$7 million per ain't terrible

Who says players won't sign long term deals in Cleveland...

The Cleveland Cavaliers have come to an agreement with free agent Anderson Varejao on a six-year deal, his agent Dan Fegan told ESPN.com.

Varejao's contract is worth $42.5 million over the six years, and the final year is only partially guaranteed. Incentives could push the total amount to $50 million.

I think $6 million per would've been perfect, but I can live with $7 mil.

While signing Varejao is nice (sorta), there's other news as well:

The Cavs have also agreed to terms with Toronto free agent Anthony Parker. The final figures of the deal are not set, but he will receive a portion of the $5.8 midlevel exception for either two or three years.

The Cavs hope to sign Channing Frye with the remainder of their midlevel exception.

This is somewhat interesting. I'm not opposed to Anthony Parker, it just mattered at what price. And if the Cavs are hoping to split their midlevel between two players, then that means they aren't overpaying for someone like Parker (not a stylish pick up, but a servicable player nonetheless).

As for Channing Frye, I really don't know. He has the on court skill set (decent jumper) to compliment Shaq and Bron-Bron, but I don't know if he's got the mental toughness. We'll see I guess, I remember he had a nice rookie year and then he kinda dropped off my radar.

I still think their best at adding major talent is through trading Big Z('s contract).

I don't care for this

ESPN:

The Pistons are expected to complete the hiring of Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester later Tuesday, NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com.

Kuester became the Pistons' top candidate after ESPN analyst Avery Johnson broke off contract talks after more than two days of negotiations.

So you're saying Mike Brown gets to incorporate Shaq into the offense on his own? Hooray!!!

Interesting

From ESPN:

The Cleveland Cavaliers got some bad news followed by some potentially terrific news on Sunday. In a last-ditch effort to recruit Trevor Ariza away from the Houston Rockets, LeBron James told Ariza he would remain with the Cavaliers past 2010, according to a person close to Ariza.

Even that wasn't enough to get Ariza, who verbally committed to join the Rockets last Thursday, to change his mind and go to Cleveland.

But the Cavaliers will gladly settle for the consolation prize; if indeed James' statement to Ariza was more than an empty sales pitch.

"Trevor asked LeBron if he would be in Cleveland after next season," the source said. "And LeBron said, 'I'll be there. Of course, I'll be there.'"

James could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Couple things.

First, I completely agree that LeBron's lack of commitment hurts Cleveland's chances in Free Agency. I don't see how it couldn't. If he's telling potential FA's that he's sticking around, it will only help Danny Ferry do his job.

Second, while I don't buy all the hype about Houston's Dork Elvis GM, I do think it's interesting that he's targeted Ariza. For all the potential and so-so stats, Ariza did just start on the team that won the NBA title. I'm not a fan of throwing a ton of money at a guy who's still considered unproven, but he's young, he's won (been through the playoff wars) and he's crazy athletic. Do we really think his jumper won't improve?

Third, I'm all for the Cavs still trying. Look, they HAVE to get younger. And if that takes trying to sign potential FAs out of their verbal agreements, then go for it. A title is a title is title.

At the end of the day, whatever happens with Ariza, I think this has to considered a good thing. LeBron is telling other NBA players that he plans on sticking around. That doesn't suck.

UPDATE: He said/she said:

LeBron James did not tell Trevor Ariza he would stay in Cleveland past 2010, according to sources close to the Cavaliers' superstar -- contradicting what a person close to Ariza said Monday night.

That source said that James told Ariza he planned to remain with the Cavaliers past next summer, when he can become a free agent. James could not be reached for comment Monday night, but on Tuesday, sources who spoke to James said the story told by the person close to Ariza was wrong.

All I know, is that it's gonna be a long long year...

Umm.... (Part Deux)

Brian Windhorst's twitter:

The linked article:

According to several league sources, the Cavs have been been in contact with Houston Rockets free agent forward Ron Artest. It even included a face-to-face pitch from LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, as both were in Southern California for various events.

Honestly.... I think I'm OK with this.

First off, this is obviously a high-risk, high-reward situation. However, with Carlos Boozer screwing over the Cavs again (the Pistons would've thrown their money at Boozer, rather than Charlie Villanueva), I'm not sure what other move comes within sniffing distance of Artest's potential high-reward.

