D.West to the Cavs???

[Xman95]

The News-Herald (Lake County) had story on possible trade targets for the Cavs. Supposedly they have inquired about the availability of David West. N.O. said they weren't planning on tearing apart the core of the team, but I think that's the best thing to say right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see West moved if it creates a better future/financial situation for the Hornets.

The report said the Cavs offered Ilgauskas. The Hornets would then cut him (and the Cavs could re-sign after 30 days), or N.O. could keep him until the end of the year and let his contract run out. Either way they free up a lot of cap space.

I could see the Cavs having to make this deal involve someone like Hickson as well (maybe the Hornets free up the Posey contract too!!), but I think it's worth it for them. Adding West would, in my mind, put them back on top as the favorites in the East. He would give them another scorer and, maybe the most important thing, another player who doesn't quit and won't go down without a fight. As we saw during his years at X, David West is intense and hates to lose.

Picture this:

Starters
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Anthony Parker
SF - LeBron James
PF - David West
C - Shaquille O'Neal

Bench
PG/SG - Daniel Gibson
PG/SG - Delonte West
SF - Jamario Moon
PF - Leon Powe
PF - Darnell Jackson
PF/C - Andy Varejao
C - Zydrunas Ilgauskas (possibly, if cut by Hornets and re-signed by Cavs)

Others
SF - Jawad Williams
SG/SF - Daniel Green

[theprofessor]

I'd love to see DWest on the Cavs, but not sure what NO gets out of this scenario. DWest is due about 8mill next season, which is a decent bargain. I would think NO would have to also ask for a #1 in addition to Ilgauskas, keeping in mind that the Cavs no. 1 is likely to be the 26+ choice of the draft.

NO is also on a decent run right now and is in a good position to make the playoffs as the Western Conference is weaker this season after the top 6 teams.

[golfitup]

It'd certainly figure after getting my D West Hornets jersey just a few months ago...

[Xman95]

I'd love to see DWest on the Cavs, but not sure what NO gets out of this scenario. DWest is due about 8mill next season, which is a decent bargain. I would think NO would have to also ask for a #1 in addition to Ilgauskas, keeping in mind that the Cavs no. 1 is likely to be the 26+ choice of the draft.

NO is also on a decent run right now and is in a good position to make the playoffs as the Western Conference is weaker this season after the top 6 teams.

That's why I'm guessing the deal would have to involve JJ Hickson. In about four or five years it won't look like a great trade (assuming JJ continues to improve), but it could get the Cavs a ring or two...and help keep King James in Cleveland.

N.O. is playing better, but I don't think they're a legit contender. Replacing West with Hickson and freeing up a lot of $$$ could really benefit them. I think they're a fun team to watch and, after the Cavs, Xavier (LA) Part II is my second favorite NBA team. But I think they're a ways off from being a legit contender and focusing on a few years from now might be their best option. Hickson and less committed money would help them in that regard.

[Juice]

New Orlean's payroll is a mess with some bad contracts on it. They may just want to trade him to get some relief so they don't have to pay the luxury tax.