Cavs deal Williams and Moon to Clippers for Baron Davis

Cavs deal Williams and Moon to Clippers for Baron Davis - The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed in principle to a trade that would send Baron Davis and the Clippers' 2011 first-round draft pick to Cleveland in exchange for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon.

By agreeing to the trade, the Cavs could potentially have two top-10 picks this year because the Clippers are also likely to be a lottery team. The pick is unprotected, meaning the Cavs get it regardless of where it is, and the Clippers currently have the seventh worst record in the NBA.

The Clippers would give up a likely top-10 lottery pick to make the savings happen. "That just shows you how much we hate this draft".
Williams reacted on Twitter to the trade Thursday morning, tweeting, "I wanna say thank you to all Cavs fans. It's been great. We've had some really good yrs and memories. I will never forget u guys."

He also tweeted a message to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, saying, "I love u man."

Davis is still owed nearly $28 million over the next two seasons and the balance of his $13 million contract this year. Moon's contract expires after this season. Williams is owed the balance of his $9.3 million salary this season and, with player options of $8.5 million for each of the next two years, potentially could get out of his contract altogether. The savings should give the Clippers more flexibility in free agency the next two seasons.

Williams’ production has taken a hit this season, as his scoring numbers are at their lowest level in five years and he has struggled to get on the floor because of a nagging hip injury. He is averaging 7.1 assists per game, which is a career high.

The production from the 31-year-old Davis has also been in decline in recent seasons, after he joined the Clippers in 2008. He is averaging 12.8 points per game, which is his lowest total since his rookie season in 1999.