Plus, if they sign Ron-Ron, they'll probably just pick up Varejao. So that would be the Cavalier front line: LeBron James, Ron Artest, Shaquille O'Neal as the starters with Anderson Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgausksas coming off the bench (or maybe you start Andy and bring Artest off the bench as the other scorer in the 2nd unit with Mo). Who knows. I just think a crunch time defensive lineup of James, Artest and Shaq would be very very difficult to score on.

Of course, he could also have a meltdown and derail the entire season. He's known for being a black hole on offense and he often takes questionable shots. Plus, he's not the same player defensively as he once was (can't stay with the quicker guards, though he's still a beast on the block) and he's a certifiable crazy person. I love Mike Brown and all, but do you think he'll be able to incorporate both Shaq and Ron freaking Artest into this locker room (let alone the offensive end of the court)?

But hell, I say go for it. I'm pretty sure Ron-Ron can guard the Rashard Lewises of the world.

Shaq-cast

Lastest podcast can be found here. We discuss all things Shaq, Charlie Villanueva, a little Tribe and Browns and some Futurama news. This podcast was recorded yesterday night, so unlike our other casts, this one should be mostly up to date.

In case you don't listen (heh), I think I got a good Shaq nickname: The Shaqahoga. Then when he's scoring a lot we can say that "The Shaqahoga is on fire!"

Would they sign both?

First there's this good news:

In a move that was considered shocking in corners Monday, the Milwaukee Bucks decided not to offer young free-agent power forward Charlie Villanueva a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent. He now will be unrestricted, which makes him significantly easier to sign because the Bucks will not have matching rights. According to sources, Villanueva now will be one of the Cavs' free-agent targets when teams are allowed to speak with them Wednesday.

As you're aware, Ben likes this.

The Cavs are expected to go after him:

Villanueva has a good relationship with Williams, who became close to him the two seasons they played together in Milwaukee. Williams could serve as a recruiter much in the same way he helped bring another of his close friends to the Cavs, former Bucks teammate Joe Smith, when he was a free agent last March.

Villanueva also has a long-standing relationship with LeBron James. The two were in the same high school class and played with each other in various tournaments and summer camps as they were growing up. Following their senior year of high school, Villanueva and James became closer while taking part in two national All-Star Games, including the McDonald's All-American Game in Cleveland. They have kept in touch ever since.

The Cavs have been looking for a "stretch" power forward like Villanueva for some time. Because he is a good mid-range and decent long-range shooter (35 percent on 3-pointers last season), he is potentially a good fit alongside players such as James and Williams, who like to drive and kick out passes. Add in O'Neal, who succeed earlier in his career with stretch power forwards such as Robert Horry in Los Angeles and Antoine Walker in Miami, and that option creates an even better fit.

Yes. This is a good fit. However, what about the future?

The team is expected to consider other players this week who can play that role, including Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess.

The decision to seriously go after Villanueva is part of a larger decision the team must make. Do they go attempt to go after some older players and get them on one-year contracts to preserve the chance at the 2010 free-agent mega class? Or do they not follow the crowd of teams who are protecting cap space for 2010 and take advantage of being a buyer in a sellers' market and create a stronger core now?

Using the entire midlevel exception on a player like Villanueva, using the biannual exception of $2 million on a wing player and re-signing Anderson Varejao would pretty much take the Cavs out of the 2010 market for the top names besides re-signing James.

This is the rub. How much to they consider 2010? Obviously, they want Chris Bosh. And hey, I'd like Bosh as well (or Amare). My question is, if the Cavs can grab Villanueva, do they need to resign Varejao? Or would that be even possible?

If Andy wants a ton of money or demands to start, I'm not sure it's worth it to keep him, especially if they get CV. Because, Charlie Villanueva should start over Varejao, especially with Shaq in the lineup. Now, having the bench bigs be Z and Varejao is not a bad thing in the slightest, but would Andy want (or take) that lesser role.

Plus, we know that Ferry doesn't overpay his own guys (Varejao, Pavlovic, West and Gibson all got reasonable deals) so if Varejao's looking for a big payday, he may have to look elsewhere.

