If Andrew Bynum signs with a team other than the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, his stat sheet from his time in Philly will be completely blank. The Sixers gave up a great deal to pry Bynum away from the Los Angeles Lakers last year, but injuries prevented him from appearing in a single game. Should he sign with another team, Philly would have absolutely nothing to show for the trade.
According to ESPN.com, that may happen. The Cleveland Cavaliers are considered to be “legitimate contenders” to sign Bynum, particularly if he is interested in signing a one-year deal. Cleveland currently has around $15 million in cap space but would like to save future space to pursue free agents like LeBron James next summer, so a big-money, one-year deal would suit the team nicely.
[Related: Philly DA wants to investigate Andrew Bynum for fraud]
And the Cavs aren’t the only potential suitors for Bynum. The Dallas Mavericks reportedly began courting Bynum after missing out on Dwight Howard on Friday. However, sources told ESPN.com that the Mavs have launched an “exhaustive” evaluation process of Bynum and are trying to figure out if his ailing knees are healthy enough to justify a long-term contract. If he cuts back on the bowling, he just might be able to stay on the court.
The Atlanta Hawks are also believed to be interested in Bynum, though they would prefer to sign free agent Monta Ellis. Whatever the case, it seems obvious that the Sixers have competition for the 25-year-old if they hope to bring him back and prove that their trade with LA was not completely useless.
