So many possibilities! I worked out so much stuff to be done in the next two days.
Some important issues.....
INDIANA and CHICAGO
After I made that trade work today, I realized that Chicago has another possibility, like Dallas did with Van Horn, in a sign-and-trade with P.J. Brown, who hasn't played this season. But it seems like they've had the chance to use that a couple times, and either he's said no or it didn't work. So I don't know if they can do that now. I do know that the Pacers would love it if the Bulls would take on Jamaal Tinsley's contract, and the Bulls would need someone to back up Chris Duhon after that trade. Maybe they could work it out.
RONNIE RON
Lots of specualtion about Artest lingers, and Denver seems like an interested candidate. Here's the trade many have heard:
SACTO deals Artest to DENVER for Eduardo Najera and Linus Kleiza
I don't think the Nugs need that; they need to just hope that Kenyon Martin and Nene get healthy and not take on any more big contracts. UNLESS....
ARTEST POSS 1
Kings deal Artest and Kenny Thomas to DENVER for J.R. Smith, Nene, and Eduardo Najera
If the Nuggs can convince the Kings to take Nene instead of Kleiza, then I think the Kings may want some help. First, they get rid of Thomas' contract, which helps. Then, they get cap relief with Najera and a chance to maybe give Smith something. Who knows if he can pan out, but he's still young and a good shooter.
Of course, Nene and Artest can be traded straight-up, but do the Kings take that risk? If they accept Nene's big contract with his injury history, they'll probably want more.
----------------
But I think that the Nuggs should make another move (more on that later) and that the Kings should do what I've been saying for a while: send Ron home. It might be the only way to ensure his sanity, and he can help the Knicks immensely, since he plays D and he will allow David Lee to play more.
ARTEST POSS 2
SAC deals Artest and Thomas to NEW YORK for Zach Randolph and Fred Jones
This is much better. I know, it's an exchange of two head cases, and peopel are leery about getting either one of them. But Randolph is pissed with Eddy Curry (yes, Isiah, we told you it wouldn't work) and wants out..... he could be the guy in Sacto. Artest gives New York swagger, and much improved D, since trading Randolph will free up more time for Lee and Renaldo Balkman. I've been pushing for this to happen all season, and I know the Kings now want to take a look at Shelden Williams, but Zach is a proven scorer and it would give them a real post threat for once. And they get rid of Thomas and some cap space. New York will always take on big contracts to get what they want. Sacto can take advantage of that.
DENVER
So if Denver doesn't take Artest, then what? I think they just need to give Kleiza some time at the four if everyone is hurt. But I do think there's an easy trade for them:
DENVER trades Najera and Von Wafer to MINNESOTA for Marko Jaric
This isn't much but it makes a lot of sense. Minnesota has been dying to get rid of Jaric, ever since they made that God-awful trade. The Nuggs need someone who can handle a little bit, ot let Iverson play off the ball, who is a shooter. Jaric hasn't been a great starter, but I think he'll fit well next to Iverson as a tall point in some lineups.
Now... this next one almost went through, but it's just a littlllllllllllllle bit too much for Denver. Don't they have more people to trade? All they need is to bring back someone they cut and include them. This one gives Denver more rebounding and Minnesota even more cap relief:
DENVER trades Najera, Wafer, and Yakhouba Diawara (plus a little extra) to MINN for Jaric and Mark Madsen
Man, that would be a great easy trade for both these teams. The Wolves would get so much relief this summer with Jaric and Madsen gone, plus the Infamous Horrible Theo Ratliff contract finally over. I hope Denver is listening.
SAM I AM
Sadly, the Celtics cannot get Sam Cassell through any kind of logical trade. All the guys they can afford to trade are too cheap, and L.A. isn't going to take a multi-year deal for an expiring one, even if it's not that much. I was wondering if they could negotiate some sort of under-the-table deal where the Celts send Gabe Pruitt and a first round pick to the Clips for a couple second rounders in the far future.... with the understanding that the Clippers will release Cassell at some point. I think the Commish would find that too obvious. Alas.
LEBRON IS ANGRY
Is he? Everyone assumes so, after his team failed to land Bibby, then saw the not-too-impressive deal that actually worked. He did campaign for Kidd or someone big to help.
Since everything he does is being monitored closely, it's hard to believe that he likes this team. The pressure on Danny Ferry to get him a supporting cast is mounting with every scowl. Yet, I think Ferry might be able to convince him that now is not the time. Cleveland doesn't have much to trade with right now unless they give up key players, and I think that was why they didn't get Bibby (Sacramento needed at least one potential big man, and they wanted to keep Gooden, and I don't blame them).