But I'm not sure what the market would be like for Varejao. How many people are gonna over pay for a PF with limited offensive game and medicore athelticism (especially in this economic climate)? Maybe a sign-and-trade could be worked out. I dunno.

Personally, if Andy walks, I'd like the Cavs to use the bi-annual on Sheed and have him come off the bench. Having Villanueva and Sheed as your two power forwards wouldn't be a bad thing (especially playing next to Shaq and Z).

Random Thoughts from the Weekend

1. I've only seen one Tribe game all season. This was in Chicago and they blew an extra inning Save with a throwing error and a wild pitch. Haven't watched before or since.

2. I'm not sure which is more sad, the fact that the fire sale is beginning before the All-Star break or that Mark DeRosa is second on the team in both homers and RBIs.

3. However, the trade doesn't look too shabby. The bullpen needs crazy help.

4. Now that double DeRosa jersey is even more worthless, if that was even possible.

5. I dunno if firing Wedge is the answer. However, it's not like this guy has done a bang-up job over the years. This is a team who routinely gets off to bad starts and has to dig themselves out of deep holes.

6. Great article on the Tribe's mistakes (link not safe for lunch). Jesus, those draft picks are awful...

7. Terry Pluto says that new DC Rob Ryan is in charge of reviving Kamerion Wimbley's career. Let's hope he does a good job, two years ago I thought Wimbley was gonna be a stud (he looked like a beast in the preseason in his 2nd year).

8. Joey J is suing the Browns over his staph infection, of course he is. It's stories like this that had me on Kellen Winslow's side during that whole debacle.

9. Great article on Bernie Kosar by Dan Le Batard. Livingston talks Bernie as well.

10. I found the Kosar article because Le Batard brought it up during his appearance on Bill Simmons' podcast. I do enjoy those BS Reports.

11. However, I think Simmons and Chard Ford were unfair to Cavs GM Danny Ferry during their recent podcast. They basically lambasted Ferry for surrounding LeBron with veterans and not young guys like Thunder GM Sam Presti is doing with Kevin Durant.

12. It's unfair because Ferry got the job right before LeBron's third year. They had missed the playoffs by a game each of LeBron's first two years, so they were never picking anywhere near the top of the draft. Also, Jim fucking Paxson had traded a ton of picks (so even if the Cavs HAD sucked enough to draft high, they wouldn't have been able to).

13. Yes, Ferry whiffed on Larry Hughes (along with Marshall and Jones), but the Cavs DID make the Finals with those signings (in an admittedly weak year). But I still say Ferry HAD to make those signings, because if the Cavs would've kept starting Ira Newble, there's no way LeBron re-ups.

14. Obviously, at this point I'm not thrilled with the amount of vets on this team (I'm still not quite sold on Shaq), but I'm not sure what other options Ferry had. He didn't have picks, they didn't suck enough to draft actual talent and it's not like this team was full of vets that would've brought them back nice picks via trades. I mean, this team won 66 games and lost to an Orlando team playing out of it's freaking mind. Could he do better? Sure, but he hasn't done bad.

15. Brian Windhorst discusses the Cavs free agent options.

16. My main target is Milwaukee's Charlie Villanueva. I keep seeing conflicting reports on whether or not the Bucks will present him with the qualifying offer. If they don't, he'll be an unrestricted FA and things could be looking waaay up. (If he's a Restricted FA, the Cavs would probably have to work out some kind of sign-and-trade).

17. I'm curious to see what the Cavs do with Anderson Varejao. If they go after Charlie Villanueva hard, it may piss off Andy (and/or his agent). But it's gonna be imperative, with Shaq on the floor, that the Cavs have a power forward who can consistently knock down the open J. I'd lose my mind if I spent 82 games watching Varejao brick 13 footers.

18. BW brings up Jason Kidd and Rasheed Wallace. Part of me thinks that these guys would be great for a 1-2 year run. But part of me feels like we'd have a Miami 06 team on our hands. Lot's of ring chasing vets... meh. However, a championship is a championship is a championship. If and when the Cavs do win a title, I'm not gonna bitch that it wasn't won with home grown talent.

19. I know next season is championship-or-bust (and convince James to stay), but say the Cavs win the title with a team build around Shaq, Kidd, Sheed, Z and LeBron... why would LeBron sign long term, when most of those pieces are gonna be put out to pasture within the next 3 years? Signing CV would at least give the Cavs a young nucleus of Williams, Villanueva and LeBron to build around.

