Cleveland Cavaliers trade Alonzo Gee to New Orleans Pelicans
By Sam Richmond
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade forward Alonzo Gee to the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Cavs have agreed to trade Alonzo Gee to Pelicans, sources said. This will help facilitate Omer Asik deal from Houston.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 11, 2014
While Gee isn’t a big name, this trade has some enormous ramifications.
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First of all, it allows the Cavaliers to clear enough cap space to sign LeBron James, who announced Friday that he will sign with Cleveland this summer, to a max contract.
Sources say Cavs in midst of making moves to create extra cap space to give LeBron his max and close to dealing Alonzo Gee to New Orleans
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 11, 2014
LeBron and the Cavs haven’t begun contract talks yet, but it’s expected he will be offered (and sign) a four-year max deal, according to Windhorst.
"No contract for James has been negotiated with the Cavs yet because no talks had taken place before the essay was released. The Cavs are expected to offer a four-year deal worth the maximum $88 million but will agree to any terms James wants.James is expected to make a long-term commitment to the franchise, sources said."
This trade also allows the Pelicans to complete their previously agreed to trade with the Houston Rockets that will send Omer Asik to New Orleans. When that deal is complete, and Houston rids itself of Asik’s contract, the team will be in position to sign James’ former teammate, Chris Bosh.
When Pelicans get Gee, they can complete deal for Asik and the Rockets next big piece to clear space for Chris Bosh.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 11, 2014
This is a move that makes all the sense in the world for each of the three parties that are directly or indirectly involved with this trade.
The Cavs will sign LeBron. The Rockets (presumably) will get Bosh. And the Pelicans will get another talented big man, Asik, to pair with Anthony Davis.
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