Sasha Gone… Birdman Cometh

Sasha… we hardly knew ya.

The Cleveland Cavaliers went from virtually cornering the market on Russian big men to now having zero after announcing Friday the trading of big man Sasha Kaun to the Philadelphia 76ers. As first reported by The Vertical, the move created room on the roster for the Cavs to sign center Chris “Birdman” Andersen in a separate deal.

Cleveland has unloaded Sasha Kaun onto Philadelphia, which sources say clears the way for the Cavs' signing of Chris "Birdman" Andersen.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 15, 2016

The trade sends the man affectionately known around these parts as the Russian Victory Cigar and his $1.3 million guaranteed salary for 2016-17 to Philly along with cash considerations. In return, the Cavs get the draft rights to some dude named Chukwudiebere Maduabum.

The Sixers reportedly intend to waive Kaun once the trade is finalized. Sasha averaged just 0.9 points and 1.0 rebounds last season as a 31-year-old rookie after spending most of his career overseas. In losing him, LeBron also loses his lucky Kansas Jayhawk (no word yet on who the next good luck candidate might be).

For you cap-ologists out there, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Cavs basically bought some of Philadelphia’s cap space in the form of a trade exception, with the Sixers having the Kaun salary hit offset by the money the Cavs returned in the deal.

The Vertical later confirmed that Cleveland also agreed to a one-year, vet-minimum deal with Birdman on Friday, according to sources.

Sources on @TheVertical: Free agent Chris "Birdman" Andersen agrees to deal with Cavaliers, rejoins LeBron James. https://t.co/ANYScOAte8

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 15, 2016

Andersen, a 6-foot-10 center who turned 38 last week, played four seasons with LeBron James in Miami. He spent last season with the Grizzlies, averaging 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in 20 appearances. If he’s got anything left in the tank, he should provide at worst some decent backup minutes at the five, and at best fit the “enforcer” role with his attitude and toughness.

The Cavs still need to sign LBJ, Ty Lue and J.R. Smith to their respective deals. One hopes they have enough ink to do so… especially with how liberally both J.R. and Birdman use it.

Anyway… here’s to Sasha Kaun and his brief stay with the Cavs. I can think of only two ways to send him on his way…