The Cleveland Cavaliers appear poised to acquire Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves, which will create a formidable Big Three of Love, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. But the Cavs would have some holes even with those three, and that's why they continue to work on making shrewd signings at the minimum. One target is Shawn Marion, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
NBA news roundup: Shawn Marion visits Cavaliers, Ray Allen still unsure about future
The Cavs only have the minimum to offer Marion, but a chance to play for a championship with LeBron James could sway the veteran to take less money. Allen, another Cavs target, still isn’t sure whether he’ll continue playing.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Marion visited the Cavs on Monday, and while it's unclear if the veteran forward will take the minimum, Stein says Cleveland has the upper hand over other potential suitors because of James. The Indiana Pacers could be another option for Marion following the devastating leg injury to Paul George on Friday.
Cavs general manager David Griffin has a good relationship with Marion thanks to their time together with the Phoenix Suns. Marion is an attractive option for Cleveland because of his ability to defend the perimeter, which could take some defensive pressure off James.
Marion averaged 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Dallas Mavericks last season.
Kevin Love Trade
Allen hasn’t made a decision yet
When James decided to return to Cleveland, there was speculation that Ray Allen would follow him from Miami. But Allen says he hasn't made any decision and hasn't shown any preference for his next destination, according to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald:
"There's so much speculation about me going to Cleveland. I haven't even decided where I will play," he said before teeing off in his annual charity golf tournament at the Hartford TPC. "Obviously LeBron and I are great friends, and James Jones and I are really close, but at no point have those two tried to push me in that direction. I haven't had that conversation. LeBron and I went on vacation to the Bahamas earlier this summer, and we didn't talk one iota about things. And that was before he made his decision.
"It's just what they start talking about on TV, where I'm supposed to go. I have not leaned toward Cleveland. I have not made any mention of going to Cleveland. These last two months were about me physically, and deciding whether I want to play again."
Allen still could retire, and he says it’ll take a “perfect-storm scenario” for him to continue playing. The 39-year-old won’t rush into a decision, and he made it known he wants to compete for a championship if he does return:
“For first time, I’m in control, and it would be crazy if I couldn’t win a championship. That’s the sole purpose. I don’t feel the anxiety to make a decision.”
Allen revealed he has also been contacted by Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers. Allen played for Rivers with the Boston Celtics.
Ray Allen, Photo credit: Andy Lyons / Getty Images
Executives side with Suns on Bledsoe situation
Free agency has been going on for over a month, and Eric Bledsoe remains unsigned. The Suns reportedly offered Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million contract, but Bledsoe views himself as a max player. With no other teams stepping forward with an offer sheet to his liking, the young guard is still in limbo.
The Suns want and expect Bledsoe back, but it appears they’ve drawn a line in the sand. And in this game of chicken, other people around the league appear to be siding with Phoenix’s stance. One anonymous executive believes $48 million was almost too good an offer, according to Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic:
“I’m surprised that they would offer him that much,” he said. “They don’t need to. It is really fair and, in fact, generous. He is talented, but he has never put it together very long, and he hasn’t been healthy. It’s hard to turn your team over to him.”
Another executive reiterated Bledsoe isn’t a max player and that “he expected way too much.” While the 24-year-old has plenty of talent, the fact that he has already had two surgeries on his right knee isn’t helping his cause.
Eric Bledsoe, Photo credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Clippers to work out stable of bigs
The Clippers have an excellent frontcourt duo in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, but a major problem last year was a lack of big-man depth. Signing Spencer Hawes was a step in the right direction, and Los Angeles is looking at bringing in another big to help out.
The Clippers will work out a group of bigs this week, with Andray Blatche, Greg Oden and Andrew Bynum among the names involved, according to ESPN's Jorge Sedano. Emeka Okafor was initially named as another potential candidate, but the big man reportedly won't work out for Los Angeles.
Blatche had his moments as a reserve with the Brooklyn Nets, but Oden and Bynum both have significant injury concerns. Oden played 26 total games last year, his first game action since the 2009-10 season. Meanwhile, Bynum played 26 games last year after missing the entire 2012-13 campaign.
Faried likes chances of making Team USA roster
Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried made the first cut for Team USA's World Cup roster, which now stands at 16. There will be four more cuts prior to the World Cup, and Faried is optimistic about making the team, according to Aaron Lopez of Nuggets.com:
“I’m very high on my chances,” Faried said Monday. “I believe I left a lasting impression for the coaches to like me and make me part of the team, so I can help the U.S. bring home gold this year.”
Team USA has a dearth of bigs with the absence of several star players, giving Faried the opportunity to make the roster. Faried may not be the most talented player, but his energy and rebounding ability could make him a valuable specialist off the bench.
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