After the season, however, Cleveland suddenly has some pull. Eric Snow, Donyell Marshall, and Damon Jones will all be in the last year of their deals NEXT year, so they will be attractive come summertime and into next season. Cleveland will have almost 16 million in expiring contracts next year, which can get them some big time help from teams looking for cap relief. Right now, they have Ira Newble for 3 mil and Shannon Brown for 1. That's not gonna be enough unless they part with Gooden or Varejao, and those guys are too important.
And no one will take on the contracts of Hughes or Illgauskas. Sorry.
So maybe he can get LeBron to calm down a little and promise him a very big splash in the summer or at the beginning of next year. BUT THEN..... hasn't LeBron been killing himself this year???? He looks great, he's trying hard, and he's more dedicated than ever. Telling him to wait is tough. He's playing better than just about everyone.
So if Ferry feels the heat to do something now, here are two ideas of how to help:
CAVS POSS 1: SAVE J.J.!!!
ORLANDO trades J. J. Redick, James Augustine, and Keith Bogans to CLEVELAND for Sasha Pavlovic and Cedric Simmons, plus a future first rounder
Orlando keeps saying that they will not trade Redick. But then they don't play him, even though they need shooting. I think they need an upgrade at two guard over the redundant Bogans-Mo Evans combo. I also think they won't play Redick because he can't be a full two guard, but they have three point guards and he's not that either. He is like a Steve Kerr, a small guard who can shoot but needs to be in a system where he's not the main passer.
Cleveland is that place. They wanted Bibby because he's not a pure point - he's a good shooter who plays off other passers. Cleveland has two guys who can handle; they want someone who can shoot. That's how Dan Gibson made it. With him and Redick in the fold, they'd have two guys who could fill that position and shoot and not have to worry about handling. Bogans is insurance and will give them a little cap relief this year.
Meanwhile, Orlando gets Pavlovic, a good shooter with more size who isn't getting time in Cleveland. They might also take a look at Simmons, since they need a forward next to Dwight who can board. And they'll get a draft pick. I like this, especially if Orlando is not serious about their claim to keep Redick.
Now....
If LeBron really is adamant about getting someone now, and he wants that someone to be a true point like Jason Kidd, he can call up my old friends in Philly.
CAVS POSS 2: RETURN OF ANDRE
CAVS trade Ced Simmons, Ira Newble, Shannon Brown, draft pick, and Damon Jones to PHILLY for Andre Miller
The Sixers have been waffling on the decision to keep Miller or trade him. They are in a youth movement, and they want to give Louis Williams more time, but Miller has been good this year. They have a shot at the playoffs, somehow, but that's mostly because the conference sucks. Will they make a deal?
I would take this one. They get some cap relief now, and then more later (as some old terrible ones expire). They get two guys they might want to look at in Simmons and Brown, former first rounders, and then another draft pick. It's something. If they're just going to let Miller go after next year anyway, they might as well get something for him.... this is the last remnant of the trade that ended Iverson's time here, you know.
They didn't give up last year, but maybe now they'll see that they need a star player to really get ahead. I'd rather see them get a top three pick than win 36 games and get swept in the first round. That's not getting them anywhere.... they need a big impact guy soon. Give the kids time and let them rough it out. Atlanta and Chicago need to make the playoffs much more than we do.
For the Cavs, I guess it works. If LeBron likes it, I have to think it helps Cleveland. I'd use Miller and Pavlovic together, then bring in Hughes and Gibson. They'd have depth, for sure, but I don't know if it fits that system. Maybe LB is tired of doing everything and wants to play off the ball more. This could do that.
That's all I have for now, although I have a feeling there could be some post-deadline cuts and moves that will help teams.
Showing posts with label trade machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trade machine. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
think about it.....
Indiana trades Jermaine O'Neal to Chicago for Kirk Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas, plus cap filler (Joe Smith and Adrian Griffin). Who says no to this deal? John Paxson gets the big man he should have gotten earlier, and Hinrich's value would probably rise in Indiana.... or Utah.... for, ummmm, no reason......
Indiana has a nice young line up, and they position themselves for the inevitable Eric Gordon pick in June. Chicago promises O'Neal tthey will keep Deng and Gordon. With new optimism, everyone wins.
It's much better than Vince Carter.
Indiana has a nice young line up, and they position themselves for the inevitable Eric Gordon pick in June. Chicago promises O'Neal tthey will keep Deng and Gordon. With new optimism, everyone wins.
