Photo: Matt York/AP

During the last three years, this week has been a hectic one for the Curse of Cleveland staff as well as most Cavaliers fans around the world. There have been countless rumors, several nearly-completed trades, and a couple of big deals done during this week leading up to the deadline. Between J.V. and myself, there have been thorough discussions, minor disagreements, hundreds of text messages, and several hours of sleep lost. This year is no different.

As the rumors swirl around the NBA that the Cavaliers are "down the tracks" and "close" to acquiring All-Star forward Amar'e Stoudemire from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for "Mr. Cavalier 2.0", Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and J.J. Hickson, my stomach is in knots, torn between two conflicting thought processes. Thought #1: "Amar'e Stoudemire? NO! He's selfish, he doesn't work on defense, he's injury prone, and he's going to walk after the season for Miami." Thought #2: "Amar'e Stoudemire! YES! He's an All-Star in his prime, and you can throw this title in the bag with him. LeBron will get him to stay, and he, Amar'e, and Mo can win multiple championships in Cleveland over the next decade." As the hours tick down before the deadline, I find myself excited and terrified at the same time. The right deal could help drive the Cavaliers to their first title, but the wrong deal could disrupt the Cavaliers' current role and position atop the NBA, leaving LeBron's return in doubt. Then, there's the uncertainty that comes with not making a deal at all and running into an unforseen buzzsaw like the Magic last season. To be honest, I just don't know.

What I do know is that Amar'e is a flatout stud. Stoudemire is averaging 21.2 points and 8.6 rebounds in 34.8 minutes per game this season. He's doing that on over 14 shots a game. He's a strong player in the pick-and-roll, transition game, and he can hit the mid-range jumper. He's 27 years old, which means he is right in his prime. Amar'e would likely get some great looks in the Cavalier offense that already features LeBron, Mo Williams, and Shaquille O'Neal, and double teaming anybody would be a huge risk. He also has proven to be a big-time player in playoff games, which is an added plus considering the growing pains the Cavaliers went through with Mo Williams last season.

The things that I don't know caution me about pulling the trigger on this deal. First, did Shaq and Amar'e learn enough from their first failed experiment to co-exist on a championship team? Will a change of scenery, a commitment to defense, a diminished role for Shaq, and the best player in the game be enough to thrive with what did not work in the desert? Will Amar'e play defense? Mo Williams was not known as a good defender when he came to the Cavaliers, but he has improved vastly in the Cavalier system. Has Amar'e already made up his mind to bolt to New York or Miami no matter where he is at season's end? If he has, the Cavaliers could end up losing two max players in the same offseason. Finally, what about his injuries, surgeries on both knees and a near career-ending eye injury? That's a big investment for a guy with microfracture surgery on one knee.

When I first heard this trade possibility, I responded to it with an emphatic "NO!" However, as I considered the fact that this could be the last chance to add to the supporting cast surrounding LeBron before he makes his decision in early July, I started to mull it over. Just about the last thing in the world I want the Cavaliers to do is trade Zydrunas Ilgauskas, but if he can be brought back in 30 days (don't tell me Kerr and Ferry haven't discussed that wink-wink, off the record, etc.), it makes me strongly consider this proposition. Hickson is going to be a solid player, but best case scenario is that he turns into Amar'e Stoudemire. A more likely scenario is that Hickson turns into a quality starter that is still not an All-Star. Cavs beat writer Brain Windhorst said it himself, "I like J.J. Hickson, but you can find J.J. Hicksons." Plus, there is no playing time for Hickson if Amar'e comes in, Z is brought back, and Leon Powe is able to contribute.

Part of me wants the middle ground in this trade for Amar'e or stand pat dilemma: Antawn Jamison. Jamison brings an All-Star caliber player who fits into what the Cavaliers do much clearer. He's also under contract for 2 season after this year, and while that can be seen as a bad thing for the 33 year old, he also won't be walking in three months. Sure, he is exiting his prime, but I think 20 points and 9 rebounds from the fourth scoring option is more than enough. Cut his minutes, don't ask him to leave his comfort zone like he has been asked to this year with the Wizards, and reap the benefits. Sure, it's going to cost you Z and J.J. still, but it's a better move for this year, which is still the most important year in franchise history. Besides, two years from now, Jamison's contract becomes trade bait. Not to mention, Jamison is one of the most upstanding players in the NBA, and he is a proven playoff performer (recall his numbers in that Cavalier sweep two years ago?)

The general vibe going out right now is that the Cavaliers are more likely to make a deal than not right now. If they can get Amar'e or Jamison, I feel that they become the clear favorites to win it all. Amar'e is the far greater risk, but he also opens the possibility to a LeBron-Amar'e-Mo dynasty over the next 5-6 years that could yield multiple titles. If I've learned anything, it's that you've got to trust that Danny Ferry and LeBron James will get it right and do what's best for the organization.

Either way, I just want Thursday afternoon to get here so A) we will know for sure what the Cavs move forward with into the second half of the season and the playoffs and B) they can get back to playing basketball and extending that 13-game winning streak.

All for one. One for all.

Kirk

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