Howard passes on Cavs

Just heard from some sources that Juwan Howard is going to sign with the Mavericks. He listened to the Cavs offer and was interested, but apparently the fact that his family lives in the Houston area played a factor in the decision.
Howard, who averaged 9.7 points and 5.9 rebounds with the Rockets last season, was bought out by the Timberwolves on Monday. He was not thrilled the Wolves were rebuilding and wanted to play for a contender. There's no doubt the Mavericks are a contender. They've also got some big men with injury issues and Howard's played there in the past.
Because the Mavericks had to set their roster yesterday, Howard will not play against the Cavs tomorrow night in Cleveland.
Despite their rising success over the last several years, the Cavs have yet to attract a free agent that has been bought out despite making several tries. These types of players can often play major roles in contending teams efforts. Chris Webber's efforts last season in Detroit is just one recent example.
One player the Cavs may now look at is point guard Beno Udirh, who was traded from the Spurs to the Timberwolves and then waived Monday. A former first round pick, Udrih never delivered on his promise in San Antonio and was constantly in and out of Gregg Popovich's doghouse. However, Danny Ferry has been a Beno fan in the past and may take a look at him. The issue is that he's currently out with a broken finger.
The Cavs may indeed have gotten a free player in Demetris Nichols, a young player I personally am high on after seeing him in summer league. The media spoke with him at practice today. More on him in tomorrow's paper.