If Griffin/Cavs do end up acquiring a TPE, and with the RJ signing looking to corroborate this type of direction, I would look next for Griffin to flip what's left for some future assets.
He's already as much said both Christmas and Pointer won't likely make the roster. He could/should however move their rights to a team for a 2nd round pick, Christmas for sure.
Pointer's athleticism and defense may be worth a roster spot and a future 2nd for a rebuilding team, and Christmas, being a fringe 1st rounder at #35 overall, I would be stunned if he weren't able to fetch a 2nd rd pick in return.
I also wouldn't be surprised, especially if/when JR Smith is resigned, if Joe Harris weren't shipped out as well for a 2nd rounder and an exception to cover his salary.
As much as some people like Harris, I think you flip him for a 2nd if you can, a future pick will be more valuable than he as a player IMO, especially after his abysmal showing in Vegas coupled with the lack of playing time that lies ahead for him....buried down the roster. You keep him if they think Harris the player provides value as a trade chip now or down the road. I just wouldn't be surprised if a pick would ultimately garner more in a package along with the TPE he'd create.
If Harris were indeed moved, the Cavs could use what's left of their mid level and sign a shooter or 3rd SG off the bench such as Ben Gordon or my personal fave... Un-retired Ray Allen.
This would give the Cavs 3 future 2nd rounders to be able to use down the road with their TPE or any other potential moves.
I lastly, would roster a guaranteed contract with C Sasha Kahn with a minimum deal, as he's already stated he would play for as much to win. He would be the 5th big off the bench and could be used as another chip down the road.
If Griffin pulls off retaining JR Smith on a 2 year 12-14 million dollar deal, with 2nd year team option, the Cavs with these simple moves would be armed with these assets headed into the '15-16 season trading deadline....
1) 10.5 TPE
2) 3 2nd rounded within next few years.
3) Vet minimum rostered C Kahn
4) Expiring deal Varejao 10 million
5) Expiring deal JR 6-7 million
6) Would have Mike Millers expiring 3.8 deal too, least likely of all to be included.
This wouldn't be bad from an asset arsenal perspective...
PG: Irving/ Williams/ Delly
SG: JR Smith/ Shumpert / Allen
SF: Bron/ Jefferson/ Miller
PF: Love/ Thompson/ Jones
C: Mozgoz/ Varejao/ Kahn
- Half mini TPE (unless Allen takes)
- 10.5 TPE
- 3 2nd round picks
- 1 950 k TPE