnership with one of the most dynamic young players in the sport – point guard <span>Kyrie Irving</span> – as well as their young core of talent and owner Dan Gilbert’s willingness to commit the resources needed to compete for championships.</p>
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<div>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> are also a potential candidate for the third team in the trade. As <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/19/3170416/cavaliers-free-agency-2012-andrew-bynums-agent-has-not-talked-with/in/2910556">reported here earlier</a> Bynum's agent has not yet spoken to the Cavaliers, and Cavs fans certainly hope that changes soon.</div>
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<p><i>Stick with<a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/7/9/3146515/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-nets-cavs-magic-kris-humphries"> this StoryStream</a> for all the Dwight Howard news updates and rumors. For all things Cleveland Cavaliers, check out <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com">Fear the Sword</a>. </i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/19/3170871/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-andrew-bynum-cavaliersPete Eich2012-07-19T15:31:21-05:002012-07-19T15:31:21-05:00Cavaliers Free Agency 2012: Andrew Bynum's Agent Has Not Talked With Cavs
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<p>The agent for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> center <span>Andrew Bynum</span> says he has not been contacted by the Cavaliers about a potential deal, <a href="http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-cavaliers/cleveland-cavaliers-1.275356/agent-no-contact-with-cavs-about-potential-deal-1.321304" target="_blank">according to the Akron Beacon Journal</a>.</p>
<p>The Cavs have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Bynum in a multi-team trade that would also involve <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> center <span>Dwight Howard</span>. But Bynum's agent hasn't heard from the Cavs.</p>
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<p>"I've had zero conversations with Chris Grant," said <span>David Lee</span>, Bynum's agent. "I would imagine any team involved in this trade would be smart enough to talk to us." </p>
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<p>Bynum and Howard can become free agents after next season, so teams have been wary about a deal for fear of losing either one without signing an extension. Lee declined comment to The Beacon Journal when asked if Bynum would be interested in signing an extension with the Cavaliers. </p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/19/3170416/cavaliers-free-agency-2012-andrew-bynums-agent-has-not-talked-withChris Vannini2012-07-19T10:28:49-05:002012-07-19T10:28:49-05:00Prospect Of Adding Andrew Bynum Should Thrill Cavalier Fans
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<p><span>Kyrie Irving</span> <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/5/14/3020235/kyrie-irving-usa-select-team-2012-olympics" target="_blank">stole the show this month during Team USA workouts in Las Vegas</a> with the Select Team point guard taking it to the Olympic team veterans. The Cavs appear to have struck gold with their 2011 No. 1 pick, and they have hopefully added some nice pieces to build around the potential superstar. But the most recent <span>Dwight Howard</span> trade rumors involving the Cavs would pair Irving with a true superstar partner in the frontcourt. The framework of the rumored deal would include the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a>' <span>Andrew Bynum</span> landing in Cleveland.</p>
<p>Despite the oft-cited trope of injury and maturity concerns, the prospect of adding Bynum to the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> core should excite Cavs fans everywhere. He's already a dominant offensive force, not an incoming young piece that would need further development with Kyrie. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/7/19/3169282/dwight-howard-lakers-trade-andrew-bynum-dynasty">SB Nation's Tom Ziller examined the Dwight Howard to Lakers trade</a>, and took some time to add his thoughts on how things would shake out for Cleveland:</p>
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<p>What a Howard-Bynum deal could do, though, is turn the Cavaliers into something special. Kyrie Irving might be the game's best young point guard not named <span>Derrick Rose</span> or <span>Russell Westbrook</span>. He could end up better than either. Giving him a productive, elite center at this juncture would be trouble for the rest of the East. Bynum is 24, Irving is 20 and Cleveland has prospects like <span>Dion Waiters</span>, <span>Tristan Thompson</span> and <span>Tyler Zeller</span> in the mix. Let's just pre-schedule the League Pass Alert for all of 2014, alright?</p>
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<p>Of course, the Cavaliers would need assurances that Bynum, who's a free agent after this season, would sign an extension to stay in Cleveland.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Cavaliers, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear the Sword</a>.</i></p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/7/19/3169694/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-andrew-bynum-cavs-lakers-magicBrendan Porath2012-07-19T08:29:04-05:002012-07-19T08:29:04-05:00Cavaliers Free Agency 2012: 'No Substance' To Latest Rumors, According To Report
