$12M in cap space to use between end of season and July 1st

[Jclaw]

So I guess this is the financial upside of the Barbosa trade. If he stayed and his contract came of the books july 1st, we would have that money to spend but so would every other team with expiring contracts. By getting rid of it now, we have about $12 million in cap space to use before July 1st (apparently a larger amount than most according to Bryco on the radio today). We all know what an (non) asset the TPE was...what do you think of this bargaining chip? I guess teams with realistic shots at big name FA's might be dumping talented players to clear room for July 1st. Any recent trades like that come to mind?

http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/2...ers_breakdown/

edit: just don't post this one o On June 13, 2009, Miami acquired Jermaine O'Neal, Jamario Moon, a future first-round pick and a 2010 second-round pick from Toronto in exchange for Shawn Marion, Marcus Banks and cash considerations.[51]