Cavs Headed to Finals??

The Cleveland Cavaliers improved their chances of getting to the NBA Finals by getting Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison in a three-team deal. The traded center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a first-round pick to Washington. The Wizards sent newly acquired forward Drew Gooden to Los Angeles Clippers while also getting back Al Thorton and Brian Skinner. The Clippers also are sending Sebastian Telfair to the Cavaliers. It appears the Cavaliers move is a gesture showing soon-to-be free agent LeBron James a commitment to winning. Now they can counter Rashard Lewis. The Cavs had no answer for Lewis last postseason in losing the East title to the Magic. Among other things, Jamison lightens LeBron James’ workload and provides offense that Anderson Varejao doesn’t. This does not give them an automatic pass through the East and on to the Finals to face Kobe and the Lakers. Although the Magic don’t seem to quite have the mojo they did at this time last season, they certainly aren’t intimidated by the Cavs of LeBron and Shaq. The Cavaliers wound up with a great deal, losing only Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the lowest of first-round picks. So how was Cleveland was able to keep J.J. Hickson? All along, the potential deal had been Stoudemire for Ilgauskas, Hickson, Danny Green and that likely No. 30 pick. But Cleveland took Hickson out of the negotiation today and Phoenix folded on it and does not expect to make a deal. The other most likely candidate for a Stoudemire trade was Miami because of the Heat's interest in him but the Heat have not put together any offer that comes close to enticing the Suns. A third team would likely need to be involved. He again did not say that he would prefer to stay with the team but emphasized how hard he would continue to play for his teammates if he is not traded.