Varejao will test free agency

The Cavaliers signed one big man but could lose another. Andy Varejao has elected to test the free agent market making him a free agent. Varejao averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds last year and was a key part of the defense that came off the bench. Varejao was expected to make 6.2 million next year if he opted in. Instead Varejao wants a long term lucrative deal. Several teams have expressed interest in Varejao including the Pistons, Thunder, and Grizzlies who are far enough under the cap to make a good offer.

The Cavs have said they will make a hard run at Varejao before its all said and done. Will going after Bucks PF Charlie Villanueva make them think differently? WHat do you think they should do? Leave your comments below.

Bucks Villanueva unrestricted free agent

The Cavs appear to be very interested in the Bucks PF unrestricted free agent Charlie Villanueva. The feelings appear mutual. On Villanueva's twitter account he says that the Cavs fans have been showing their love and he appreciates it greatly! He also has said the Cavs have Shaq now all they need is a power forward!! Dropping hints like that show he is interested and the Cavs are targeting Villanueva who was one of the leading scorers for the Bucks who lost G Michael Redd and center ANdrew Bogut last year because of injuries. Villanueva averaged 16.2 points/game last year. Read the full article below:

Bucks Villanueva an unrestricted free agent

Indians fire sale beginning?

With the Indians 15 games under .500, it appears Cleveland is again going to be trading key players to rebuild and hope that they can have contributions from the farm teams. The Indians traded utility man Mark DeRosa to the Cardinals for right-hander Chris Perez and a player to be named later. Perez is 1-1 with one save and a 4.18 ERA. He is 6-4 230 lbs has 30 strikeouts, 15 walks, and 17 hits in 23 2/3 innings this year appearing in 29 games.

So will this start a big sale for the Tribe who see themselves dead last in the AL Central, and not getting any better? The bullpen has been struggling all season, and now on the trading block could be some intriguing players. Other players being traded could be, P Carl Pavano, and Utility infielder Jamie Carroll. Teams have contacted the Indians about SP Cliff Lee, and Catcher/1B Victor Martinez, but it would have to be an incredible deal for them to get rid of the two best players they have. Not to mention the Indians do not have a number one starter other than Cliff Lee.

Look for more moves ahead.

Cavs Draft and Possible Free Agent Moves

The Cavs went from trading a well known name to drafting a name that made your jaw drop. With the 30th pick in the first round the Cavaliers drafter Christian Eyenga from the Congo. He is not expected to play with the Cavs this season, as he is only 20 years old. He plays in the second division basketball in Europe where he averaged 13.3 pts, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. He is 6-5 210 and played his professional ball in Spain with the team that produced Ricky Rubio. The Cavs felt there was no-one in the draft at that spot that could help them now , and appeared to want to save salary or cap space for some veteran free agents that could be out there.

With there second round (46th) pick the Cavs selected F Danny Green from North Carolina.

Free Agent News

After watching this draft, it appears the Cavs want to get a veteran free agent that can shoot, has size, and can guard the perimeter. Look for the Cavaliers to get one of two guys Toronto G/F Anthony Parker, or Phoenix F Matt Barnes. Both have been targeted by the Cavaliers.

PF Charlie Villanueva still thinks he is on the Cavaliers radar even with the Shaq move. On his Twitter page Villanueva is quoted as saying " They have Shaq, now they need a PF".

Stay tuned for more updates on the Cavaliers.

Vince Carter traded to Magic

After watching the Cavaliers make a deal, the Magic followed suite. Orlando traded G Rafer Alston, G Courtney Lee, and PF Tony Battie to the Nets for F Vince Carter, and Ryan Anderson.

Other trades:

Atlanta trades G Acie Law, and G Speedy Claxton, for Golden State G Jamal Crawford

Expect more trades during the 2009 NBA Draft. Check back for updates.

Shaq trade a done deal

The Suns and Cavs have been talking for a while now, but finally now reaching an agreement.  The Cavs will trade G Sasha Pavlovic, PF Ben Wallace, their 2009 2nd round (46th) draft pick and some cash to the Suns for Shaquille O'neal.  The only thing both teams will be waiting for is approval from the owners.

Shaq averaged 17.8 pts/game 8.4 reb and 1.7 assists in the 2008-2009 season.  The Cavs believe now they have a force who can stop, or somewhat contain Magic PF Dwight Howard.  Now the Cavs can focus their attention on a tall, athletic defender to guard the perimeter.

It is said the Cavs and Suns considered getting the deal done with a 6 team trade.  The Suns look to gain almost $10 Million with this deal.  Look for the Suns to possibly buyout Ben Wallace and cut Sasha Pavlovic to lose some payroll.

