Report: Cavs considering Bynum trade scenarios, eyeing Monday
Even though trade talks with the Los Angeles Lakers appear to have hit a wall, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to explore trade possibilities for center Andrew Bynum.
Bynum was suspended by the team for one game for conduct detrimental to the team and has been excused from all team activities since Dec. 28. Citing an eroding attitude and a distraction to younger players, the Cavs have essentially said the situation is irreparable.
While Cleveland can simply waive Bynum before Jan. 7 - thereby saving a ton of money, since only $6 million of his two-year, $24.79 million contract is guaranteed if he's waived by that date - the Cavaliers continue to look for a trade partner.
Cavs mulling a few trade scenarios for Andrew Bynum, with target of Monday to choose one. Unlikely Cavs send out significant asset w/ Bynum.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) January 3, 2014
The Cavaliers refusal to send out any assets with Bynum seriously limits the market for him. It makes sense given they have the flexibility to just waive him, but pairing him with an asset could make acquiring an appreciable player possible.
Most suitors would probably be looking at him as a means of shedding salary (sending out equal salary and then waiving him by Jan. 7), as guaranteeing the rest of his contract seems exceptionally risky.
In 24 games, the 26-year-old Bynum averaged 8.4 points, 5.3 rebound and 1.2 blocks in 20 minutes, shooting just 41.9 percent from the floor. Those aren't $12 million per year numbers, but stranger things have happened and some team may think a better situation could bring the best out of him.
Interested teams also have the option of waiting until he's waived and then signing him to a much cheaper deal, a much more likely scenario.