As we wait for Sam Amico to get off of the phone long enough to give us another batch of scoops on the Cavs Free Agency situation, let's recap the various and sometimes contradictory rumors which one can read about on the internet (and are therefore all completely true).
Here's the latest on a number of possible Cavalier free agency targets.
C GREG ODEN: Buzz on Oden and the Cavs has been heard for months now, with many saying that the 7-foot center would eventually opt instead for the Miami Heat. The thought being, I guess, that Miami is unavoidably attractive to Ohioans. That buzz is calming down now, and the Spurs, Celtics and Grizzlies are supposedly also chasing Oden, with several of the teams showing interest as far back as January. Yahoo! claims eight teams are chasing. Whatever. There's no shortage of teams willing to roll the dice on a former top draft pick. According to an unnamed source on ESPN, the Spurs and Cavs are in the lead for Oden. Sam throws a little cold water on the rumor, saying that the Cavs unwillingness to guarantee money may be a sticking point.
C ANDREW BYNUM: Discussion with the Cavs has been "light exploratory" according to Sam, but Bynum still won't work out for potential teams. Hoopsworld previously predicted that Cavs would reach out, but didn't confirm any actual contact. Bynum expressed some enthusiasm for playing for the Cavs when the team was involved in trade talks last year.
C NIKOLA PEKOVIC: This is one to watch, with the Cavaliers possibly being able to present an offer to the restricted free agent that his current team, the Timberwolves, can't match. But would that limit flexibility for free agency in 2014, when a famous Akron native may be available?
F EARL CLARK: The Sporting News reports that interest between the Lakers forward and the Cavs is "very mutual", with the Cavaliers intrigued with Clark's new-found willingness to take three point shots and his ability to stretch the floor. Mike Brown is reportedly a fan and the team is slated to meet with Clark today. Clark was originally a lottery pick back in 2009.
G DARREN COLLISON: Sam reported that the Cavs would be "happy to sign" Collison to back up Kyrie Irving. The Wizards are sniffing around as well, but probably can't afford Collison. Cavs would also have been happy to sign C.J. WATSON, per Sam, but he has agreed in principle with the Pacers.
Some potential trade targets making a buzz include Pau Gasol, Omer Asik and Robin Lopez, but all that speculation is built on more speculation, in this case Brian Windhorst mentioning their names in a radio interview. So far, there's nothing to indicate that the Cavs are actually in motion to acquire one of the players.
That's all we've dug up so far but, the internet being what it is, more rumors will undoubtedly turn up. Some might even be based in fact.
