They’re Breaking up the Band
Delonte West is the latest Cleveland Cavalier to be elevated to the status of ex-Cavalier, as the team traded him, along with Sebastian Telfair, to Minnesota for guard Ramon Sessions, Ryan Hollins and a 2013 second round pick.
It was understandable and not a surprise that the Cavs moved West, but it’s still disappointing. West was one of the players that made the Cavs so enjoyable to watch over the past three years. He was one of the team’s best players and his gritty, fearless style of play on the court fit in well in Cleveland.
Sadly, West’s off-court legal troubles – he recently plead guilty to two gun charges in Maryland and was sentenced to eight months of house arrest – and ongoing medial problems were too much for the Cavs to deal with anymore and they moved him out of town.
Sessions had his best seasons in Milwaukee, which is what made Mo Williams available to Cleveland two years ago after Sessions’ rookie season. Following the trade, he averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists in his second season. He moved to Minnesota last year as a free agent and struggled, averaging 8.2 points and 3.1 assists.
Sessions is in the second year of a four-year, $16 million contract, which means he is very cap friendly for the Cavs. Plus, the team picked up another draft pick, which is just another chip that can use in a potential trade down the road or to pick up another young player.
The 25-year-old Hollins is a super-athletic, but raw, forward/center who averaged 6.1 points and 2.8 rebounds last year.
So, while certainly not a blockbuster type of trade, it is another step in the slow process of rebuilding the Cavs.
But you’ll be missed Delonte.
Red Right 88 