Cavs send Cleaves to Kings for Jones

[#1MavsFan]

Cavs send Cleaves to Kings for Jones

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Associated Press


CLEVELAND -- Needing another point guard after trading Andre Miller earlier this summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Mateen Cleaves on Tuesday from the Sacramento Kings for forward Jumaine Jones.


After dealing Miller to the Los Angeles Clippers in July for forward Darius Miles, the Cavs were left with only Bimbo Coles as the only true point guard on their roster.


The Cavs think the 25-year-old Cleaves, who was buried on Sacramento's bench behind Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson, can solve their backcourt dilemma.


Coles, a 12-year veteran, played in just 33 games last season before having knee surgery. Rookie DaJuan Wagner played some point guard in college, but he's better suited as a shooting guard and the Cavs don't want to use him at the point unless they have to.


The 23-year-old Jones averaged 8.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in his first season with the Cavs, who got the small forward along with forward Tyrone Hill in the trade that sent Matt Harpring, Cedric Henderson and Robert Traylor to the Philadelphia 76ers.


The 6-foot-8 Jones will give the Kings some much needed depth up front.


"He's a good athlete, which is where we wanted to get better,'' said Kings coach Rick Adelman. "We felt like we didn't need three point guards. This is going to add to our depth and flexibility.''


Jones became expendable after the Cavs acquired Miles and re-signed restricted free agent Ricky Davis. Cleveland also has Lamond Murray at small forward, although he could be the next player traded.


Murray recently released a statement voicing his displeasure with the Cavs' latest rebuilding effort. He closed by saying, "Play me or trade me.''


Cleaves averaged just 2.2 points in 32 games after being dealt to Sacramento from Detroit on Sept. 7 last year for guard Jon Barry and a future first-round draft pick.


Cleaves led Michigan State to an NCAA title in 2000, and was then drafted by his hometown Pistons. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.7 assists in 78 games as a rookie.

[aexchange]

cavs get the short end of the stick again.

jones is just gonna get stuck on the bench, and is a pretty nice player to have. cleaves is nothing more than a spare.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Kings as of right now are livin in fantasy land. They are getting nice players for nothing. Jones may not be a superstar but to have him when Peja or Turk get injured is nice to have. Plus they have Clark in the mix too.