The likely untouchables
With a big-spending owner and already a lot of star power, Cavs fans may get excited about these names on the market. But salary-cap rules and other realities will probably keep the Cavs away. Most of it is because of the difficulty to complete the sign-and-trade deals these players would require.
Hedo Turkoglu, F, Magic — May be moving on from Orlando because of the Vince Carter trade but won’t be coming to Cleveland. In any scenario, even the unrealistic ones fans are e-mailing in, the Magic would have to play ball, and there’s no chance of that. He’s leaving $7 million on the table to walk and will be getting a large raise somewhere.
Carlos Boozer, F, Jazz — Before Shaq, it could have worked, but now the Cavs don’t seem to have the assets to pull it off.
Ron Artest, F, Rockets — Houston needs him back badly, and there already are enough personalities on the Cavs.
Shawn Marion, F, Raptors — He will come at a better price but will have better options.
Ben Gordon, G, Bulls — The Cavs already have a player much like him in Mo Williams.
Lamar Odom, F, Lakers — Wants to stay in L.A., and champs want him back.
The wealthy veterans
These free agents are not only past their prime but past their massive contracts as well. This makes them a good fit as role players on a team prepared to challenge for a championship because they all have some gas left in the tank and plenty of experience.
Jason Kidd, PG, Mavs — Fit perfectly with LeBron with Team USA and hinted in March he could see himself in Cleveland next season. But the Mavericks can pay him more money, and it looks like they are ready to do that. Plus, his role in Dallas would be bigger.
Rasheed Wallace, F/C, Pistons — Quality defender who can play multiple positions and stretch the floor with his shooting ability and has a championship on his resume. Seems like a good fit for the Cavs, though his temperament is always a question, and he will have plenty of other suitors.
Antonio McDyess, F/C, Pistons — Many of the same qualities as Wallace but would come at a cheaper price and with less on-court tension. The Cavs tried hard to sign him last season, but he went to Detroit, and he may stay there. The Cavs certainly will be giving him a call.
Joe Smith, F, Cavs — The Cavs already have gotten their hands on him twice and will consider it again. He also figures to attract attention throughout the league.
Grant Hill, G/F, Suns — Still a quality perimeter player and locker room asset. Said he doesn’t want to leave Phoenix, but times there are changing, and he has a connection to Shaq and a Duke connection to Danny Ferry.
The wing options
These players fit a significant need for the Cavs — long, perimeter-based players. The Cavs always prefer good defenders as they have often had to put Delonte West at size disadvantages, but they also could use players who can hit spot-up jumpers as LeBron and Shaq will get them open looks. Of all the calls the Cavs make Wednesday, they will be focusing heavily on these types of players.
Trevor Ariza, Lakers — Tall, good defender, above-average shooter. A perfect fit except he’s from L.A. and doesn’t want to leave the Lakers. There’s a chance they won’t be able to afford him, but most likely he’s going nowhere.
Flip Murray, Hawks — An undervalued player who is an excellent scorer and has improved his outside shot. He was the seventh-leading scorer off the bench in the NBA last season and had the second-most steals of any reserve behind Ariza. The Hawks have hinted they would like to retain him.
Matt Barnes, Suns — Another lanky wing who is a solid shooter and has the size the Cavs want. His defense is a question, but he has the tools. Excellent spot-up shooter and good in transition going to the rim.
Anthony Parker, Raptors — The Raptors love him and may not let him walk, but they have cap space and other needs. It is well known the Cavs attempted to sign him when he came over from the Euroleague three years ago, and the tall, smooth shooter is very much still on their radar.
Dahntay Jones, Nuggets — Unheralded player with stats that won’t impress many, but has worked to establish himself as a strong outside defender with good size. Was an overlooked key in the Nuggets’ success last season.
Desmond Mason, Thunder — Limited offensively and coming off an injury but also one of the better wing defenders in the league and fits the Cavs’ character requirements. Won’t be the Cavs’ first choice, but they certainly will have him on their list.
The restricted choices
These players are restricted free agents, which means their teams can in most cases match any offer they receive. In the past, restricted free agents almost never left unless there were rare sign-and-trades, but in the current market, some could be pried free because their teams are concerned about payroll.
Charlie Villanueva, F, Bucks — A classic “stretch” big man who has excellent size (6-11) and can hit the outside shot and rebound. Questionable defensively but still young and learning. Bucks appear to be making moves to keep him.
Channing Frye, F, Blazers — Another young, talented, stretch power forward who has good shooting range. He had his best season as a rookie and has since regressed after being sent to a crowded team in Portland. That could make him unneeded and undervalued, two things that make him a possible fit for the Cavs.
Josh Childress, F, Hawks — A good, long and intelligent wing player. He left the Hawks to play in Greece last season, but many teams remain interested. He may stay overseas but has the option to get out of his Greek contract.
David Lee, F/C, Knicks — Has developed into a stat-sheet stuffer in New York, especially as a rebounder. Knicks may not keep him as they look to protect 2010 cap space.
Hakim Warrick, F, Grizzlies — Not as good a shooter or as tall as Villanueva or Frye but an excellent athlete who converts at a high percentage and is an excellent scorer. Fairly good rebounder.
Glen Davis, F, Celtics — Big Baby has been a key contributor for the Celtics the past two seasons and likely will stay there.
Leon Powe, F, Celtics — He’s going to miss the start of next season due to another major knee injury. He could be taken with a big offer, but with the uncertainty over his current injury and past injuries, chances are he stays with the Celtics on a short deal.
Charlie Villanueva is now an unrestricted free agent!!!