NBA Free Agent Update: Shawn Marion to Sign With Cleveland Cavaliers Despite Strong Offer From Indiana Pacers
Free agent forward Shawn Marion will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, turning down a strong offer from the Indiana Pacers, Marc Stein of ESPN reported on Sunday.
Sources indicated that Marion, an unrestricted free agent this summer, has informed the Cavaliers about his decision to accept their offer, which is believed to be at veteran's minimum level.
Marion, who averaged 10.4 points to go along with 6.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game last season, could have accepted more lucrative offers from other teams, but the 36-year-old forward reportedly decided to move to Cleveland in the hope of winning an NBA title.
The chance to play alongside LeBron James and the opportunity to contend for a title next season reportedly convinced Marion to choose Cleveland over their closest competitor, the Pacers.
Pacers president Larry Bird reportedly made a recruitment pitch last week where the Hall of Fame expressed their strong interest in acquiring the versatile forward, whom they are planning to utilize as replacement to Paul George, who is expected to miss the entire 2014-15 NBA season.
The Pacers were reportedly willing to offer up to $1.7 million to sign Marion -- an offer that is slightly higher than the Cavaliers' $1.4 million offer. The difference proved to be not enough to trump Cleveland's main selling point, which is the opportunity to contend for a title next season.
Bird expected to Marion to turn down their offer, admitting that they are not planning to make drastic moves to remain strong contenders this season despite losing George and Lance Stephenson via free agency.
"I came away with the feeling that he wants to be on a championship team, a team that's got a chance to win it," Bird said via CBS Sports. "But he knows that we're probably not going to do nothing for a while and he has a place here if he wants to come."
Since getting commitment from LeBron James, the Cavaliers have already signed three veterans -- Marion, Mike Miller and James Jones -- who could help them in their title bid next season.
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