Cavs May Halt Another Blockbuster Trade

Cleveland Cavaliers' Owner Dan Gilbert May Halt Another Blockbuster Trade

By Dan Benton:

Last season, despite NBA commissioner David Stern stating otherwise, it was reported by many that the Cleveland Cavalier's owner, Dan Gilbert, protested after there were reports of a trade sending Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers, resulting in the trade being canceled by the league office (Stern). It was believed that Gilbert questioned the point of the new CBA, which was supposed to make things more equal for smaller market teams with a more strict salary cap amongst other things, if teams like the Lakers could form a second "big three" while still cutting salary.
While Stern claimed the reason for the nixed Paul trade was due to basketball reasons (he claimed the league owned New Orleans Hornets needed younger pieces to replace Paul), many Laker fans, and others around the NBA, still believe Gilbert's rant (not his first public one) was a part of the reason the trade was not permitted.
Yesterday, it was reported that the Cavaliers might be a part of a trade that would form another big three, this time for the Brooklyn Nets. The center piece of this trade was Dwight Howard, who would end up in Brooklyn, while the Orlando Magic would get Brook Lopez and several draft picks. In order for this trade to work under salary cap restrictions, there had to be other teams involved to balance salaries. While the Los Angeles Clippers were reportedly interested, the trade needed either Cleveland or the Charlotte Bobcats in order to work.
It is being reported today that there is a significantly less chance of this trade going through, with the Cavaliers and the Bobcats not willing to be a part of the formation of another super team, unless they are also gaining a lot. Some are reporting that the Cavaliers have dropped out of the trade entirely. Orlando has begun to reopen negotiations with other teams besides the Nets in order to get Howard out of their hair.
This seems to fall in line with Gilbert's stance last year, against these types of teams being formed. He obviously did not agree with the formation of the Miami Heat and had his part in stopping the Lakers. Why then would he approve a deal to make another powerful threesome in his own conference? The only reason for Gilbert to sign off on something like this, is if Cleveland was receiving something substantial in return. While Kris Humphries has been a decent NBA player and still may improve, he does not make the Cavaliers that much better, and he was the main asset Cleveland was acquiring (along with a draft pick and money).
This Cavaliers' team is attempting to develop back into a playoff contender and hopefully beyond. While they do need to continue to acquire pieces to really become a threat, along with drafting well and crafty free agent signings, these must be the right pieces. Cleveland cannot just jump into a trade to make other teams happy, unless it really fits what the Cavaliers are trying to do.
There is little room for error to build a really good team in a small market such as Cleveland, otherwise, every team would be able to do it. Gilbert and his staff must make the right moves for them, and this clearly was not one of them. A round of applause for the Cavaliers for not being bullied into helping Howard like the Magic have.

Be sure to check out other great articles at Sports Media 101.