Another source said if the Shaq deal did not happen, the Cavs had a plan B.  That was to trade and get New Orleans Hornets PF Tyson Chandler.  He would have taken the Cavs out of getting more free agents in 2010.  Shaq only has one more year on his contract, which could give the Cavs a chance to go after other big free agents like Raptors PF Chris Bosh.

The Cavs still have the 30th pick in the first round and are considering buying a draft pick somewhere else in the draft.

Tribe gets reliever in trade with Yanks

Reliever Jose Veras is the newest Indian to try and help an already bad bullpen who ranks near the bottom in every category in the MLB. The Yankees in return received cash for the 28-year old reliever. Read the story below for stats:

Indians make Trade for Yankees Reliever

Wizards and Twolves trade

For details of the trade, click the link below:

Twolves and Wizards Trade

F Richard Jefferson to Spurs?

Sources have said the Bucks and Spurs could be close to make a big deal that would send forward Richard Jefferson to the Spurs for players Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto. See the full story below:

Bucks look to trade Jefferson

Celtics and Pistons trying to trade key players

Just when you thought the Celtics were in good shape considering they had no Kevin Garnett for the playoffs, it looks they are trying to make a move to bring them more quality players. Rumor has it the Celtics had an executive throw out an idea to a lower executive of the Detroit Pistons. The Celtics wanted to trade G Ray Allen and G Rajon Rondo, for Pistons SG Tayshaun Prince, G Rodney Stuckey, and G Richard Hamilton. The Pistons gladly denied that trade. Read below for the full story.

Celtics and Pistons Trade rumors

Shaq to Cavs? NBA Rumors

The Cavaliers have realized they need a physical big man down in the low post, Shaquille Oneal seems to be an answer the Cavs could be looking for. According to several sources there are preliminary talks involving GM Danny Ferry and Suns GM Steve Kerr that would send PF Ben Wallace, and Guard Sasha Pavlovic. Wallace could take a buy out that would save the Suns money. If they decide to cut Pavlovic and buy out Wallace, that could also save them around 9.9 million dollars to look to sign other free agents. Another rumored team involved in wanting Shaq is the Dallas Mavericks. Depending on what Phoenix wants, the Cavs could be a good suitor, but the Mavericks also might have young talent that would put them in front of the Cavs.

Other possible ideas:

If the Shaq deal doesn't happen, the Cavs have been also talking about trying to acquire C Chris Kamen from the Clippers, PF Marcus Camby, Bucks PF Charlie Villanueva, and reports have also linked the Cavs to San Antonio Spurs to Ioannis Bourousis, a 6-11 center who is a star of Euroleague power Olympiakos.

Expect to hear more rumors as the summer season continues. The Cavaliers could be very busy.

Other NBA rumors:

Magic guard Hedo Turkoglu is expected to opt out of his contract to become a free agent.

Toronto PF Chris Bosh has been rumored to be interested in playing for the Miami Heat. Bosh already said he will test free agency in 2010, so will the Heat be able to sign Bosh and Wade? This will make free agency and the off season that much ore interesting. Stay tuned for more......

Ex Bears safety meets with Browns

Former Bears All Pro safety Mike Browns visited the Browns on Monday, a source said.  There is no word yet around the Browns if Cleveland is interested , but Brown has received interest from other teams.  Brown is 31-years old and would provide depth to the safety spot which included Abram Elam and Brodney Pool.  Mike Brown suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Bears 2007 season.  He returned in 2008 to start 15 games  and record 78 tackles, including one sack, and 2 INT's.

Outlook

The Browns seemed intrigued by Brown who is a veteran and would add much needed depth.  Browns has solid credentials with 9 years experience, Pro Bowler in 2005, and also is the Bears franchise leader with 7 career defensive touchdowns.  After the injury, Brown returned to record 78 tackles.  That is impressive by any standards, and could be a valuable piece of this team, which could use some more leadership.

What the Cavs Need

After watching the Cavaliers fall to the Orlando Magic in 6 games, it puts in perspective what this team needs going into the offseason. Yes, we had a great year with 66 wins, and won the Division, but this team must look for a championship now. There are some possible players at each position that might help improve the Cavaliers in different aspects. I will breakdown each position and list some possible names that could be out there. Feel free to post your comments and opinions.

