CAVS TRADE KAUN TO CLEAR ROSTER, CAP SPACE
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired center Sasha Kaun and cash from the Cleveland Cavaliers for the rights to forward Chukwudiebere Maduabum.
What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
Philly is expected to waive Kaun, so the Sixers are simply using their oodles of cap space here to help the Cavaliers make roster room, likely for veteran center Chris Andersen (who's been long-rumored as a free agent target for the Cavs). Cleveland is still contending, and adding 'Birdman' is a solid move for a mostly veteran squad. Kaun barely played for the Cavs, so he was the odd man out. He has already been waived by Philly.
What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
As mentioned, this is addition by subtraction for the Cavs. Cleveland needs roster space to sign Andersen, so the little-used Kaun was the player the Cavs chose to move. His salary wasn't large but moving it helps Cleveland with its cap issues. Maduabum's rights have been traded several times in recent seasons by teams needing to satisfy the NBA's rule that both clubs receive something in a trade, so it looks unlikely he'll join the Cavs.
Fantasy impact
Since Kaun has already been waived, this deal has no fantasy impact--except for Andersen, who should back up Tristan Thompson at center in 2016-17. That said, don't expect Birdman to put up fantasy-worthy stats at this point in his career. As for Maduabum, don't be surprised if his rights are traded by Cleveland in a future deal; he doesn't look set to join the NBA imminently.
