Very interesting trade rumor reported today at MorningJournal.com. The Cavs have apparently offered Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the Hornets for forward David West. Here is some of the details on the Zydrunas Ilgauskas for David West trade rumor:
The Cavs are dangling center Zydrunas Ilgauskas out there for the Hornets, who want to avoid paying the luxury tax at all cost.
The Hornets could buy out Ilgauskas’ contract and waive him. Then he could return to the Cavs in 30 days.
Or they could hang onto him and let his $11.5 million deal expire after this season.
Am I missing something, or does this not look like an absolute slam dunk for the Cavaliers?
While David West’s numbers are down this year for the Hornets, he is still a versatile 6’9 forward averaging 17 points and 7 boards a game. He’s been a very productive and consistent wingman for Chris Paul in New Orleans and could play a similar role for LeBron James in Cleveland.
The glaring negative in the whole deal would be the Cavs going after a title without Ilgauskas, would has meant so much to the franchise before and during the time of LeBron. The article goes on to say that something would not feel right about Big Z plying his trade in another uniform, and that is absolutely correct. But if they could bring him in back in 30 days (and why wouldn’t they?), and add a legit NBA All Star in West, how is this deal not a win-win?
The Cavs will undoubtedly be a hot topic as the February 18th trade deadline nears. They are probably one more solid piece away from truly contending for an NBA title as more than just a one man show. LeBron always gives the Cavs a chance to win, but giving him a true #2 would obviously make those chances that much better.
And with it, perhaps make it more likely that LeBron will stay.
**********
* – David West photo credit: Turner.com
About Jerod Morris
