Cavs nullify Kings trade

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Cavs nullify trade with Kings, acquire Palacio from Suns
September 17, 2002

CLEVELAND (Ticker) - The Cleveland Cavaliers nullified last week's trade that sent forward Jumaine Jones to the Sacramento Kings when guard Mateen Cleaves failed his physical.

Also Tuesday, the Cavaliers acquired guard Milt Palacio from the Phoenix Suns for a future second-round pick.

One week ago, the Cavs sent Jones to the Kings for Cleaves, who was supposed to help shore up depth at point guard. However, Cleaves did not pass the physical examination administered by team physician Dr. Richard Parker.

The trade of former first-round picks was contingent upon both players passing physicals, so the Cavs rescinded the deal and took back Jones.

"This results in having four very disappointed parties - the two teams and the two players involved - who were excited about the original trade," Cavs general manager Jim Paxson said. "Unfortunately, we had no other choice."

With Cleaves headed back to the Kings, the Cavs needed to add a point guard and did so in Palacio, 24. The 6-3 guard joins his fourth team.

Palacio spent his 1999-2000 rookie season with Vancouver. In 2000-01, he averaged a career-high 5.9 points per game with Boston. He was traded to Phoenix during last season and has averaged 3.8 points and 1.6 points in 180 games.