Now that Andrew Bynum officially has a contact offer on the table from the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s time for the Dallas Mavericks to make a move. Cleveland has offered Bynum a two year, $24 million contract with a player option next year — giving both sides the ability to part ways, which is a plus.
Mark Cuban lost out on Dwight Howard as he chose the Houston Rockets over Big D, and he still needs to add some talent if he wants to see his team in the playoffs next spring.
If Cuban wants any chance at luring Bynum to Dallas, he needs to buck up and make a similar offer as the Cavaliers. With Dirk Nowitzki and a healthy Bynum, the Mavericks could be looking at quite the formidable front court.
Bynum’s last healthy season with the Los Angeles Lakers launched him into the conversation of being one of the best big men in the game, but due to his knee problems now, it is going to be tough to convince his critics he can still be that guy. The biggest factor into Bynum’s value next summer will rely 100 percent on his health — he knows this.
That could be a reason why he is choosing not to workout for teams this summer and begin his preparation for the season as scheduled, later this month. He and his camp do not want to potentially hurt his rehab schedule, but teams are going to have to take a chance on him now without seeing a workout.
Regardless of what the Cavaliers do at this point, Cuban needs to make a similar move and sweeten the competition for Bynum. It could be well worth the investment in the long run if he proves healthy, and if not, they can always let him go next year. It’s your move, Mr. Cuban.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