A Big Man: After watching Dwight Howard tear us apart, its obvious this team needs an athletic, strong big man. Not necessarily to score alot but that can play a little defense. Z and Varejao struggled to stop Orlando's Dwight Howard the whole series. here are a few players possibly available to look at:

Detroit's Rasheed Wallace, Antonio Mcdyess, Milwaukee's Charlie Villanueva, New York's David Lee and Chris Wilcox, Portland's Channing Frye, San ANtonio's Drew Gooden, and Utah's Paul Millsap.

PF Joe SMith, and Lorenzen Wright are unrestricted free agents and unlikely to return. Andy Varejao is likely to opt out but the Cavs said he is a top priority to bring back. PF Ben Wallace is scheduled to make 14 million dollars next season, but he is contemplating retirement.

A wing player: Wally Szczerbiak is now an unrestricted free agent, and Sasha Pavlovic, whose 4.95 million dollar contract for next season is not close to guranteed, had some very good moments during the regualr season. During the playoffs both seemed to be exposed by Pietrus of Orlando who was quicker, more athletic and could knock down shots from anywhere. Here are what could be available:

Lakers Trevor Ariza, Houston's Ron Artest, Phoenix's Matt Barnes and Grant Hill.

It could be tough to get a real quality wing player who is athletic, but I wouldn't count out a possible trade.

A backup point guard : After watching the post season it looks as if Daniel Gibson will be a guy you can bring off the bench to shoot three's and not a guy who can run the point position. You need options if Mo Williams isn't out there, and yes Delonte can run the point but he is more effective coming off the ball and driving to the hoop. So here are some guards who could be or will be free agents:

Atlanta's Mike Bibby, Dallas' Jason Kidd, Philly's Andre Miller, Charlottes Ray Felton, or Washington's Juan Dixon.

Watching Orlando they showed that depth could play an important role. The Magic brought in Anthony Johnson and Pietrus off the bench to give them minutes and some scoring, well it worked outnicely. The Cavs got outscored off the bench almost in every game versus the Magic, now the Cavaliers can learn and make some adjustments now.

These players are still under contract: Lebron James ($15.78Million), Sasha Pavlovic, Mo Williams, Daniel Gibson, Tarence Kinsey, JJ Hickson, Darnell Jackson, Delonte West, Ben Wallace, and Jawad Williams. Zydrunas Ilgauskas and ANderson Varejao have player options in the final year of their deals.

Draft Picks: The Cavliers have the 30th and final pick in the first round. They also own Chicago's second round pick, which will be at #46. Cleveland's last draft pick in the second round will be the 60th choice in the draft, and that will go to Miami.

So which way do the Cavs go? Post your comments!

Rob Trautman

PrimeTime Sports

Another Indian on DL

The Indians haven't been healthy all year.  Well that trend continued Monday, as the Indians places Rafael Betancourt on the 15 day DL.  That makes the total number of players on the DL to 7 so far this season.  Betancourt, is just one of four relievers on the DL, Travis Hafner,  Grady Sizemore, and starters Scott Lewis, and Anthony Reyes also are still on the DL.  With players coming and going it makes it tough for this team to get on track, so far this season.  Now with a record of 22-30, the Indians have had signs of hope, but again with the bullpen struggling, this injury could hurt an already ailing bullpen.  LHP Tony Sipp was recalled from Columbus today to fill that roster spot.  The Indians travel to Minnesota and Chicago this week, for a few important series with division foe's.  

Tribe's Tale

The Indians say they have a balanced attack in the bullpen at Triple A, but signs have showed they to have been struggling this year.  Click below for the full stats of the Triple A Clippers:

Columbus Clippers

Cavs Happenings

With the Cavs falling short of an NBA championship, what will they do this off season?  Lebron James was disappointed at the outcome, and the national media blew up his not talking to anyone after the Orlando series.  Here are some news and questions we need to look at this off season:

1. Sign Lebron James- That hasn't been discussed, but most be the #1 priority.

2. Andy Varejao - reports are that he will opt out of his contract to see what other offers are out there.

3.  Ben Wallace is contemplating retirement- wait for word on that this off season.

4.  The Cavs must realize Z is not a true center.  We need a PF, or a center that can get physical, play defense, rebound, and give you some points in the paint.  Dwight Howard proved the Cavs do not have anyone that can stop a big, physical center.

5. The Cavaliers need the big athletic shooters from the outside. We have shooters, but none were as athletic as Orlando's players.

6.  This could be the most crucial off season for Danny Ferry and his crew.  Twice now getting to the Eastern Conference Finals and losing.  The Cavs need 2 or 3 pieces to really compete for a championship.  

What's your thoughts or opinions?  Cavs have alot of the right pieces, but now they need to add those pieces around the player who got you there "Lebron James".