- 2,323
- 38
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2002
Joe Smith could be just days away from providing the Cavaliers with a needed talent injection.
Multiple league sources said on Saturday that Smith and the Oklahoma City Thunder are making progress in buyout talks and there is a favorable chance thesides will come to an agreement by Sunday's midnight waiver deadline. It has also become clear that the Cavs would be Smith's top choice if all theterms can be agreed on.
If all the hurdles can be cleared, Smith would be put on waivers on Monday and become an outright free agent by Wednesday morning.
But there still may be some more drama surrounding the Cavs, who continue their road trip Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks in their second game since BenWallace broke his right leg.
There was some growing chatter within NBA circles Saturday that another and more high-profile forward could also become a free agent via a buyout on Sunday.One source said the name would "surprise" a lot of people if it can get done and the Cavs would likely be interested.
http://
As for Smith, he and the Thunder have been exchanging some figures for the last several days. Insiders have indicated Thunder General Manager Sam Presti hasbeen showing some reluctance and has driving a hard bargain.
Smith is still owed about $1.3 million of his $4.8 million salary this season by Oklahoma City. However, there are some indications the Thunder are lookingfor Smith to give up that amount and perhaps more, which may be what has been stalling the talks.
Matt York/Associated PressAtlanta point guard Mike Bibby could miss Sunday's game against the Cavaliers.
CAVALIERS AT ATLANTA HAWKS
Tipoff: Sunday, 8 p.m.
TV/radio: ESPN, FSN-Ohio; WTAM AM/1100.
Notable: Mike Bibby (flu) is questionable for the Hawks. ... The Cavs have the fifth-best road record in the NBA at 19-10, but are just 10-8 in road games vs. the East, including a loss in their last visit to Philips Arena. ... The season series is tied at 1-1.
-- Brian Windhorst
The Cavs have a large pro-rated portion of their mid-level exception left that totals around $3.5 million. Sources indicate it hasn't just been theThunder and Smith who have been talking, but also the Cavs and Thunder over just how much money might end up in the Thunder coffers if a deal can get done.
Presti and Cavs GM Danny Ferry have a close relationship. They worked together in the Spurs' front office and have already executed two trades in thetwo years Presti has been the Thunder's GM.
Thunder coach Scott Brooks has said he would prefer Smith not be bought out. But the Thunder attempted to trade Smith at last week's trade deadlinebefore a deal with the New Orleans Hornets was rescinded. Smith is not hurt, but has not played since Feb. 10 as Brooks as left him out of the rotation.
The 6-foot-10 veteran has averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds on 45 percent shooting in 39 games this season. Last year with the Cavs he averaged 8.1points and five rebounds off the bench in 27 games after a midseason trade. He was traded in the off-season as part of the package to acquire Mo Williams.
Currently, the Cavs do not have a roster spot, but guard Trey Johnson's 10-day contract expires Sunday and he will likely be released. The Cavs couldfree up another roster spot when Eric Snow's disability claim is settled if they need one.
Other than the Cavs, Smith could consider the Spurs if a buyout can be reached.
Multiple league sources said on Saturday that Smith and the Oklahoma City Thunder are making progress in buyout talks and there is a favorable chance thesides will come to an agreement by Sunday's midnight waiver deadline. It has also become clear that the Cavs would be Smith's top choice if all theterms can be agreed on.
If all the hurdles can be cleared, Smith would be put on waivers on Monday and become an outright free agent by Wednesday morning.
But there still may be some more drama surrounding the Cavs, who continue their road trip Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks in their second game since BenWallace broke his right leg.
There was some growing chatter within NBA circles Saturday that another and more high-profile forward could also become a free agent via a buyout on Sunday.One source said the name would "surprise" a lot of people if it can get done and the Cavs would likely be interested.
http://
As for Smith, he and the Thunder have been exchanging some figures for the last several days. Insiders have indicated Thunder General Manager Sam Presti hasbeen showing some reluctance and has driving a hard bargain.
Smith is still owed about $1.3 million of his $4.8 million salary this season by Oklahoma City. However, there are some indications the Thunder are lookingfor Smith to give up that amount and perhaps more, which may be what has been stalling the talks.
CAVALIERS AT ATLANTA HAWKS
Tipoff: Sunday, 8 p.m.
TV/radio: ESPN, FSN-Ohio; WTAM AM/1100.
Notable: Mike Bibby (flu) is questionable for the Hawks. ... The Cavs have the fifth-best road record in the NBA at 19-10, but are just 10-8 in road games vs. the East, including a loss in their last visit to Philips Arena. ... The season series is tied at 1-1.
-- Brian Windhorst
The Cavs have a large pro-rated portion of their mid-level exception left that totals around $3.5 million. Sources indicate it hasn't just been theThunder and Smith who have been talking, but also the Cavs and Thunder over just how much money might end up in the Thunder coffers if a deal can get done.
Presti and Cavs GM Danny Ferry have a close relationship. They worked together in the Spurs' front office and have already executed two trades in thetwo years Presti has been the Thunder's GM.
Thunder coach Scott Brooks has said he would prefer Smith not be bought out. But the Thunder attempted to trade Smith at last week's trade deadlinebefore a deal with the New Orleans Hornets was rescinded. Smith is not hurt, but has not played since Feb. 10 as Brooks as left him out of the rotation.
The 6-foot-10 veteran has averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds on 45 percent shooting in 39 games this season. Last year with the Cavs he averaged 8.1points and five rebounds off the bench in 27 games after a midseason trade. He was traded in the off-season as part of the package to acquire Mo Williams.
Currently, the Cavs do not have a roster spot, but guard Trey Johnson's 10-day contract expires Sunday and he will likely be released. The Cavs couldfree up another roster spot when Eric Snow's disability claim is settled if they need one.
Other than the Cavs, Smith could consider the Spurs if a buyout can be reached.
