The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

October 26, 2001

The Cleveland Cavaliers signed and traded forward Chris Gatling to the Miami Heat. The Cavs received swingman Ricky Davis from Miami and forward Brian Skinner from the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors received forward Don MacLean and cash from the Heat.

Notes:

• MacLean was waived on October 29.
• Davis and Skinner can become free agents next summer.

2001 - 2002 Player Salaries:

Chris Gatling, Mia: $2.5 M.

Ricky Davis, Cle: $1.5 M.

Brian Skinner, Cle: $1.48 M.

Don MacLean, Tor: $0.965 M.

Who got the best of the deal?

Miami.

Why?

Acquiring Gatling gives Miami a quality backup for Alonzo Mourning at center which means Miami can limit Zo’s minutes to 30 or less per game in order to limit any conditioning problems Zo may have from his kidney illness.

Gatling, 6’10, is instant offense off the bench. He’s also a good rebounder, too. Chris always causes matchup problems for other big men because of his quickness; his left handed shot; and his shooting touch from the perimeter.

“This is the man that we need,” Heat coach Pat Riley said. “He really gives you offense, instant offense. He's a good rebounder, an offensive rebounder, and a good shooter. We've been working on it for a couple of months.”

Due to injuries to forward Tyrone Hill (back) and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (still recovering from foot surgery), the Cavaliers needed to shore up their front court. Obtaining Brian Skinner meets that need. Skinner, 6’9, is a very good rebounder and a decent shot blocker, too. He’s strong, physical, and quick around the basket. He’s bounced around the league in his short career (3rd team in 4 years); but, his effort and rebounding skills should help the Cavs.

“Because of our lack of bigs going into the season, Skinner was the key,” Cavs general manager Jim Paxson said. “But Ricky Davis is another young, athletic player that we get a chance to look at.”

Ricky Davis, 6’6, is young and very athletic; however, the Cavs will be his 3rd team since Charlotte drafted him in 1998.

Toronto was looking to unload a contract so they could sign point guard Carlos Arroyo. General manager Glen Grunwald said the Raptors will waive MacLean, who has quadriceps tendinitis.

“This trade gives us the flexibility to address some of the concerns we had regarding the imbalance of our roster,” Grunwald said in a statement.

“It was a difficult decision to trade a young and talented player like Brian, but I know he is looking forward to the opportunity in Cleveland.”