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<p>The <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> have not engaged in any serious talks with the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> or <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> about facilitating a <span>Dwight Howard</span> trade, according to <a href="http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/cavaliers-report-no-substance-to-latest-rumors-involving-cavs-lakers-and-magic-1.321199%20%20" target="_blank">The Akron Beacon Journal</a>.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8176960/sources-cleveland-cavaliers-trade-partner-potential-dwight-howard-deal" target="_blank">ESPN.com reported</a> that the cavs "may have inched ahead" of the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> as a facilitator for a Howard deal. But according to The Beacon Journal, there was really nothing to report:</p>
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<p>The Cavaliers have been discussed as a trade partner with the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic as facilitators in a trade involving Dwight Howard, but there is no substance to the talks and no deal is remotely close to being concluded, a league source with knowledge of the talks confirmed Wednesday.</p>
<p>ESPN.com reported Wednesday that the Cavs have moved ahead of the Houston Rockets as a facilitator in a deal with the Lakers and Magic, but a league source maintained this is all a leverage tactic to get the Rockets to up their offer for Howard.</p>
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<p>According to the Beacon Journal, the Cavaliers -- unlike the Rockets -- have shown little interest in including any of their young players in deals. The Beacon Journal also reports that <span>Kyrie Irving</span>'s <a target="_blank" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/7/14/3160083/kyrie-irving-injury-update-cavs-broken-hand-cast-cleveland">hand injury</a> will have no impact on trade talks.</p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/19/3169400/rumors-cavaliers-free-agency-2012-lakers-magicDavid Vranicar2012-07-18T14:00:40-05:002012-07-18T14:00:40-05:00Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Cavs Reportedly Back In Possible 3-Team Deal
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<p>The <span>Dwight Howard</span> sweepstakes continues to grip the NBA's free agency period, as rumors of a three-team trade quite literally refuse to go away. Right when it appeared like the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> had leapfrogged the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> as the third and pivotal team in a Howard deal, <a href="http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/8176960/sources-cleveland-cavaliers-trade-partner-potential-dwight-howard-deal" target="_blank">a report like Ric Bucher's on Wednesday</a> comes out and flips everything on its head:</p>
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<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers may have inched ahead of the Houston Rockets as a facilitator in a potential trade that would send <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> center Dwight Howard to the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, sources said Wednesday.</p>
<p>One source familiar with the talks, though, cautioned not to make too much of that shift just yet.</p>
<p>The Cavaliers would land Lakers center <span>Andrew Bynum</span> for a package of draft picks and veteran power forward <span>Anderson Varejao</span>, according to one league source. The Lakers would receive Howard for Bynum. Orlando would get Varejao and draft picks. The source said this was merely the framework of a deal being discussed.</p>
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<p>Still obviously interested in acquiring Bynum, the Cavs remain an ideal trading partner here due to their lack of monetary restrictions at the moment. Varejao and a number of draft picks would serve as a viable parting gift for the Magic in waving goodbye to Howard, and it's quite evident that sending Howard to Los Angeles and Bynum to Cleveland would benefit both teams rather significantly.</p>
<p>Also of note from the ESPN report is how Cavs general manager Chris Grant unexpectedly returned to Cleveland in the middle of Summer League action, and does not plan to return back to Las Vegas anytime soon. Whether this is merely a coincidence or is the byproduct of an impending deal will be known soon enough.</p>
<p><i>For more NBA trade rumors involving the Cavaliers, stay with <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/7/9/3146515/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-nets-cavs-magic-kris-humphries">this StoryStream</a></i><i>. For more on the Cavs, visit <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com">Fear The Sword</a></i><i>, and for more NBA news be sure to check out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba">SB Nation's NBA hub</a></i><i>.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/18/3167696/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-cleveland-reportedly-back-in-possible-3Dave Ryan2012-07-18T12:58:12-05:002012-07-18T12:58:12-05:00Cleveland Cavaliers Hoping Patience In Free Agency Will Eventually Pay Off
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<img alt="July 17, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters (3) during the game against the Phoenix Suns at the Thomas and Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Apq_WTWmhHBZ4dARe0EpHW_nTyw=/0x1072:2783x2927/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7921928/20120717_jla_aj4_178.jpg" />
