Oft-injured PG Baron Davis is on the move.
Per multiple sources and this report on ESPN, the Los Angeles Clippers have agreed in principle to trade Baron Davis and a 2011 first round pick to the Cleveland Cavs for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon. Here is more on the move:
The deal saves the Clippers considerable money the next two seasons while giving them a younger point guard who made the All-Star team while playing with LeBron James.
Davis is still owed nearly $28 million over the next two seasons and the balance of his $13 million contract this year. Moon’s contract expires after this season. Williams is owed the balance of his $9.3 million salary this season and, with player options of $8.5 million for each of the next two years, potentially could get out of his contract altogether. The savings should give the Clippers more flexibility in free agency the next two seasons.
I like this move for the Clippers. Although he was developing a great chemistry with Blake Griffin and it is sad to see Baron go (he is a hometown player and was born & raised in Los Angeles) he was oft-injured and contract handcuffed the Clippers because it is guaranteed over the next 2 seasons. Mo Williams is is three years younger, a better shooter and can opt out of his deal either this summer or next. Even if he stays Williams can be a good bridge as Eric Bledsoe transitions into the starting PG role. Jamario Moon fills a bit of a need in the short term at small forward and his deal will be expiring at the end of this season, giving the Clippers more flexibility in free agency. The 2011 NBA draft is looking to be a weak one in terms of need for the Clippers so they basically traded the pick for cap space.
The Cavs absorb Davis’ contract ($28 mil over the next two seasons) but can use the pick to rebuild their decimated team. They need help just about everywhere.It also appeared that since LeBron James jumped ship that Mo Williams was the happiest camper in Cleveland and a change in scenery was needed. So in theory this trade is a bit of a win for both teams.
Be on the lookout for more info on trades leading up to the deadline later today.
-ALR
