The Cleveland Cavaliers have put $24 million on the table for free agent center Andrew Bynum, but he could only see $6 million of it if he doesn't reach a number of "incentive benchmarks" related to his production and chronic knee issues, ESPN's Marc Stein reports.
Bynum was offered a two-year deal worth $12 million per season, but only half of the first season is guaranteed. The second year is a team option with apparently fewer benchmark constraints.
The biggest bidder
Are the Cavs in sound position because of their large offer?The Dallas Mavericks became the third NBA team to meet with the former Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers center, who missed the entire 2012-13 season because of knee surgeries. The Mavs were undergoing discussions with team doctors on Wednesday to determine Bynum's health.
The Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks have also met with Bynum.
Bynum played 60 of the 66 games during the 2011-12 lockout season but before that had not played more than 65 games in a regular season since '06-'07. That's mostly to do with his multiple knee issues. But the risk could be very well worth the reward. Just 25 years old and coming off a full year of rest, Bynum averaged 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game with the Lakers two years ago.
More from SB Nation:
• Flannery: The best (and worst) from NBA free agency
• Ziller: 'Melo on the Lakers? Stop it
• LaMarcus Aldridge angling for trade to Bulls?