A team making a run at a title might have an interest in trading for Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison, says Mary Schmitt Boyer.
View full sizeSacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson.Q: Hey, Mary: Are the Cavs interested in Jason Thompson of the Kings or O.J. Mayo of the Grizzlies? They're both young, talented and unwanted by their current team. Thompson especially would give the Cavs an actual post threat. -- Sam Rugg, Columbus
A: Hey, Sam: I think they like the long, active Thompson more than Mayo at this point, but that doesn't mean they're pursuing either one. Mayo, who recently moved from the starting lineup to the bench, just got a vote of confidence from the Grizzlies owner, for what that's worth.
Q: Hey, Mary: What are the chances that any team at the trade deadline would take Antawn Jamison? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland
A: Hey, Angelo: I think a team that is making a serious run at a title and feels it needs one more piece might do so. Remember, that's exactly what the Cavs did last season.
Q: Hey, Mary: With the loss of Shaq, Z and LeBron, I imagine the Cavs' team payroll this year is much lower. How does this year's team salary compare to last year, and how does this year's team salary rank in the NBA? -- Rich Smith, Columbus
A: Hey, Rich: The Cavs' payroll currently ranks 28th in the NBA, at about $52.26 million. Last season, their payroll was about $85 million.
Q: Hey, Mary: Have there been any rumblings about [owner
Dan] Gilbert selling the team? I just don't understand why he hasn't made any statements during this losing streak. Something like telling us how he shares our frustration and he's doing everything in his power to make us better would suffice. Are you surprised he hasn't made any public statements? -- Eric Sulzer, Columbus
A: Hey, Eric: I think Gilbert was stung by the media criticism in the wake of his open letter to the fans after LeBron James left, and so I think he's keeping a low profile. I have heard nothing about him selling the team.
Q: Hey, Mary: Why isn't J.J. Hickson playing? If he is supposed to be our future, he needs to play, or [owner Dan] Gilbert needs to admit he's not and we need to blow it up and rebuild. Your thoughts? -- Brett Shaver, West Park
A: Hey, Brett: Hickson isn't playing because coach Byron Scott isn't happy with his effort and/or focus, and until Hickson figures out that he needs to work hard consistently, he probably isn't going to get more minutes. Gilbert doesn't really have any say in that. Right now, the Cavs are going to be patient as they determine what they have and what they need moving forward. I do not see them blowing up the team at this point.
Q: Hey, Mary: What are the Cavs going to do with the high-salary veterans on this team? I feel like the Washington Wizards of last year. Are we going to move Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison? And when is J.J. Hickson going to respond to coach Scott's pressure? He needs to step up! -- Da'Quell Wentworth, Waite Hill
A: Hey, Da'Quell: Because of their salaries, Williams and Jamison are not as attractive to potential suitors as Cavs fans would like to believe. In addition, the Cavs have stated time and time again that they're going to be patient in determining what they need moving forward. Jamison has said things here are not as bad as they were in Washington last season, so we will have to take him at his word. As for Hickson, you are correct. He doesn't realize that he really controls his playing time -- not coach Scott.
-- Mary