<figcaption>July 17, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters (3) during the game against the Phoenix Suns at the Thomas and Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>When the time is right for the Cavs to make a move that will further their standing long-term and not just in the interim, they will.</p> <p>There's a lot of money being thrown around in the 2012 NBA offseason. A select few teams have dominated most of the contracts (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-jersey-nets" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a>, <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a>, Mavs, <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a>, <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a>), while other teams seem content to watch the madness unfold. The Cavs are one of these latter teams.</p>
<p>It's one thing to give out one bad contract to a restricted free agent (<span>Landry Fields</span> to Toronto) or to play mind games and try to make the most of the new collective bargaining agreement (Houston's offer sheets to <span>Jeremy Lin</span> and <span>Omer Asik</span>), but for the most part, the remaining NBA teams are falling into set categories: teams that are already cap-strapped, teams committed to winning, teams committed to tanking in order to potentially start winning.</p>
<p>I look at the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a>, who quietly re-signed players already on their roster, or the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a>, who took a flyer on <span>Hasheem Thabeet</span> and did nothing else, and I'm envious - the plan is working, patience pays off - but in all honesty, the Cavs seem to have the right idea.</p>
<p>Through the first period of free agency, in which the amnesty deadline has passed, the Cavs have signed one player, restricted free agent <span>Luke Harangody</span>, to a $1.1 million qualifying offer.</p>
<p>The Nets, on the other hand, have committed $330 million dollars to becoming hopefully the 2-4 seed in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, the Nets have a nice team. <span>Deron Williams</span>, <span>Gerald Wallace</span>, <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Johnson</a>, <span>Kris Humphries</span> and <span>Brook Lopez</span> is a formidable starting lineup, and there is some upside to MarShon Brooks, TyShawn Taylor, Mirza Teletovic and other bench players.</p>
<p>But the Brooklyn Nets - just like the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> - still aren't winning the NBA Title. And they're now out of the running for any and all free agents for at least two years or if/until they can flip Kris Humphries and his two-year, $24 million deal in a package.</p>
<p>Honestly, I have no problem with what the Nets are doing. They had to secure their point guard, who they traded most of their assets for, to a long-term deal. And the team got creative with the other pieces and parts with which to surround Williams. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov has the money to spend and wants to make a splash with the team's move to Brooklyn.</p>
<p>But it casts a light on the difference in philosophies between the two teams. The Nets are trying to win now, in an era dominated by super teams, and they have no fallback plan. The Cavs are trying to win later, and are hoping to give themselves the best chance at a super team, or a way out for the future.</p>
<p>It isn't that the Cavs have been quiet or in stasis during free agency; they're just not making moves for the sole sake of making moves (see: the Suns acquiring the amnestied <span>Luis Scola</span>). The club has worked out and talked with free agent point guards <span>Derek Fisher</span> and <span>Jonny Flynn</span>, made its qualifying offers to Harangody, <span>Alonzo Gee</span> (still pending) and <span>Semih Erden</span> (off to Turkey) and is still in talks to bring back <span>Daniel Gibson</span> (who is on a team option for 2012-13). Cleveland has been right in the thick of every <span>Dwight Howard</span> rumor as a third team with open cap space. That space is extremely valuable as an asset right now, and GM Chris Grant knows it.</p>
<p>The team has what will turn out to be a useful expiring contract in <span>Luke Walton</span> ($6.1 million) that at the time seemed like a strange contract to take on in the <span>Ramon Sessions</span> deal. Cleveland owns two first round picks in the 2013 draft (better of the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> and <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> and its own), with a chance at a third (lottery-protected Sacramento from the <span>J.J. Hickson</span> deal) and two seconds. Anderson Varejao's team-friendly contract, after this offseason, has never been more enticing.</p>
<p>When the time is right for the Cavs to make a move that will further their standing long-term and not just in the interim, they will. Which obviously frustrates fans excited by the prospects of <span>Andrew Bynum</span> trade rumors or the idea of Scola as a Cavalier.</p>
<p>In the meantime, Cleveland has the reigning Rookie of the Year, last year's No. 4 pick <span>Tristan Thompson</span>, this year's No. 4 pick <span>Dion Waiters</span>, No. 17 pick <span>Tyler Zeller</span> and 24-year-old <span>Omri Casspi</span> all looking to improve and get better. They won't all pan out, but Grant is of the mind that he wants to have as many bullets in the chamber to increase the odds that he hits on as many useful role players, starters and stars he can find.</p>
<p>The youth movement has begun, and the front office is setting in motion the means to get <span>Kyrie Irving</span> the players he needs to grow the franchise for the future. All that takes is time, a willingness to get creative and a little luck. The Cavs seem fully committed to the first two parts of that equation. And luck? Well, Cleveland certainly deserves some.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-cavaliers/2012/7/18/3167481/nba-free-agency-2012-cavs-netsMartin Rickman