Ben Wallace to Cavs in 11-player deal
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February 21st, 2008
LeBron James wanted the Cleveland Cavaliers to improve their roster. The Cavaliers reportedly shook it up Thursday, acquiring Ben Wallace in an 11-player, three-team megadeal.
According to an ESPN report, the Cavaliers also received guard Wally Szczerbiak, forward Joe Smith and guard Delonte West in a deal involving the Chicago Bulls and Seattle SuperSonics.
The report said that the deal was completed right before the league’s 3pm EST trade deadline. The teams are awaiting league approval and have yet to have a conference call with the NBA.
The Bulls received guard Larry Hughes, forward Drew Gooden, forward Cedric Simmons and guard Shannon Brown while the SuperSonics got swingman Adrian Griffin and forwards Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall, ESPN said.
It was a long-awaited trade for Cleveland, which grew unhappy with the oft-injured Hughes and sought a revamped roster in its push for a second straight trip to the NBA Finals.
Most importantly, James said during All-Star Weekend that he thinks the Cavaliers should make a deal to keep up with other clubs in one of the most active trade seasons in recent memory.
The face of the Cavaliers - and possibly the league - James’ voice most likely carried a lot of weight in a deal which landed Cleveland Wallace, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a slew of expiring contracts.
The trade came just days after the Cavs’ offer for veteran point guard Mike Bibby, who many feel is the perfect compliment to James, was reportedly rejected by the Sacramento Kings. Bibby then was traded to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Instead, Cleveland chose to change its frontcourt with the acquisition of Wallace, who is primarily a defender and rebounder but brings the toughness needed to compete in the postseason.
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