Larry Sanders Could Be Bought Out; Perfect For Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers search for a backup big man may have another possible target: Larry Sanders. Sanders is in the midst of his 4 year, $44 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Even though he has had his struggles with injuries and suspensions, the idea of him being bought out seemed unreasonable. He has 3 more seasons at $11 million a season on his deal.

Yet here we are today with a report from ESPN that Sanders could indeed be bought out:

"Buyout discussions have commenced between the Milwaukee Bucks and Larry Sanders that would make the recently suspended big man a free agent, according to league sources.“Soon you all will know the truth,” Sanders tweeted last week.When asked last week about Sanders’ status, Bucks coach Jason Kidd told local reporters: “That will be determined during the break.”"

Wow!

Sanders was a premier defender but hasn’t played for the Bucks since December 23rd. His suspension related to drugs was just another problem for him. At $11 million he is not a risk the Cavs were likely to take to acquire. As a free agent, on a one year deal, he would be perfect. Sanders would provide the Cavs with a backup center with great quickness, rim protection and agility. He can get from block to block with one step, can elevate to block shots and can finish on the break.

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With LeBron James, Mike Miller, James Jones and the rest of the Cavs veterans, Sanders would be surrounded by players that could help guide him. He would also feel wanted, something that J.R. Smith has seemed to embrace upon his arrival in Cleveland. While his shooting isn’t great, he would provide the Cavs with a backup big that does not exist on the roster currently. Tristan Thompson is the lone backup in the frontcourt. Shawn Marion is asked to play big sometimes and Brendan Haywood is still on the roster because his contract has value.

How much it would cost for the Bucks to actually buy out Sanders will be interesting. He obviously wants out and they want to get rid of him. On the other hand, Sanders is not likely to make that kind of money in the near future. Maybe he takes $22 of the $33 million left on his contract and calls it a day.

Many teams would be after Sanders but, if the Cavs want him, the recruiting of LeBron James could be the key to the team acquiring him. A front line of Timofey Mozgov, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Larry Sanders is the stuff championship teams are made of.

What do you think about Larry Sanders filling the Cavs final roster spot if bought out?