It's much better than Vince Carter.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
rats off to ya...?
I was waiting for the break but a flurry of activity forced me to respond.
Rats off to ya, people. Congrats and jeers around:
ALL STAR PICKS: The Eastern Conference picked everyone I did, so I guess I can't argue with them. That's got to be a first.
Out west, I was surprised only by David West making it. I know the Hornets are doing great, better than expected, and the game is in New Orleans, where they are trying desperately to promote everything basketball.... but still, I didn't even have him on my short list. To see him and Brandon Roy make it over Baron Davis, who has reinvented himself and kept Golden State going this season, is awful. Not that those two don't deserve it; they're doing good. But BD has been great and he might not get many more chances.
That's my only real gripe this year... but if someone goes out, as likely, he should be the first one in.
GASOL TO THE LAKERS
This is causing a frenzy out here. I'm still not sure how this happened. Memphis was talking to Chicago and Boston last year about moving Gasol for some decent players... and now they get a point guard they don't need and draft picks... and nothing else???
I've had it with Memphis's ownership. They had a 50 win team and did nothing. They gave Gasol good money for what he did and then complained he was too expensive.
That team needs to go. If they don't want to compete, send everyone home and fold the franchise. Don't move them to another city; we're running out of places. Chuck them and go back to the old system of 4 divisions.
As for the Lakers, I was a little surprised that they would make a deal for a big man after Andrew Bynum came through.... but then again, how could they say no? They would have had to surrender Bynum to get Kidd, or KG, or even Jermaine O'Neal, and now they get a pretty good big man without giving him up - or Lamar Odom. Amazing. Again, was this really the best Memphis could do? Or just the cheapest?
I thought maybe this would hold Bynum back a little, but then again, he's still learning on offense. Gasol can handle that and help rebounding. Gasol is also, I hear, more comfortable not having to bang as much, and he's a good apsser, so I think he'll fit into the triangle. It will be interesting to see if he and Odom can handle not being the first or second options all the time. If they can all mesh, that might be the scariest front line in the league, and soon.
Rats off to ya, Mitch. You made me look stupid this year.
SHAQ TO THE SUNS
[ahem]
Dear Robert Sarver,
you could have just kept Kurt Thomas.
Yours,
J. "Shawn Bradley will never die" L.
Miami has to be thrilled to get someone decent for Shaq. Marion will have an easier time in the East and can wreck people. They can go small with him and Haslem down low until they find a new center.
I don't necessarily hate this move for Phoenix, because they've always wanted a real big man who can help. But is that Shaq? Now? They need defense and shot blocking.... he can knock people over..... umm......
They knew they were going to dump Marion shortly, but they've pretty much closed the window on any long term plans. Nash, Shaq, and Raja all have 3 years and then they're probably gone. Amare and Barbosa have one more after that to see if Phoenix can regroup. So, this probably did add a sense of urgency, but will it work? Can these styles mesh?
Last month, I predicted that the Mvas might have won a title if they kept Nash and traded Dirk for Shaq. That, however, was Shaq three years ago. I think he could be a nice help, especially since he's not the first option. He could also ruin their offensive chemistry. We'll see.
Rats off to you, Riles. And Steve Kerr, for having some guts (though, again, I'd rather have Marion, Banks, and Kurt Thomas, despite the extra cash). I expect Miami to see if Banks and Earl Barron can do anything. They've got time.
Now for Jason Kidd.......
Rats off to ya, people. Congrats and jeers around:
ALL STAR PICKS: The Eastern Conference picked everyone I did, so I guess I can't argue with them. That's got to be a first.
Out west, I was surprised only by David West making it. I know the Hornets are doing great, better than expected, and the game is in New Orleans, where they are trying desperately to promote everything basketball.... but still, I didn't even have him on my short list. To see him and Brandon Roy make it over Baron Davis, who has reinvented himself and kept Golden State going this season, is awful. Not that those two don't deserve it; they're doing good. But BD has been great and he might not get many more chances.
That's my only real gripe this year... but if someone goes out, as likely, he should be the first one in.
GASOL TO THE LAKERS
This is causing a frenzy out here. I'm still not sure how this happened. Memphis was talking to Chicago and Boston last year about moving Gasol for some decent players... and now they get a point guard they don't need and draft picks... and nothing else???
I've had it with Memphis's ownership. They had a 50 win team and did nothing. They gave Gasol good money for what he did and then complained he was too expensive.
