What’s the next step for Bynum?

The Andrew Bynum suspension and potential trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers has numerous facets especially because Bynum is in a unique position in the league.

There is a lot to consider and digest, but Bynum is a 7-footer, has proved he still can play at some level and has a contract situation that is rare and valuable under certain circumstances. Here’s what is in play:

The trade

• Bynum signed a two-year contract for $24.8 million with the Cavs, but only $6 million of it is guaranteed before Jan. 7. Not only has Bynum proved in spurts this season that he can be effective, but the Cavs also signed him to a contract that gives them or any team that trades for him lots of flexibility. Or he can be a trade chip heading into the draft and next summer because he can act as a salary purge option.

With so many teams wanting to clear cap space or save on luxury-tax payments now, Bynum will create interest. This is just how a trade for Bynum might work and what the motivations would be.

• If the Cavs are not able to trade Bynum by Jan. 7 and his contract becomes fully guaranteed, Bynum will most certainly want to be released so he would be free to sign with any team. The Cavs would likely still try to move Bynum by the Feb. 20 trade deadline.

If Bynum is traded and waived, there would be plenty of interest in him as a free agent. Even with Greg Oden’s long-term project in Miami, Bynum is much farther along in his recovery and would likely entice the Heat if they could clear a roster spot.

• Several times this season, Bynum has mentioned he is not sure how much longer he wants to play because of lingering pain in his knees. Less than a month into the season, the Cavs doctors cleared him to start playing in back-to-backs, a strong signal he was improving.

Though he’s been inconsistent and struggled with his shot, Bynum has four games where he’s scored 15 or more points and nine where he’s had seven or more rebounds. Those types of players at his size are extremely rare.

• No other team offered Bynum a contract that even had the $6 million guaranteed the Cavs offered him last summer. Getting Bynum at a prorated cost, especially if he becomes a free agent, is another matter entirely.

If Bynum wants to keep playing, he will have numerous options.

The suspension

• Bynum most likely has played his final game for the Cavs, though it is possible he will be on the roster for months and get paid. The Cavs can’t suspend him without pay for the rest of the season for conduct detrimental to the team.

• Bynum has been sulking recently because his playing time and touches have dwindled even as he’s at times showed he can still be a significant contributor. By Saturday, the team had him on the trade block.

• Bynum has a point and so do the Cavs. There were games when Bynum was dominating his man but couldn’t get a pass in position or with any time on the shot clock.

Meanwhile, Bynum wasn’t able to move well enough on his knees to help the Cavs defensively most of the time. The plus-minus numbers showed the Cavs were better when Bynum did not play.

• Irving has been branded a ball hog by teammates and fans this season. One of the reasons the Cavs may have been moving away from Bynum is because they want to play young big men Tyler Zeller and Anthony Bennett more.