A week ago, we proclaimed that the Cleveland Cavaliers were entering a make-or-break off-season, one that could potentially define the state of the franchise for, well?forever (assuming, of course, LeBron bolts Cleveland in the summer of 2007 if he doesn?t see the franchise heading in the right direction).  

 We also warned everyone that clearing boat loads of cap space off the books, as Cleveland was able to do prior to this summer, does not necessarily translate into free-agent love.  

 And thus far, it hasn?t.  At least not until Friday, when Washington Wizards? free-agent guard Larry Hughes agreed to terms with the Cavs on a five-year deal, reported to be in the $65-$70 million neighborhood.  

 After failing to land the likes of Michael Redd and Ray Allen, who both re-upped with their current teams - Milwaukee and Seattle, respectively - owner Dan Gilbert and Co. needed to come up with someone, and Hughes is apparently that someone.  

 Some critics will say Gilbert had to ?settle? for Hughes, who was not Cleveland?s top free-agent choice, or maybe top two choices, for that matter.  But in the end, the Cavs are better with Hughes in the fold than they would have been with either Redd or Allen.  

 Redd and Allen may have been the so-called sexier names (they certainly were the two most talked about free-agents), but Hughes is the better, more complete player.    

 Redd would have fit a specific need for the Cavs ? a deadly sharpshooter who can spare James from the countless double-teams he?ll continue to receive next season ? but other than perimeter shooting, there isn?t a whole lot the Ohio State product brings to the table.  He?s an All-Star level talent, but $90-plus million for a jump shooter?  

 As for Allen, he?s been a proven commodity for a long time and his performance during this year?s playoffs was nothing short of outstanding.  But we?re leery with the idea of throwing $80-plus million at a player who is going to be turning 30 later this month and who may wind up being someone the Sonics will look to ship off in a year or two.  

 Hughes, meanwhile, though he?s not known for his shooting (Hughes? shot selection can be suspect at times, and he?s a career 27% shooter from beyond the arc), is not only coming off a season in which he earned NBA All-Defensive team honors, but statistically, put up better numbers offensively than both Redd and Allen.

 Hughes led all free-agent 2-guards in rebounds (6.7) and assists (4.7) in addition to the 22 points a night he chipped in.  And while we all know Hughes is one of the premier thieves in the NBA - his 2.9 steals per game led the entire league - he is also a great ball handler who can penetrate the lane and create for others.  

 Yes, Hughes only shot 43% from the field this past season ? which, by the way, was the same percentage Allen shot from the floor - but don?t doubt for a second that he won?t shoot for a higher percentage with a pass-first star in James by his side rather than a shoot-first point guard such as Gilbert Arenas.  Hughes will get better looks at the basket.  

 Not to mention, at 26, Hughes is just entering his prime.

 Now there are concerns regarding Hughes? durability (he missed 21 games last season due to a broken thumb, and has only played in more than 70 games twice in his seven-year career) and consistency (until this past season, Hughes was an underachiever), which are valid.  But again, Cleveland needed to come away with a major free-agent this off-season, and Hughes fits that bill.   Even at a price tag of roughly $13 million annually.

 Hey, this is free agency.  Teams are simply going to overspend if they have to. If Bobby Simmons can garner a $47 million contract on the open market after one good season (Simmons agreed to terms with the Bucks on a five-year deal late Friday), then you would have to think Hughes received fair market value after the All-Star caliber year he enjoyed.

 The Cavs still need help.  They need a point guard (Damon Jones and Antonio Daniels remain intriguing possibilities.  Particularly Jones, who would also serve as a 3-point threat) and a big man (don?t rule out the possibility of Zydrunas Ilgauskas returning) before they can aspire to be a contender in the Eastern Conference in ?05-?06.   The addition of Hughes, however, is a step in the right direction.

 Even if he was Cleveland?s ?Plan C.?

 Kostas.Bolos@realgm.com