The Maggette Option- Really?

As the Cavaliers wait patiently on the Suns in the Amar'e Stoudemire sweepstakes, reports of Cleveland's alternative plans began popping up in case STAT doesn't find his way to Northeast Ohio. While the next best scenario has Antawn Jamison donning the wine and gold, one of the more offbeat rumors has Golden State sending SG/SF Corey Maggette to Cleveland for the cap relief provided by Z's expiring contract. With the trade deadline only hours away, is this a serious option the Cavs may consider?

On paper, it's hard to argue against a twenty-point scorer coming to the Cavs. Even more impressive is Maggette's statistical efficiency- starting only 27 of 47 games played, the 6'6" guard/forward fills the box score at 52% from the field in only 31 minutes per game. While his jumper leaves a lot to be desired, Maggette's true value lies in a relentless ability to create his own shot and get to the free throw line, converting 84% of his almost nine free throws per game. On the other side of the ball, it's difficult to assess his value on one of the league's revolving door defenses, but his versatility to play the two, three, and four positions on the Warriors allows for Cleveland the opportunity to experiment with a variety of lineups. A talent like his in a starter/sixth man hybrid role similar to a Jason Terry or Jamal Crawford could be a valuable piece to a title run.

With three years and over $31 million left on his current contract, Maggette to the Cavs represents quite a financial risk, even for Dan Gilbert's bottomless pockets. It's hardly a given that the team even needs a player like him, one whose natural small forward position is obviously taken, regardless of his versatility. Not to mention, giving up frontcourt depth in Z for a backcourt scorer goes against the strength of the team with both the league's best record and a chemistry that may be disrupted by a new face that brings with him 13FGA per game. But if the trade is simply for cap relief, and assuming all other options had been exhausted, the Cavs may seriously consider a deal like this.