20. The Cavs still need a wing player for defensive purposes and I'm undecided on their best option. Matt Barnes isn't a bad idea (I do like his moxie) but I'm not sure how he'd fit here offensively (his last two stops were Golden State and Phoenix. Not sure how he'd adapt to Le-Iso). Anthony Parker would probably be a good signing, if a bit boring.

21. Livingston likes the Shaq signing. If nothing else, next year should be very interesting.

22. Patrick McManamon makes a good point:

Think back to Game 7 in Boston in 2008. James set up Ben Wallace for a dunk in the final minutes with the game in the balance. Wallace threw the ball outside to Delonte West for a 3-pointer, which he missed.

Shaq is probably going to dunk that ball — with force.

23. I just hope all the band wagon Cavs fans know what year it is (2009) and that asking a 37 year-old, 7-foot, 300+ lbs man to stay healthy for an entire NBA season (whether he's motivated or not) is a lot to ask. Yes, they dealt two guys who weren't gonna contribute but it's not 2002 anymore.

24. Well, I'm gonna have to buy a #33 Cavaliers jersey.

25. For the most part, I'm OK with the Cavs draft. Sure, Christian Eyenga is a project, but he's supposed to have a high ceiling (and crazy athletic abilities AND a 7-1 wingspan). Plus, by stashing him overseas, the Cavs will save some cash this season.

26. The Christian Eyenga pick is easier to swallow when you read things like this:

Were it not for San Antonio's theft of Blair, Cleveland taking Green at No. 46 would be the steal of the draft. He's a knockdown outside shooter who hit 42 percent on 3s and 85 percent at the line last season, and he's a solid defender at the wing with good size. My Draft Rater had him as the No. 8 college player in the draft, and he should be able to contribute right away.

Moreover, this is exactly what the Cavs need. In addition to their inability to contend with Dwight Howard, their biggest issue in the playoffs against Orlando was a lack of wing talent -- in particular, wing talent that can knock down all the open looks LeBron James creates. Green helps answer that need.

27. re: Michael Jackson's death: I have no idea how many times I listened my cassette tape of Thiller, but I played the hell out of that thing during countless school trips (on an insanely bulky walkman). Dangerous was one of the first albums I bought with my own money (also on cassette, my first CD was PotUSA). I was in NYC visiting an aunt just when HIStory was coming out (people forget how big of deal that was, I mean, 'Scream' was a big freaking deal at the time). Not gonna lie, I was definitely intrigued by his recent comeback attempts in London (in a train-wreck kind of way, but holding out hope for some nuggets of awesome).

28. After listening to a lot of Jack-O over the past few days, I've forgotten how practically half the time I have no idea what the hell he's singing. Take 'Wanna Be Starting Something,' I get maybe 55% of those lyrics (and that doesn't even include the whole 'mamase, mamasa, ma-ma coosa' ending).

29. This:

For future reference, "I was sitting in front of my computer masturbating to that Farah Fawcett poster" is not a good answer when someone asks you where you were when you heard Michael Jackson died.

30. If you have a moment, make a call for Ohio Libraries. 70% of Ohio Libraries gets 100% of their funding from the state. The libraries in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati will take hits, but they'll keep ticking (though you'll notice the difference). Libraries in small, rural Ohio towns will be absolutely devastated. For more, go here and here.

* Call the Governor's office at 614-466-3555
* Call your local state representative
* Call your state senator

What's Next

So the Cavs grabbed some dude from the Congo with the 30th pick. Who's excited? Anyone? Whoo! (Though Danny Green at 46 makes some sense).

So the Cavs are gonna need a power forward who can shoot, right? I mean, in LA, Shaq had Robert Horry knocking down open looks and in Miami he had Udonis Haslem and Antoine Walker spreading the floor. The Cavs have got.... ya...

My pick would be Charlie Villanueva. He's young, he can shoot and he may even want to be here:

It's clear that Villanueva is well aware of the Bucks' difficulties in trying to re-sign him this summer, when he will be a restricted free agent. It's possible the Bucks won't even be able to make a one-year qualifying offer of $4.6 million, which they are required to do by June 30 if they want to retain the right to match offers by other clubs.

