The Cleveland Cavaliers currently own one of the league’s more unique trade assets with the contract of Brendan Haywood. The 35-year-old center spent the past season in Cleveland playing sparingly, averaging 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.4 minutes per game.
Haywood is still desired by many teams, however, due to the fact that the final year of his contract is not guaranteed, any team employing Haywood can terminate the final year of his $10.5 million contract before August 1st without paying him a penny. This could prove to be enticing for teams trying to clear room for a more productive player, or teams simply looking to cut salary.
General Manager David Griffin has repeatedly expressed hope in moving Haywood throughout the offseason. Ethan Skolnick of Bleacher Report reported that a move will be made only if a player that fits the Cavs’ needs becomes available.
David Griffin doesn't rule out using Brendan Haywood contract but says it has to be right player. Could go for trade exception.
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) July 12, 2015
It is clear the Cavs are looking to deal the vet and his cap-friendly contract. Here are five deals Griffin could be looking at with that trade asset.
1. Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
A simple trade of Haywood for Crawford wouldn’t work, due to the $5.575 million salary difference between the two players. However, the Clippers could even the salary discrepancy by adding a couple small pieces, such as Jordan Hamilton and Lester Hudson.
This deal makes sense for the Cavs, as Crawford would provide the team with versatility and is a player who can play both the point and the wing. The deal works for the Clippers, mainly because Crawford could be seeing a loss in playing time with the additions of Paul Pierce and Lance Stephenson in Los Angeles.
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