The Cavs are nearing a deal with free agent center Larry Sanders, Sam Amico of Fox Sports reports. While there are still obstacles to be cleared before a deal is complete, the Cavs have an obvious need for a big man following Andrew Bogut‘s season-ending injury. Following Bogut’s injury, David Aldridge of TNT speculated the Cavs could ramp up their pursuit of Sanders (Twitter link).
For a signing to be completed, the Cavs would need to release Bogut. If all goes as planned, Amico notes, a deal could be reached by Monday (Twitter link).
[RELATED: Cavaliers Plan To Waive Andrew Bogut]
Shams Charania of The Vertical corroborated Amico’s report, writing that Sanders and the Cavs are “in serious discussions toward a deal.” Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders shed further light on the potential signing, claiming Sanders was initially Cleveland’s backup plan at the five. The team opted to sign the more experienced Bogut, who received just one minute of court time before suffering a fractured tibia.
Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype reported that no deal is imminent for the Cavs, as a decision will likely be made following their road trip. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com concurred, observing that if a signing were to take place, Sanders wouldn’t be a part of this current road trip.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN gave a measured assessment of negotiations, claiming the Cavs are in talks with several players for Bogut’s roster spot. Sanders playfully foreshadowed his return earlier today, tweeting “Looks like Ima need my goggles back.”
If Sanders signs with the Cavs, he’ll be eligible to play in the postseason. In fact, no current free agent is ineligible for the playoffs, since no one has been waived since March 1 — Bogut would be the first player to fit that bill, assuming his release is made official.
good luck
Thanks
Man, was hoping he went to the Celtics.
He won’t be an issue, Lebron won’t let him be.
Only guy out there that can block a shot that’s not in the D-League.
he wont be eligible for the playoffs, that would be scary lol
He would be eligible for the playoff roster. He was a free agent before March 1st, as long as he signs before the last week of March he would be eligible.
Sanders was who I wanted for the Cavs from the beginning. While Bogie is more cerebral than Sanders, Larry is an athletic Javale McGee type that could help stem the gashing in the paint that’s been plaguing Cleveland–pull the trigger NOW!!!