Sources: Amar'e to CAVS deal almost done

[King Taharqa]

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns are closing in on a deal that would send All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire to Cleveland, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

The Cavaliers would send Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson to Phoenix in exchange for Stoudemire, one of the league's most dominant big men.

While Cleveland remains in talks with several other teams, the club, from management down to the players, has settled on Stoudemire as its first choice.

The ball is in Phoenix's court. The Suns are mulling whether the financial relief provided by Ilgauskas' $12 million contract and the young and talented Hickson are enough for them to part with Stoudemire.

Cleveland believes the addition of Stoudemire would all but seal LeBron James' re-signing with the team when he becomes a free agent this summer. The Cavaliers are also prepared to sign Stoudemire, who has one year and $17 million remaining on his contract, to a long-term contract extension once the season ends.

The Suns would likely waive Ilgauskas, a move that would allow him to be re-signed by Cleveland after 30 days.

Cleveland is also talking with Washington about acquiring Antawn Jamison, as well as Indiana about Troy Murphy. Meanwhile, Golden State is trying to entice the Cavs into taking Corey Maggette for Ilgauskas.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4913305

So basically Amar'e for Hickson straight up. If this goes thru...:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[Kakarot]

Hickson has been ballin' the past couple of weeks. Pretty good move for Phx if this goes through. He obviously wont replace a talent like Amare, but Phx was going to lose Amare in a year or 2 anyways.

As much as I cant stand the Cavs, I think this move almost guarantees them a finals spot.

[tarheelblue89]

Why don't we go after Jamison? Just cause they won't trade within the division?

[King Taharqa]

Wheelin' & dealin!!!!

[Panthers128]

typical unbalanced NBA trade

[RedMage138]

PHX wants to clear salary, not that they have any chance of landing one of the big name free agents this year.

Never underestimate the value of expiring contracts.

[pstall]

my god what a front court

[CarolinaPride5]

DAMN! I will cry if this trade goes down. You mine as well give the ring to the Cavs right then if it happens.

[pdandy1994]

itll be a boring playoff if they get Amar'e

[CarolinaPride5]

Why? Lakers can still easily compete with the Cavs, and they might get Kirk Hinrich or T. Prince...

[Zaximus]

Cavs are trying to show LeBron they'll do what it takes so he sticks around. Don't think that isn't coming to play here.

[CarolinaPride5]

Amare reportadly doesn't want to go to Cleveland.

And now Amare is closer to going to Miami then Cleveland.

[Guild]

Is Amare really that good? I hear he sucks at D.

[Britneck]

If he wins a title he will be back in Cleveland. If he doesn't, he is gone. If this deal goes through I will be in Cleveland in June.