Cavs Unlikely To Sign Bowen

[The Goods]

Two years ago during a playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, Amar'e Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns referred to then Spurs swing-guard Bruce Bowen as a "dirty player."

As of last Friday, a brand new moniker was slapped on Bowen: "waived."

 

Now at the age of 38-years-old, the three-time world champion and one of the leagues better known defenders the past several seasons is looking for a clean start to a career that's spanned 13-years in the NBA.

 

Could his next stop have a ring to it?

 

When the Milwaukee Bucks requested waivers on Bowen – whom they acquired from San Antonio in mid-June as part of a three-team trade along with Detroit – they possibly assumed he'd return to the franchise where'd he'd spent the last eight seasons. Yet in the coming week, either the Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers will be sending Bucks General Manager John Hammond a big thank you for gift wrapping Bowen, leaving the best in the East to get even better towards championship aspirations.

 

The Orlando Magic also had their name mentioned on the shortlist for Bowen's services, but those initial suitors have basically come down to Boston and Cleveland at this point.

 

According to published reports a return to the Spurs appears "unlikely" while the Celtics are said to be holding off on signing free agent Marquis Daniels of the Indiana Pacers until management can decide if adding Bowen to their roster is more feasible.

 

On the same day Milwaukee waived Bowen, Boston declined to pick up the option on reserve point guard Gabe Pruitt, creating an open roster spot if they now choose to add a defensive presence that has been lacking since swingman James Posey exited town after the Celtics seized an NBA title in 2008.

 

Currently, Boston has a Bi-Annual Exception estimated at $1.9 to apply to either Bowen or Daniels. But what is the deeper immediate need? Some believe that money should go towards a backup point guard to Rajon Rondo, particularly now since the front office is hesitant to re-sign Stephon Marbury.

 

Others say the addition of Bowen would only help solidify Boston's team chemistry.

 

Much like Boston though, Cleveland also made room on their roster last week and have a little money to spend.

 

Last Wednesday, the Cavs – who also have their Bi-Annual Exception – waived guard Tarence Kinsey. It was simply one move in a long list of offseason activity in Cleveland this summer. First it was Shaquille O'Neal, and most recently Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon joined the mix. But that's not all. Now the front office is chasing a reserve power forward.

 

After Hakim Warrick signed with Milwaukee the day Bowen was waived, attention has shifted to Celtics free agent Leon Powe. Reports out of Cleveland suggest the Cavs have offered Powe a contract described as a "short-term limited offer."

 

But that doesn't mean there isn't room for discussions with Bowen in Cleveland. If anything, they are just beginning.

 

The two sides will likely have talks in the coming days simply based on the relationships forged between Bowen, Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown from their days (2000-03) in San Antonio. Ferry and Bowen were teammates at that time, with Brown serving as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich. In 2003, Bowen, Ferry, Brown and the Spurs captured an NBA championship.

 

Six years later, Bowen – who has been called everything from "dirty" to a defensive stopper – is a gun for hire, but for how long?

 

While time will tell, Bowen's free agent decision won't be about money.

 

It's about where he can go win another championship.

 

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13494

Edited August 6, 2009 by The Goods

[The Goods]

Cavs Unlikely To Sign Bowen

 

The Cavaliers have been rumored as a suitor for Bruce Bowen, but they are unlikely to sign him, according to a source.

 

They still have their $2 million bi-annual exception at their disposal, but they are not committed to using it this season.

 

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61003/20090806/cavs_unlikely_to_sign_bowen/

[Cleveland's Finest]

Good. Don't need to waste money anymore.