Bucks general manager John Hammond has stated the team will not exceed the luxury tax level to re-sign its free agents.

Villanueva was asked what he thought about the possibility of joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are expected to make some lineup changes after being ousted by Orlando in six games in the Eastern Conference finals. The Cavs were bitterly disappointed at falling short of the Finals after posting the best regular-season mark in the NBA with 66 victories.

"I understand the situation Milwaukee is in financially," Villanueva told Coleman. "They don't want to go over the cap or what not (actually the luxury tax level). Whatever team decides to make the best offer, I'm going to think about it.

"Cleveland definitely is not a bad spot. I've played with LeBron. I played with LeBron in the McDonald's All-American Game, and we played well together. Is there a possibility? Yes. Will it happen? Time will tell."

Coleman asked Villanueva if he could be a difference-maker in helping Cleveland reach the NBA Finals.

"I think I would be able to help out a lot," Villanueva said, "just the fact I bring my versatility and create mismatch problems. One of the reasons Orlando is in the Finals is because of Rashard Lewis. They have a legitimate big man (Dwight Howard) that demands attention, and they surround him with guys that can play on the perimeter."

That was pre-trade. Now that the Bucks saved all that money, surely they'll make that qualifying offer, right?

Before the trade, it was anticipated that the Bucks' most dire needs for next season would be at power forward and point guard, since it appeared likely they would lose restricted free agents Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions.

But the deal, which brought the Bucks some financial flexibility, is casting a different light on that free-agent situation. And, with Jefferson gone, the Bucks are now thin at small forward.

It's still highly unlikely the Bucks will make a $4.6 million qualifying offer to Villanueva, since that would lock them back up in fiscal handcuffs.

Hmmm... me likey.

And then there's this:Yes, Charlie. We DO need a power forward. One with range... who's athletic...

Just sayin'

Shaquisition

Here we go:

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns have come to an agreement on a blockbuster trade that sends Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland to team with LeBron James, according to sources.

The deal has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized Thursday, according to sources.

Cleveland will send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for the future Hall of Famer. Sources said the Suns will also receive the 46th pick in Thursday's NBA draft and $500,000.

The best thing about this deal is that the Cavs gave up diddly squat. Wallace would've retired and Pavlovic sucks ass (sometimes, anyways. But that's the problem), so they're getting O'Neal for nothing. Which is kinda neat (if J.J. Hickson would've been thrown in, I would be chained to the Q right now in protest).

Now, despite my misgivings about dealing for a 37 yr old fat guy, I'm finding that I'm actually excited for this deal. If nothing else this guy demands a double-team and if he's motivated (and there's no way he shouldn't be) he should be able to open things up for some of the other guys (including LeBron).

Plus, it's fucking Shaq. The dude is a presence. He's hilarious. Having this guy run around town will only be entertaining. Cleveland could use some good vibes and some star power.

On the other hand, I did write this yesterday:

And let me take this opportunity to voice my opposition to Shaq. No thanks. I don't need a 37 year old center who ***news-fucking-flash*** can't guard Dwight Howard, who still demands the ball (you thought the offense was ugly NOW, wait til you see a night like this: LeIso-Shaq post-LeIso-Shaq post-Shaq post-LeIso. On the plus side, LeBron can get to stand around and watch Shaq, so he could get some extra rest) and who gets into verbal spats with Orlando's coach (you know, the guy who outcoached the Cavs). No thanks. Plus, he costs a shit load of money (he makes $21 million(!!!) next year).

And I stand by this (I mean, this doesn't reek of desperation just a tad? A little?).

Did we forget how the Cavs lost to Orlando? Their big men were too slow and their guards were too small. Now, obviously the Cavs aren't done making moves (they have to get a big guard, especially with Pavlovic gone), but I'm not sure how much better Shaq will be against Howard (sure he can maybe play him one-on-one a bit more and Shaq can probably make him work defensively, but O'Neal doesn't have the foot speed to match Dwight).

Also, doesn't this just make you just a wee bit sick to your stomach:

The Cavaliers were also in talks with New Orleans about obtaining Tyson Chandler. If they had not made the trade for O'Neal, they would have traded for Chandler, according to a source.

