Cleveland Cavaliers sign guard Kyle Lowry to offer sheet
LAS VEGAS -- The Cavaliers are attempting to make their first player acquisition of the summer. But like everything else during the past month, it is complicated.
According to multiple league sources, the Cavs signed restricted free-agent point guard Kyle Lowry to an offer sheet Tuesday night. His current team, the Houston Rockets, will have seven days to match the deal from when they receive the paperwork, which likely will be today.
The offer is for three years with a fourth-year team option that could make the contract worth up to $24 million. The Cavs are using a portion of their midlevel exception to sign Lowry. The Rockets have said they intend to match reasonable contract offers for Lowry.
It is unclear at this point whether the Cavs loaded the contract with a signing bonus or other incentives that would make it harder for the Rockets to match.
In Lowry, the Cavs likely see a quality defender who can back up Mo Williams or in the future become a starter. As a reserve for the Rockets last season, Lowry averaged 9.1 points and 4.5 assists in 21 minutes a game.
The 24-year-old is just 6-foot but is known for his defensive quickness and strength. Last season the Cavs were often victimized by quicker guards, notably Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo in the playoffs.
Going after Lowry is another sign that guard Delonte West has played his last game with the Cavs. West's $4.6 million contract is not guaranteed if he's waived before Aug. 3, and the Cavs have been looking to trade him in recent weeks.
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/cleveland_cavaliers_sign_guard.html
