Re: Official Windy podcast thread (updated on 2/3 - page 9 - post #276)
He also says that we need a big back if we trade Z. Umm, hello. Dalembert.
He talks about the Cavs not trusting the Wiz. I don't see why you can't trust them. Maybe in terms of buying Z out? I mean, you say you're trading player X and Y (or whatever) for Jamison. What are Wiz going to do except say no? And, isn't there a period of time where a player can't be traded after being acquired? He talks about the Rockets trading TMAC for Jamison and Butler, and then trading Jamison to us -- but I don't think that's possible that soon. Unless he's talking about a 3-way trade.
Someone else may have responded, but by "not trusting the Wizards," clearly Windy is alluding to the Cavs' concern that the Wizards might not buy out Z, presumably out of spite. Obviously, it would make no sense financially and otherwise for the Wizards not to buy out Z, but Ernie Grunfeld is revealing himself to be not only a poor GM but also a very petty person...His pettiness would actually hurt his team...
It's really rather silly that we need to launder Jamison through Houston in a 3 way trade just to get him. I mean, we beat Washington a few times in the first round of the playoffs several years ago. The Cavs were the better team. Your current team has a .300 winning percentage. Get over it, get a better team together, and we'll see what you've got in a couple of years. Or, if you prefer to hold on to Jamison, it'll be 3-4 years, since he's just going to slow down the rebuilding process.
I guess using Houston as the intermediary means we can rely on Houston to buy out Z even though they are the shortest team in the league and are fighting for a playoff spot? That point wasn't directly addressed by Windy.
My overall take on the podcast is that the Cavs are feeling pretty confident right now, and feel they match up well with their main competition. However, they have two somewhat competing concerns.
One concern for the Cavs is that they have Z for the playoffs. There is a sentimental reason, of course, but far more importantly is the capacity he gives the team to match up against the Lakers, particularly Gasol.
The other concern is to have another go-to scorer, so that the team isn't so reliant on Mo. Shaq is coming on nicely, but it's risky playing him during crunch time due to his poor foul shooting.
(The Cavs third concern is that they retain as many of their young players and assets as possible. For the Cavs, that goes without saying.)
Now, ideally they'd like to address both of these concerns by trading Z for the go-to scorer (clearly Windy prefers Jamison) and getting back Z in a buy out. Problem with this is the guy they want and who really ought to be available (Jamison) happens to play for a dysfunctional, petty team.
Windy also stressed the Cavs are really only interested in a significant player, someone they can rely on in big games. They aren't interested in doing some bargain shopping to bring in a shooting PF who isn't going to be a guy they can rely on in the playoffs.
Another point worth mentioning. Windy reported that Jamison and his agent are, behind the scenes, really pushing the Wizards to trade him. Jamison's comments to the press to the contrary are just a smokescreen, according to Windy.
Now if Grunfled has even a scintilla of class he will try to accommodate him.
Windy clearly isn't keen on the Iggy idea. It's somewhat hard knowing how much this is his opinion, and how much of it reflects the impression he is getting from the Cavs. But a Z for Iggy trade would almost certainly mean a return of Z to Cleveland, since as W&G has mentioned, Ferry enjoys a good relationship with the Sixers' FO. Something to keep in mind.
