Report: Shawn Marion commits to Cavaliers
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A late reported push by the Los Angeles Clippers added to a chase that included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat, but in the end, Shawn Marion reportedly decided on Cleveland some time this weekend.
ESPN sources say Shawn Marion has committed this weekend to sign with the Cavaliers
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 17, 2014
Cavs can only offer minimum deal to Shawn Marion but sources say chance to play with LeBron and play for a title trumped all other offers
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 17, 2014
The Cavs, who transformed from inexperienced playoff hopefuls to star-laden contenders upon LeBron James' decision to return home, suddenly boast a rotation that will include James, Kevin Love (once the reported Cavs/Timberwolves trade can become official on August 23), Mike Miller, James Jones and now Marion in addition to Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Anderson Varejao, and Tristan Thompson, among others.
Marion can no longer provide the offense he once did in his younger years, but he remains a competent defender at either forward position and can certainly still be useful for a contender like Cleveland, where he'll have a smaller, clearly defined role.
The 36-year-old, 15-year NBA vet averaged 10.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 76 games with the Mavericks last season.
Marion spent the last five seasons in Dallas, which included helping the Mavs win its only championship in franchise history in 2011, but his exit appeared sealed when the team acquired small forwards Chandler Parsons and Al-Farouq Aminu this summer.