On The Ball
Cavaliers Land Larry Hughes
It looks like Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert and new general manager Danny Ferry are serious about upgrading a team that, even with megastar LeBron James, folded down the stretch last year faster than my wife has ever folded any of our family’s laundry.
The Cavaliers, surprisingly, have landed Washington Wizards free agent shooting guard, Larry Hughes to compliment James and help push the Cavaliers closer to respectability and the playoffs.
Hughes' agent, Jeff Wechsler, made the startling announcement by saying "Larry intends to sign a contract with the Cavs when the moratorium ends."
Wechsler also said he informed Washington Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld on Thursday that Hughes won't be returning to the Wizards. Although Wechsler wouldn't comment on the actual financial figures of the deal, it is believed to be a five-year deal between $65 million and $70 million. The acquiring of Hughes, who averaged 22.0 points per game last year and led the NBA in steals, throws a serious wrench into the plans of the Wizards who were widely presumed that re-signing Hughes was a mere formality.
Washington now has a starting shooting guard position to fill with not many real quality starters available in free agency. The Wizards also need to figure out what they’re going to do with enigmatic power forward, Kwame Brown.
The Wizards can get about $9 million below the cap if they don't re-sign Brown, but are they willing to give up on a young player who could blossom at any moment?
The Cavs entered this offseason with acquiring a top-notch shooting guard their number one priority. They pursued both Ray Allen and Michael Redd, who both re-signed with their respective teams, before settling on Hughes.
In Hughes, the Cavs have acquired a young player who is an excellent defender and more than capable scorer who can actually play both backcourt positions when needed.
Hughes however, is not the most prolific outside shooter. His mid-range game can be spectacular at times, but he’s not going to dial up long distance ‘threes’ at will, so the Cavs still need to acquire a legitimate outside sniper who can take some pressure off of James, Hughes and free agent center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, whom the Cavs are hoping to re-sign.
Ferry will also turn his attention to Lithuanian point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius, who has been called "the best international player not playing in the NBA."
The Cavs should have approximately $15 million left under the cap to finish filling their wish list while the Wizards are left grabbing thin air.
It looks like Washington will have to choose between Cuttino Mobley and Latrell Sprewell which is really a no-brainer unless you prefer crybaby whiners like Spree.
The other major two guard on the market is Joe Johnson who is widely presumed to be a lock to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns.
However, the possibility of a sign and trade involving Brown could arise for the Wizards who desperately need to construct some kind of strategy after losing Hughes.
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About Eric Williams
Eric Williams is six year veteran Sports columnist for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun. Eric was born and raised in Philadelphia and has covered all four major professional sports in the Philadelphia area. He has also covered golf, track and field, soccer, tennis and bicycling.
Lifetime Boston Celtics fan. Basketball and football are his favorite sports. Eric is married with five children and currently resides in Marshall, Missouri.
Comments and feedback can be sent to eklass66@yahoo.com