Cavaliers must make decision on Baron Davis

By Jason Lloyd

Akron Beacon Journal

At some point between now and Christmas, the Cavaliers will have a sticky situation to resolve in regard to their amnesty clause. They must decide whether to waive Baron Davis before this season or next.

It’s bound to happen eventually, the Cavs just have to figure out when the time is right.

All of the details regarding the amnesty clause won’t be worked out until the new labor deal is ratified later this week. Teams are expected to have the option to exercise the amnesty clause on one player currently on the roster during the length of the labor agreement, but they have to do it before the start of each season.

That means anyone signed next week and after isn’t eligible, only current contracts.

By exercising the amnesty clause, the team will still be responsible for the contract, but it will not count against the salary cap. Antawn Jamison and Davis are the only two big-ticket contracts left on the Cavs’ roster, but Jamison has one year left and Davis has two years and $28 million remaining, making him the ideal candidate.

A strong argument could be made that the Cavs are better off waiving Davis, handing the ball to Kyrie Irving and beginning this rebuild with their point guard of the future. It would also mean fewer victories this season, which isn’t so bad in the grand picture.

The 2012 NBA Draft will be bursting with talent.

Another high pick next summer is exactly what the Cavs need. Davis’ presence alone could mean the difference in five to seven victories this season.

That could mean the difference between drafting in the top three or the top 10.