As someone who wrote these here blog things during the Dwightmare, I have mixed feelings on the incredibly protracted trade dramas that the NBA is so often subjected to. On the one hand, they take forever, they’re basically one big headache, they’re never resolved in a satisfying manner, and after about a week more people are talking about how they’re sick of hearing about the trade possibilities than are actually talking about said trade possibilities.
On the other hand, they make this job a bit easier.
It’s worth bringing this up because there’s (at least) two unhappy superstar situations right now that could quickly escalate into full-blown Dwightmare/Melodrama territory, and they’re in today’s blog. Plus there’s some news involving the best player in the Dwight Howard trade who is still with the team they got traded to. Hint: it’s not who anyone thought it would be.
So let’s get to that:
CAVS PLAN ON OFFERING IRVING MAX DEAL
Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
The Cavs will offer Irving the full 5-year maximum contract. There have been reports that they were having second thoughts — that’s simply not true. Reports about the Cavs even considering backing away from a maximum contract are simply wrong.
My sources tell me that the Cavs have had no doubts about offering Irving the 5-year deal, and will do so. Once July 1 arrives — the first date that an extension can be offered — the Cavs will set up a meeting with Irving. They will present their All-Star guard with a contract extension, a 5-year deal in the $90 million range (or whatever is the maximum number).
The hope is that he will sign the five-year deal, much like John Wall did with Washington before the 2013-14 season. That was a signal to Washington’s players and fans that he was committed to the team. And yes, Wall’s commitment did help the Wizards come together as a team and make the playoffs, upsetting Chicago in the first round.
The Cavs want to know if Irving will do the same as Wall did for the Wizards. He can’t become a restricted free agent until the summer of 2015. And he won’t be unrestricted until 2016.
The Cavs’ goal is to have a new coach in place. Then have General Manager David Griffin, the coach and Irving discuss the future. Now, if Irving doesn’t seem interested in an extension, that could lead to a trade.
But none of this is expected to be decided until after July 1, unless the Cavs receive word that Irving absolutely, positively wants out.
So far, that has not been the case.
MAGIC LOOKING AT POINT GUARDS; COULD AFFLALO BE ON THE MOVE?
Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel:
Orlando’s classy leading scorer wouldn’t mind being moved to a playoff team. The clock is ticking loudly on his career as he’ll turn 29 in October.
The Magic can select a point guard at No. 4 this month, perhaps a signal that Victor Oladipo would move to Arron’s position full-time. Afflalo could be in play at the June 26 draft. Chicago, Charlotte, Phoenix and Oklahoma City could use two-guards and have multiple first-round picks.
The Magic could deal him at the February trade deadline, the way they did J.J. Redick, in 2013.
Afflalo is one of the NBA’s best bargains, scheduled to earn $7.5 million next season.
…
The Magic are expected to have former Oklahoma State PG Marcus Smart in for a second pre-draft workout this weekend. Another audition is normally a sign that a team has heightened interest.
SUNS INTERESTED IN LOVE, PREPARED TO MAKE BIG OFFER
Suns interested in Love deal w/best assets Dragic, Bledsoe & picks.NBA sources say it will take full max deal to control free agent Bledsoe.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) June 7, 2014
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Dan Malone has finally finished his journalism degree at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is now a reporter at the Bryan Times in northwest Ohio. He blogs, edits and learns things on the fly for Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on Twitter.