By SAM AMICO
FOX Sports Ohio
Feb. 15, 2011
INDEPENDENCE -- With the NBA trading deadline nearing, potential playoff teams are aiming to find that one last piece, either to qualify for the postseason or make a run at a title.
Ideally, that piece will be cheap, provide something in areas that are lacking and not disrupt team chemistry. And in a perfect world, the piece's contract will be coming off the books at season's end.
The Cavaliers have a piece like that, a piece that is indeed drawing interest around the league and a piece that everyone knows won't be in Cleveland in five years -- or more likely, even next season.
That piece is Anthony Parker, and unlike a lot of rumors, most of the trade talk you've heard involving Parker makes sense.
First, Parker's contract (around $2.8 million) expires at the end of the year. On top of that, he is a willing defender, solid shooter and first-rate teammate. And at 35 years old, he's certainly not part of the Cavs' long-term plans.
A lot of teams would love to have a guy like that coming off the bench, playing whatever minutes are needed, doing an admirable job in those minutes and staying positive.
Imagine Parker coming off the bench in places like San Antonio, New Orleans, Boston or Chicago. Suddenly, he becomes less of a guy who's relied upon (like in Cleveland) and more of a reliable, veteran threat off the bench.
Of those teams, Chicago has been rumored to be the most likely landing spot, with the Willoughby News-Herald reporting the Cavs have already offered Parker to the Bulls. Word is the Cavs were seeking 7-foot center Omar Asik in return, but the Bulls refused.
Instead, it seems more likely Parker -- if he is indeed dealt by the Feb. 24 deadline -- would garner a second-round pick. The Cavs would probably do that at some point, but are wise not to rush into anything.
Especially when you consider that teams could become more desperate, and therefore offer more, as the deadline approaches.
For instance, Boston's Paul Pierce injured his foot in Sunday's win over Miami. While Pierce's foot is just listed as "sore," you can never be too careful, particularly when you are team with a real shot at a championship. So a guy like Parker, who plays the same swingman position as Pierce, would be a nice addition.
Now, none of this is to say Parker is headed to Boston. It's just to give an example of the type of team that would likely benefit from having him on the roster. That puts the power in the Cavs' hands, and instead of them getting a second-round pick, maybe they get a late first.
All are possibilities the Cavs can weigh.
Of course, the Cavs also have another option. That would be to keep Parker and benefit from his expiring contract themselves, opening another salary slot in what is certain to be a summer of change.
But chances are, if the Cavs don't move Parker within the next few weeks, it won't be because of a lack of interest from other teams. More likely, it's about whether or not other teams offer the Cavs something they want in return.
