The clock is ticking on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ attempts to trade Andrew Bynum before the big man’s contract becomes fully guaranteed. They are working right down to the wire to get something done.
The final $6 million of Bynum’s $12.5 million contract becomes guaranteed if he is still on an NBA roster as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. Bynum, who was suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team, has since been excused with pay from all team activities. By all indications, the Cavs are determined to trade him to another team, which would then waive him and reap the salary savings.
Negotiations with the Lakers for Pau Gasol broke down over the weekend after weeks of bartering, ESPN.com reports. The Cavs have begun exploring other options, according to the report, including a deal that would send Bynum to the Utah Jazz for veteran forward Richard Jefferson.
Jefferson, 33, makes more than $11 million this season but will be a free agent this summer. He has started all 36 games this season for the Jazz, averaging 10.0 points and shooting 41.8 percent beyond the 3-point arc.
There is at least one other deal the Cavs reportedly are exploring, although ESPN does not provide details. The Lakers and Cavs are also said to be willing to revisit trade talks at some point.
