[cjg11582]

I read on SI's Truth and Rumors section that Cleveland could acquire the number two overall pick if they were willing to send Illgauskas to Chicago. I know its a weak draft this year, but from my perspective they have to make this deal. Illguaskas' career is entering the latter stage of his career and The Cavs look more impressive with him on the bench. He's an excpetional center, but simply does not have a niche on this team. Trade him and get either Tyrus Thomas (the project) the Italian guy (the gamble) or Marcus Williams/Brandon Roy (the locks).
Ultimately there is not a single player on this team who isn't expendable, outside of LeBron. And something else worth noting: Assuming LeBron stays in Cleveland, when will The Cavs ever have a shot at a #2 overall pick again? It seems like an opportunity worth executing.
Any other opinions on this? Should The Cavs hold onto Illgauskas? Or should they go young and find a legitimate running mate for LeBron for the next ten years?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by cjg11582

I read on SI's Truth and Rumors section that Cleveland could acquire the number two overall pick if they were willing to send Illgauskas to Chicago. I know its a weak draft this year, but from my perspective they have to make this deal. Illguaskas' career is entering the latter stage of his career and The Cavs look more impressive with him on the bench. He's an excpetional center, but simply does not have a niche on this team. Trade him and get either Tyrus Thomas (the project) the Italian guy (the gamble) or Marcus Williams/Brandon Roy (the locks).
Ultimately there is not a single player on this team who isn't expendable, outside of LeBron. And something else worth noting: Assuming LeBron stays in Cleveland, when will The Cavs ever have a shot at a #2 overall pick again? It seems like an opportunity worth executing.
Any other opinions on this? Should The Cavs hold onto Illgauskas? Or should they go young and find a legitimate running mate for LeBron for the next ten years?

I really like Illgauskas...he gives you 30 minutes a night, 15 points and 8 boards...but he will not take them to the next level...

With Lebron on board and attracting a lot of coverage, I'd be willing to gamble on a kid like Morrison, and have a solid 1-2 punch.

[MJHMarc]

But if they get rid of Ilgauskas, who will they rely on to get all the rebounds?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

But if they get rid of Ilgauskas, who will they rely on to get all the rebounds?

any European stiff can get you 7 boards a game...he guy is getting only 7.6 boards a game...it won't be hard.

[ThePundit]

This trade makes sense for both teams. Where have the Cavs gone with Ilguaskas all this time? And from the Bulls standpoint, they could use the size in the middle. And he'd fit in like a glove with the European style ball the Bulls play (maybe because the whole team is European).

[Lefty Noob]

I like Ilgauskus, but man, it'd be nice to see SEC Freshman of the Year Tyrus Thomas - a great looking shotblocker - playing alongside King James. They should pull the trigger on this deal.

[cjg11582]

As far as rebounds are concerned, they will probably draft a big man (Thomas, Aldrige or the Italian; though I wouldn't mind seeing them take Williams) and that is in addition to Varejo (spelling?), Gooden and Marshall. The above is not terribly impressive, and obviously they would be playing small ball, but if it works for The Suns it can certainly work for a team with LBJ at the helm.

[MJHMarc]

According to RealGM.Com, this trade will be unsuccessful. In other words, the trade does not satisfy the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. I'm not exactly sure what that agreement is, though.

Check out the trade page at:http://realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=3140504.

What are you comments about this?

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

According to RealGM.Com, this trade will be unsuccessful. In other words, the trade does not satisfy the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. I'm not exactly sure what that agreement is, though.

Check out the trade page at:http://realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=3140504.

What are you comments about this?

This is one of the major problems with the NBA right now. The Salary Cap has caused the end of regular basketball trades. Now it's just trading contracts - not players.

[MJHMarc]

You made an excellent point there, ThePundit.

That explains why professional sports often use the term, "a player to be named later". When that term is in use, it means that the players aren't being traded--but their contract are.

Did you know that David Ortiz was traded under the name,"a player to be named later". In reality, the best athletes are the players who are un-named.