The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded injured big man Chris Andersen and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets for a highly protected second round draft pick.
Andersen tore his ACL in December and is done for the year, so why does Charlotte want him? They don’t. Cleveland is sending them cash in the deal as a thank you for getting Birdman off their books. The second round pick Charlotte is sending back is purely ceremonial. It’s top-55 protected, so they won’t actually end up losing it. The Hornets will simply release Andersen after the deal is completed, and pocket the cash.
The move will save Cavs’ owner Dan Gilbert about $2.5 million after factoring in luxury tax details. It will also open up a roster spot for the Cavaliers, who are in need of a backup point guard and recently worked out Jordan Farmar, Mario Chalmers, and Kirk Hinrich. Reports list Farmar as the favorite of that group to be added to the squad, but the team could also hold onto the empty spot until buy-out season and see if any veterans they like become available.
This deal should also come as good news to freshly signed Derrick Williams. The front office’s desire to open up an additional roster slot indicates their interest in signing him through the end of the year once his current 10-day contract expires.
Follow David on Twitter @dmcgowan24