http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9172293762466946895&q=avery+johnson+cup&total=1&start=0&num=100&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

larry, I think the reason it’s seen as a ridiculous threat is because guys come from Europe to play in the major leagues, not the other way around. This guy is not going to fly home with his tailfeathers between his legs.

An exception to the NBA is the place to play rule would be a guy like Fran Vasquez, who could make more in Spain than he could with an NBA rookie contract, plus not be buried on an NBA chair.

Maybe they’ll be able to pawn Pavlovic for a mid to low first-round pick. Just like old times.

However, the Cavaliers will have a lot of cap space after next year when some of their less desirable contracts expire. You can’t sabotage your chance to sign some big pieces THEN by pushing the panic button now and signing Pavlovic and Varajeo for way more than they are worth. Pavlovic has some nice skills but he definitely has not proven himself to be consistent. Also, he plays better when LeBron is not on the court – red flag.

And yes, Chuck, I’m happy that Varejao isn’t getting a 5 year, $50 million contract. But at this point, does it really matter? When Ferry locked in Ilgauskas and Hughes, and to a lesser extent Marshall, the irreversible damage was done. Although, if Varejao did this more often, I’d give him whatever his agent wants, and then some:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9178175747911458710&q=varejao&total=177&start=0&num=100&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4411449010799015517&q=damon+jones++face&total=2&start=0&num=100&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

First of all, Alan, it would have to be a package deal of some kind, totalling within a couple million of Marion’s salary. Even if there was no sign and trade (remember, we have two unsigned players we could use in a deal, too), the Cavs could send Gooden and a couple contracts that run out of the next couple years. Phoenix would be able to dump Marion, get a power forward they like and save a little money when a contract runs out. Think Gooden, Newble, Jones, & Brown – they would probably renounce Newble immediately. The Suns save 1.5 million right off the bat this year, even more if it drops them below the luxury tax they are right on the edge of. I figure the Suns could get more, but honestly, teams get less in deals for stars than I think they should all the time – look at what if took to get Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph, etc. The point is you can make the numbers work with contracts that benefit the Suns.

Second, 20 minutes a game is not “buried of the bench” to me. It’s almost half a game. And if you are saying he’s taking minutes away from Snow and Pavlovic, those are immediate backups off the bench – important minutes indeed. Just not starter’s minutes. But you’ve basically said depth is worthless, so I see how that’s insignificant to you.

It seems like Ferry decided if he couldn’t add a proven starting point guard, the team would go with Hughes or Gibson at point. Both had success last year. Brown strikes me as someone who can score with enough defensive skills to stay out on the floor on a Mike Brown team.

The report I’ve seen says Varejao wants 10 million a year. I am really, really happy we haven’t given him a 5 year, $50 million contract, aren’t you? I can’t blame Ferry for being far, far away from that number.

Hey, what’s the deal with Notre Dame? 0-5? Austin Carr must be spinning in his grave.