Agent: Baron Davis has serious back injury
On the same day the Cleveland Cavaliers used their amnesty clause to waive Baron Davis, Davis' agent told Yahoo! Sports the point guard is expected to miss the next eight to 10 weeks with a back injury.
Davis, 32, can be claimed off the NBA's amnesty waivers by any team under the salary cap. The team with the highest bid is awarded Davis. If Davis clears waivers, he will become a free agent and can sign with any team. The Miami Heat and New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers – who are all over the salary cap – could benefit from signing a veteran point guard.
Davis has a herniated disc in his back and will be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks, his agent, Todd Ramasar told Y! Sports. Ramasar said the injury is legitimate and Davis isn't trying to circumvent the amnesty waiver process.
"Baron’s focus is his health,” Ramasar said. “He’s going to be out for a minimum of eight to 10 weeks if there’s no setbacks, according to the Cavs’ medical staff. He’ll do the physical therapy now until he’s healthy and able to ease his way back on to the court.”
Davis reported to training camp with the Cavaliers, but didn't practice because of the injury.
[ Also: NBA trades Chris Paul to Clippers ]
Davis came to Cavaliers midway through last season in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in 15 games with the Cavaliers.
By waiving Davis, the Cavaliers remove the remaining $28.7 million and two years left on his contract from their payroll for salary cap and tax purposes. The team is obligated to pay Davis the entire amount – minus the $1.9 million that was guaranteed in the final year of his deal and any possible waiver bid from another team.
The Cavaliers will make No. 1 overall pick Kyrie Irving their starting point guard. Irving recently told Y! Sports he'd prefer to immediately be given the starting job rather than learn under Davis.
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