Updated at 12:29 a.m. CLEVELAND - It appears the Cavaliers are close to missing out on another free agent. But it's not official yet. Forward Matt Barnes intended to turn down a multi-year offer from the Cavs on Monday and agreed in principle to a deal with the Toronto Raptors, sources said. ESPN reported the deal was worth two...
Updated at 12:29 a.m.
CLEVELAND - It appears the Cavaliers are close to missing out on another free agent.
But it's not official yet.
Forward Matt Barnes intended to turn down a multi-year offer from the Cavs on Monday and agreed in principle to a deal with the Toronto Raptors, sources said. ESPN reported the deal was worth two years and $10 million. According to a league source, the Raptors' offer was significantly higher than what the Cavs offered.
However, the deal would require a sign-and-trade with Barnes' old team, the Orlando Magic. The mechanics of that deal weren't finished Monday night. There is a possibility it could fall through and Barnes could reconsider the Cavs' offer.
If Barnes can get his deal done with the Raptors, it will be the second time in the past several days that the Cavs have been outbid on a free agent. On Saturday, center Brad Miller turned down an offer from the Cavs to take a three-year, $15 million deal from the Houston Rockets. It is believed to be more than the Cavs were willing to offer Miller.
Last week, the Cavs signed restricted free-agent guard Kyle Lowry to an offer sheet that started around $5 million per season before the deal was matched by the Rockets.
The major reason the Cavs aren't able to complete deals at the moment is they are unwilling to outbid other teams. After losing LeBron James, the team likely will have to pay a premium to get mid-level free agents such as Miller and Barnes.
With an eye toward restructuring over the next several seasons, that doesn't appear to be something General Manager Chris Grant is ready to do.
The Cavs continue to have trade talks involving Delonte West, who has a partially guaranteed contract. League sources indicate the Cavs are beginning to get some traction with several teams in trade talks for West.