Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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In two separate trades today, the Cavaliers acquired guard Ronald "Flip" Murray from Seattle, and likely upgraded their second round selection in this year's NBA Draft.

The 6'3 Murray was acquired for Seattle in exchange for guard Mike Wilks and "cash considerations". Flip was averaging 9.9 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game in 22 minutes a night for the Sonics. He came over to Seattle along with Ray Allen as part of the trade that saw the Sonics send Gary Payton to the Bucks at the trade deadline a couple seasons back.

Murray was a second round selection of the Bucks in 2002, and was the Division II player of the year in his senior season at Shaw College. He made a name for himself replacing the injured Allen to start the 2003 season, taking the league by surprise with an incredible start. He went on to play in all 82 games that year, and averaged 12.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 26 minutes a night.

Murray is a capable defender, a good ballhandler, and is adept at putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket. He lacks as an outside shooter, making just 39.7% of his attempts this year, including 22.4% (17-76) of his three point attempts. He is a clear upgrade over Mike Wilks, and adds needed depth to the Cavs backcourt. He also provides insurance against the uncertain return of Cavs guard Larry Hughes. While Sasha Pavlovic will continue to start at shooting guard, it's likely Murray supplants him at some point down the stretch in the absence of Hughes.

The Cavs also dealt their second round pick to Philadelphia for Lee Nailon and the Sixers seond round pick, which will likely be higher than the Cavs pick. The Cavs also have the option to swap that selection with New Jersey's second round pick should the Nets end up selecting higher than Philly. On "The Mike Brown Show" on WTAM 1100 AM, GM Danny Ferry said the Sixers needed to make this deal to avoid paying almost 1 million dollars in luxury tax money, and that the Cavs were happy to help them there. He also said Nailon will likely never suit up for the Cavs and that his salary will be paid by Philly for the remainder of the season.