Rumor: McGrady to the Cavaliers?

by Tom Martin on Dec 10, 2008 7:22 PM CST in Random Commentary Comment 9 comments

Hoopsworld's Bill Ingram wrote this article about a rumor involving a Tracy-to-the-Cavs deal. Ingram feels that McGrady isn't going anywhere this year, especially not to Cleveland. To make the obvious even more obvious, I agree.

There would be no point in trading T-Mac to Cleveland for both teams. For one, the rumored deal would have us getting (ready to puke?) Wally Szczerbiak and others, meaning others worse than Wally Szczerbiak. Maybe five years ago, but not now, especially given how poorly Wally has played for Cleveland in the few months he has been there. The Rockets also won't move McGrady this year because his contract expires in 2010, meaning that if we did want to trade him (and we've constantly stated we won't) it would be next year when he has an expiring contract. Unless we find a) An incredibly good offer, like that Michael Redd/Charlie Villanueva rumor that spread last year, and b) A team dumb enough to trade away a very good player for a fading star, Tracy's going to be a Rocket for this season.

Which brings me to Cleveland's assumed stance on this. From their standpoint, it would be pointless to shake up an 18-3 team by trading key role players (besides Wally) for someone that would only slow down the pace and take a lot of shots. They have their pieces in place around LeBron and Mo Williams, so a deal isn't happening. And, again, that's not just to the Cavs, that's to anyone. You or I can pretty much guarantee that Tracy McGrady will not be traded in the 2008-2009 season.

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Damnit

I’m so glad this isn’t really going to happen. I wouldn’t be able to take it unless Big-Z was part of the package, which I don’t think Cleavland is stupid enough to do.

If this does happen, the Texans will need to miraculously make the playoffs or I will kill myself.

by SackLunch on Dec 10, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

but...

But we can still trade Luther Head… right? Pretty please?!?!?

by grungedave on Dec 10, 2008 9:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hoopsworld = BS

Why do these guys keep making stuff up? I don’t get it.

There’s never been a Hoopsworld rumor that’s even close to something true.

by Cornholio on Dec 10, 2008 9:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That is exactly my take

They just make things up because they can. It’s sad really. At least when I make things up I tell you

by UofTOrange on Dec 10, 2008 10:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

precisely why

it is most likely the last Hoopsworld rumor i’ll post. I wrote that, posted it, and then though to myself, “how would this BS ever happen?”

by Tom Martin on Dec 10, 2008 10:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This seems like pure speculation. The Cavs have expiring contracts to trade in Szczerbiak, Pavlovic and Snow. They seem to want to keep Snow’s contract so they can collect an insurance payment. Since that $7 million contract could be a valuable trading piece for a completely useless player, this shows that they are a bit cost conscious at the moment, which is entirely understandable since they are paying the luxury tax for the second year in a row. I believe this is why they will not trade Szczerbiak’s $13 million contract unless they can get a superstar in his prime. And frankly, I think it would have to be for a big man with at least two years on his contract. Pavlovic is another story. His contract is not guaranteed next year, so keeping him would allow the Cavs to get about $5 million under the luxury threshold next year. On the other hand, he is young and has some talent. I could see a non-contending team taking a flyer on him, letting him get big minutes and either letting the contract expire, or picking up the relatively cheap option $5 million if he plays well, knowing they can always let the contract expire in time for the free agent bonanza in 2010.

Which brings me to my point: Why do you think the Rockets would want to trade a guy next year rather than this year. If you don’t see him as part of the team going forward, the ideal scenario is to get cap relief now, not in another year (assuming you can get value). McGrady’s talent is such that most contending teams wouldn’t want him just on a one year rental. Once you get to teams stricly looking for cap relief, that actually decreases his value. This is exactly when Houston could get value for him.

by randallhank on Dec 11, 2008 12:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Rockets aren't looking for cap relief

They’ve said they are willing to pay the luxury tax if necessary. Any cap relief you would want is in 2010, which is precisely when Tracy McGrady comes off the books. The wise thing to do is keep all of Artest, McGrady and Yao here through this year and see if it works. If it doesn’t, Artest comes off at the end of this year (he won’t though, Morey loves him, he does everything he is supposed to do for this team), McGrady comes off at the end of next year, and you can sell playing with Yao in his prime to Lebron or DWade,etc.

by UofTOrange on Dec 11, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I know they said they will pay it, but those comments have chilled out in recent months. Just because they said they will pay it, doesn’t mean they want to. I think it would have to be a great deal for them to get into that situation again. Paying the luxury tax just isn’t sexy anymore, for any of the teams. More teams are trying to build in the mode of the Spurs, without paying the tax.

Bottom line, is that the only thing of Value the Cavs have to offer (that they would be willing to part with) the Rockets would be cap room and maybe Delonte West or Gibson (though Morey is too much of a stathead to like either of those guys). I would think the Cavs would have to give up a hell of a lot more than that to get McGrady.

You guys could use a bit of cap room next year, but it’s not a desperate situation. It’s hard to imagine the Cavs paying what would amount to nearly $80 million for two years of McGrady. Overall, I just don’t see the right parts out there to make a trade between these two teams period. You guys are still trying to contend — the Cavs have a good thing going now — and the contracts don’t work.

by randallhank on Dec 12, 2008 2:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs