A few teams got a major facelift during free agency which means things are definitely going to be shaken up next season, including the playoffs. One of the changes was All-Star center Andrew Bynum joining Kyrie Irving on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Shortly after the Cavs introduced their newest member, Bynum went on to make a big guarantee. Read more after the jump.
“I want to play a full season, and there is no doubt in my mind I can do that. I’m going to be ready for training camp, that’s the plan.” Bynum signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers only guaranteed Bynum $6 million in the first year of the deal, but he could earn an additional $6 million through performance incentives. Cleveland holds a $12 million team option for the second season.
“Kyrie’s talent is world renowned,” Bynum said. “Not having had the opportunity to play with a great point guard, a great one-five (point guard-center) combination is always a key in this game that we play.
Cleveland went 24-58 last season, making it 64-166 in three years since Akron native LeBron James left the franchise to sign with the Miami Heat as a free agent. “I want to get this team back into the playoffs and make some noise,” he said. “The Cleveland fans deserve that. I will bring leadership and experience to the great young nucleus of guys we have here. We have the talent. Now, all it’s going to take is hard work, and I’m willing to do that.”
The Associated Press
