Cleveland Cavaliers: Should They Look Into Lakers Guard Jose Calderon?
Fox Sports’ Chris Broussard brought it up and it’s a brilliant idea that deserves more conversation. The Cleveland Cavaliers should make a run at Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jose Calderon.
Fox Sports’ Chris Broussard tweeted earlier about the possibility of the Cleveland Cavaliers signing point guard Jose Calderon if he was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers. Calderon would be a terrific acquisition for the Cavs.
If Lakers waive Jose Calderon, don't be surprised if he ends up in Cleveland.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) January 9, 2017
However, I don’t think the Cavs should wait for him to be bought out from his contract or waived.
Jose Calderon is a 35-year-old veteran who came to the NBA at 24-years-old and worked his way into the Toronto Raptors starting lineup by his third year in the NBA. Known for his abilities as a passer, spot-up shooter, European flair and fiery game on the court, Calderon was certainly a known commodity throughout the NBA in his prime.
So, perhaps unsurprisingly, Calderon has been a starter in the league every year since. That is, until this season.
Calderon was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as the Chicago Bulls dumped salary to sign Dwyane Wade and with D’Angelo Russell, a potential superstar point guard in tow, and Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams, Calderon was destined to sit on the bench in a role far different from the one he had held for the previous nine seasons.
That’s probably why the Lakers would waive Calderon, or attempt to buy out his contract.
But truth be told, that’s not an ideal scenario for the Cavs as Calderon may end up fielding offers from multiple contenders. Hopefully, Calderon does care about how much money he’d potentially lose and won’t want to be bought out of his contract.
In that situation the Lakers would have to trade him and the Cavs, who need a backup point guard, should and would be trading for a player one year removed from being a starter. If Calderon is the point guard the Cavs want, he’s likely the most available and accessible one on the trade market. He also fits the team’s culture and style of play.
For those reasons, Calderon should be a trade target.