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The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for ways to upgrade their roster with limited cap space and they may have gotten the best deal they could have for Brendan Haywood.
According to Yahoo Sports Adrian Wojnarowski The Cavs will trade veterans Mike Miller, Brendan Haywood, and a 2019 (Lakers) and two 2020 (Timberwolves and Cavs) second round picks to the Trail Blazers for a $13.35 million trade exception which is two exceptions one for $10.5 million and another $2.85 million which cannot be combined.
Cleveland has traded Brendan Haywood and Mike Miller to Portland, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 27, 2015
For the Trail Blazers they’ll waive center Brendan Haywood and Mike Miller so both players can get more playing time on a contender.
Miller’s friend LeBron James reportedly signed off on the trade according to Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.
LeBron OK with Mike Miller trade, per source, who said Miller wanted out and a chance to play again. #Cavs receive trade exceptions for both
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) July 27, 2015
Miller and Haywood were great for a young Cavs roster that did experience success getting to the NBA Finals, but came up short. The two veterans clearly wanted a chance to play more minutes including Shawn Marion who did retire at the end of the season.
David Blatt may not have to worry about getting these guys more time which could take some weight off his shoulders after witnessing the inconsistent rotations all season long.
This move also opens the door for the Cavs to reopen talks with J.R. Smith and Matthew Dellavedova even though the Trail Blazers reportedly have interest in the point guard.
Pretty impressive move for the Cavaliers though considering they could only get a trade exception from the Portland Trail Blazers or the Philadelphia 76ers which their asking price was too high.
This move could potentially land the Cavs a big name player at the trade deadline in February, and that player could be Joe Johnson if things falter for the Nets and they look to unload some salary he could be the guy you see.
