Cleveland, OH (My Sportsbook) - The
Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly nailed two buzzer-beaters on Thursday, completing trades with the Seattle SuperSonics and
Chicago Bulls just prior to the NBA's 3 p.m. (et) trade deadline.
There are varying reports as to the terms of the deals, and whether it is a three-team trade, or simply two separate transactions. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on its website that the Cavs sent guard Larry Hughes, forward Drew Gooden, and forward Cedric Simmons to the Bulls in exchange for center Ben Wallace and forward Joe Smith.
The Plain Dealer says the Cavs also dealt forwards Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall to the Sonics for guards Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West.
If true, the deals would give LeBron James some added firepower offensively from Szczerbiak and West. Wallace has been a disappointment for the Bulls after inking a four-year, $60 million deal in 2006.
Never an offensive force, Wallace has averaged 10.6 rebounds per game over his 12-year career, and is strong defensively, but both of those skills have eroded this season. The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder has seen his rebounds dip to 8.8 per game. Wallace is averaging 5.1 points per game this season a number which, if it holds throughout the season, will be his lowest output since the 1999-2000 season.
Szczerbiak is averaging 13.1 points per game this season, his ninth in the league. West, a fourth-year pro, is averaging 6.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game this season for Seattle.
More to follow...