Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that free agent forward Shawn Marion is leaning towards signing with the Cavaliers over the Indiana Pacers.
Yahoo Sources: Free agent forward Shawn Marion leaning toward signing with Cleveland over Indiana. http://t.co/iKK1hyIHQS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) August 7, 2014
Indiana can offer more money, but the fact that Marion is leaning towards Cleveland tells you all you need to know about where the balance of power now lies.
Marion, 36, has yet to formally agree with the Cavaliers on a deal, but that could come soon, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Indiana Pacers wanted to pursue Marion as a short-term replacement for injured forward Paul George, and will likely soon be armed with a $5.3 million disabled player exception that would allow them to trump the Cavaliers’ offer of the veteran minimum of $1.4 million per season.
The Pacers are applying for the exception in the wake of George’s broken leg, sources said. Nevertheless, Indiana has started to move on from Marion, believing he’s headed to the Cavaliers, and search elsewhere for a free agent, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
David Aldridge of NBA.com first reported the Pacers’ plans to apply.
Marion averaged 0.4 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Mavericks last season and would give the Cavs another long, athletic wing player.