I'd take that system - a gun pointed at the head, rather than a bullet through the brain. It's a great incentive for Cleveland, but I think the real killer could be what they do when Ilgauskas and Wallace leave/retire - they ought to still have Varejao, Darnell Jackson and Hickson, but that is not a Championship-winning frontcourt. They need to acquire a star big man (doesn't have to be a superstar - just an on-the-cusp All-Star would do nicely). That would leave a core of LeBron, Mo, Varejao, plus this other big man. With support coming from Gibson, Hickson, Jackson and future draft picks, it's a nice team which is maybe one good trade/draft pick/free agent acquisition away from being a team threatening to become a Dynasty.
Interesting....makes you think about the rumor about LeBron and Bosh signing with New York...now if LeBron extends and they hold on to Wally Worlds expiring 13mil contract along with the 36mil extra dropping off in time for the 2010 market (Big Ben(14mil), Ilgaluskas(11mil), Varejao(6mil) & Pavlovic(5mil))...that's almost 50mil open to draw both Bosh and another player top tier player to join King James in Cleveland...very, very interesting
Not quite true - I'm expecting Varejao to have a huge payday at the end of this season - probably something in the region of $8-10m. Probably overpaying, but he is a very good piece for the Cavs - especially his defence and his offensive game is becoming threatening too. Pavlovic might re-sign (wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't) but it is likely to be at a reduced rate - hopefully to the extent that his and Varejao's total about $12 million. That would mean that there would be $45m (ish) coming off the books between now and 2010. (you forgot Eric Snow's deal). That would leave a payroll of about $40-$45m going into the 2010 offseason. Add in draft picks etc, and this will probably be more like $50m, giving them just about enough under the cap to get a max player (I think). They could get the max player (e.g. Bosh) then re-sign Ilgauskas to a shorter term deal, and then they'd be really dangerous. N.B. - the above is probably a bit far fetched.
Lets just wait for that to happen. Its fun to talk about but give it another week and the rumors about NY or NJ will start up all over again.