Ugh. You mean they could've had a young, defensive-minded athletic center? A guy who could've been around for a few years. A long term replacement for Z? And they chose the one year rental? Awesome. (Obviously, they're holding out hope for a 2010 signing like Bosh/Amare/Yao).

We're putting a lot of faith in Mike Brown and the Cavaliers coaching staff (we'll see how Shaq likes Coach Mike's defense) to be able to work this thing out. Shaq ain't the easiest guy to incorporate into a system. We're also putting a lot of faith in a 37 year old, 7 foot, 300+ lb body. This may require a lot of praying.

Obviously, I hope this works out. I really, really do. LeBron and Shaq is an awesome story and if they pull out a title, lord help us, that parade will be ridiculous (and who cares about the "can't win w/o Shaq" argument. I just want to win. Period). There's no possible way that I won't own at least one Shaq Cavaliers jersey.

But this can't (and shouldn't) be their final move. Anderson Varejao is in a tricky situation, because you normally like to have PF's who can knock down face-up jumpers next to O'Neal, which is not Anderson's forte. And they still need a big, athletic wing player to help out defensively (and be able to knock down open looks).

If nothing else, this is fun. Having Shaq here will be extremely interesting and hopefully mostly drama-free. He's gotta know he's near the end of the line and the fact that he's coming to a 66 win squad (with the reigning MVP) should keep him in check (I hope). While this is a panic move (at least in my opinion) it is pretty bold. Ferry is going for it, you gotta give him that.

Umm....

What to do?

And the offseason begins:

Multiple league sources indicated Tuesday that the Cavs are now mulling some offers to move up significantly from the 30th pick in the draft. Most involve largely economic deals that would require the Cavs to take on salary.

The Cavs' array of options could have changed somewhat Tuesday as the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards agreed to major trades expected to be completed today. The Cavs were believed to have been in talks with both.

The San Antonio Spurs acquired small forward Richard Jefferson from the Bucks for veterans Kurt Thomas, Fabricio Oberto and Bruce Bowen. It is a salary-dump deal for Milwaukee, not unlike the trade it made with the Cavs last season for Mo Williams. The Bucks then flipped Oberto to the Detroit Pistons for young forward Amir Johnson.

The Cavs had some discussions with the Bucks involving Jefferson in February but were not believed to be seriously looking at him this time around. However, the Bucks' moves could change some of the Cavs' strategy.

All three players the Bucks picked up in the trades have expiring contracts and it saves the team the $15 million Jefferson was owed for next season. Bowen's contract is partially guaranteed so the moves could save the Bucks around $5 million this season if they cut Bowen.

The trades, it seems, were aimed to free up money to re-sign restricted free agents Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva. The Cavs are said to be targeting Villanueva, a young and talented power forward, as an option to get younger on their front line depth. It was believed that the Bucks might be willing to let Villaneuva go because of their deep salary commitments. Now those have been eased.

I never was a big Richard Jefferson fan and when I first saw the trade, I didn't immediately think of the Cavaliers. But Windhorst is right, this probably means that if the Cavs want Charlie Villaneuva (and I think he'd be a great fit), they'll probably have to bring more than just cap relief to the table.

I do like the idea of moving up in the draft, though it doesn't entirely make sense. Meaning, the Cavs need some dudes who can play RIGHT NOW. This is a veteran team that won 66 games last year. They expect to go deep in the playoffs. Rookies don't usually get a lot of run in the Conference Finals (and especially Mike Brown coached rookies). I'm all for the Cavs getting younger and bringing in some fresh legs.... I dunno, I guess I won't know how I feel about them moving up until I see who they take.

And let me take this opportunity to voice my opposition to Shaq. No thanks. I don't need a 37 year old center who ***news-fucking-flash*** can't guard Dwight Howard, who still demands the ball (you thought the offense was ugly NOW, wait til you see a night like this: LeIso-Shaq post-LeIso-Shaq post-Shaq post-LeIso. On the plus side, LeBron can get to stand around and watch Shaq, so he could get some extra rest) and who gets into verbal spats with Orlando's coach (you know, the guy who outcoached the Cavs). No thanks. Plus, he costs a shit load of money (he makes $21 million(!!!) next year).

Be it the draft, free agency or trades, Danny Ferry has got his work cut out for him.