There are plenty of people that believe Andrew Bynum is one of the best active centers in the NBA. He certainly showed that ability with the Los Angeles Lakers, but after being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, Bynum sat an entire year on the bench. With the status of his health still unknown, Bynum's free agency run could have gone either way. However, several teams showed plenty of interest and now the Cleveland Cavaliers have offered the center a contract.
Yahoo! Sports reports the Cavaliers have offered Bynum a two-year contract worth $24 million. The second year of the contract is a team option, essentially making the deal a one-year contract worth $12 million. The two parties met on Monday to discuss Bynum's future in the league and the status of his chronic knee injuries.
The center was expected to help the 76ers rebuild the team and instead did not play a single minute in the 2012-13 season because of numerous injuries. After undergoing surgery and treatment, Bynum has stressed that he is 100 percent healthy and ready to play again. However, he has refused to work out for any team interested. The Cavaliers will likely have their team doctors check out the free agent before handing over any money.
Cleveland is looking for a response from Bynum as soon as possible. The team option essentially eliminates any risk for the team should Bynum spend most of the year injured once again. At this point with Dwight Howard off the market, Bynum because the best center available to teams. Cleveland has been looking for a big man. They first expressed interest with Greg Odem, but Bynum is more proven obviously.
Signing with Cleveland could be a strong fit for Bynum. It would give him a low-pressure environment to try and get back into basketball shape. The fans and local media will not offer much pressure to the center to force himself back on the court in a short amount of time. With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters highlighting the roster, Bynum would be surrounded with young talent. Owner Dan Gilbert wanted to add a proven veteran to help with all the youth on the team and Bynum brings championship experience, fitting the team mold.
The Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks are still very interested in Bynum. It has not been reported whether or not the two teams have brought Bynum in for a visit, but they have expressed him as a potential target.
