The cavs can only match up to the MLE. The reason they didn't pick up the option is because Boozer verbally agreed to resign for the MLE right away. If they had picked up the option, they would have been able to match any offer for him.
Actually George is right on this one.
Boozer had been with Cleveland only two years, so they didn't have his Bird rights. Had they picked up his option, his salary would have been whatever it was on his original contract. They could offer him up to the MLE on a new contract, but not beyond. (That assumes they don't clear salary by dumping Ilgauskas.)
When Cleveland declined Boozer's option, that made him an unrestricted free agent. Cleveland no longer has any matching rights at all. If they can clear out salary quickly, they might be able to put together an offer strong enough to get Boozer to change his mind. Otherwise, he just goes to Utah on the 14th, and that's it.
