The NBA’s defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to make another roster move.
Following today’s practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts, David Griffin, Cavs General Manager, announced that center Chris Andersen, along with cash considerations, will be sent to the Charlotte Hornets in return for a protected second-round pick.
The pick the Cavs get from Charlotte in the Birdman deal is a 2017 top-55 protected second rounder, league source tells ESPN
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 13, 2017
Per Cavs Insider Sam Amico, the Hornets are expected to waive Andersen, essentially offering the Cavs tax relief in exchange for the cash considerations. This could mean the end of Andersen’s career.
“Birdman,” as Andersen is affectionately known, was signed as a free-agent on July 21st and appeared in 12 games before suffering an ACL injury. The 6-foot-10 big man averaged 2.3 points and 2.6 rebounds for the Cavs in his dozen games this season.
Moving Andersen frees up another spot on Cleveland’s roster, enabling them to further pursue other available free agents on the market. The champs could elect to go after a veteran backup point guard or center. Stay tuned on deals through the NBA’s trade deadline on February 23rd.
Thank you for your service, Bird.