That team needs to go. If they don't want to compete, send everyone home and fold the franchise. Don't move them to another city; we're running out of places. Chuck them and go back to the old system of 4 divisions.
As for the Lakers, I was a little surprised that they would make a deal for a big man after Andrew Bynum came through.... but then again, how could they say no? They would have had to surrender Bynum to get Kidd, or KG, or even Jermaine O'Neal, and now they get a pretty good big man without giving him up - or Lamar Odom. Amazing. Again, was this really the best Memphis could do? Or just the cheapest?
I thought maybe this would hold Bynum back a little, but then again, he's still learning on offense. Gasol can handle that and help rebounding. Gasol is also, I hear, more comfortable not having to bang as much, and he's a good apsser, so I think he'll fit into the triangle. It will be interesting to see if he and Odom can handle not being the first or second options all the time. If they can all mesh, that might be the scariest front line in the league, and soon.
Rats off to ya, Mitch. You made me look stupid this year.
SHAQ TO THE SUNS
[ahem]
Dear Robert Sarver,
you could have just kept Kurt Thomas.
Yours,
J. "Shawn Bradley will never die" L.
Miami has to be thrilled to get someone decent for Shaq. Marion will have an easier time in the East and can wreck people. They can go small with him and Haslem down low until they find a new center.
I don't necessarily hate this move for Phoenix, because they've always wanted a real big man who can help. But is that Shaq? Now? They need defense and shot blocking.... he can knock people over..... umm......
They knew they were going to dump Marion shortly, but they've pretty much closed the window on any long term plans. Nash, Shaq, and Raja all have 3 years and then they're probably gone. Amare and Barbosa have one more after that to see if Phoenix can regroup. So, this probably did add a sense of urgency, but will it work? Can these styles mesh?
Last month, I predicted that the Mvas might have won a title if they kept Nash and traded Dirk for Shaq. That, however, was Shaq three years ago. I think he could be a nice help, especially since he's not the first option. He could also ruin their offensive chemistry. We'll see.
Rats off to you, Riles. And Steve Kerr, for having some guts (though, again, I'd rather have Marion, Banks, and Kurt Thomas, despite the extra cash). I expect Miami to see if Banks and Earl Barron can do anything. They've got time.
Now for Jason Kidd.......
Monday, January 28, 2008
january jonesin
With the midseason divide almost here, I look back and realize I haven't been updating that much. Work, work, work. I'll try to have something before the all-star break.
First, my all star picks:
STARTERS
EAST: Garnett, LeBron, D Howard, Wade, Billups
WEST: Dirk, Duncan, Boozer, C Paul, Kobe
BENCH
EAST: Caron Butler, Pierce, Bosh, Kidd, Rip, Joe Johnson, and ... who? I don't have a seventh guy. Seriously, no one stands out. Jamison, Josh Smith, Rich Jefferson, Redd, and Ray Allen could all make a case. I guess I like Jamison to give us some size... the Wizards are doing good without Arenas and that's worth something.
WEST: Melo, Yao, Baron, Nash, Iverson.... and I suppose Amare.... and a tie between Ginobli and B Roy. I felt like I missed a guard there... there are four guys under 6-3 there.... no, I'm good. I made that tie. I think we should let the west team have 13 and the east only 11. That's fair this year.
I want to see these people in the rookie game: Roy and Alrdidge; Durant and Jeff Green; Horford; Jamario Moon (great sleeper); Navarro and Rudy Gay; Corey Brewer; Yi; and ummm..... where are the second year guys? Bargnani is hurting but he's probably still in the top ten. 2006 is lacking for now.
Random trade ideas: I tried to figure out a deal for Kidd to Dallas for Devin Harris and other players, but that can't work because Dallas doesn't have many tradable guys. They could give up Erick Dampier, but that actually makes Jersey's cap worse. All of their expensive guys are too important or have too long contracts. Who knew Cuban could put himself in a spot where he couldn't make deals? Even a third team wouldn't help that much - Dallas just has nowhere to go with a big deal.
Kidd to Sacto, Bibby to Cleveland, and draft picks to Jersey? I figured out a way to make it work. But then Jersey doesn't get much for now, and they'd have cap relief in two years anyway when Kidd leaves.... and Kidd goes to the Kings, who might be near his hometown, but aren't a real contender. I doubt that he wants to go there.... so we're back to square one.
Maybe they can get involved with Dallas (Dallas gets Kidd, Jersey gets Harris, Cleveland gets Bibby, Sacto gets.... ummm.... )
Okay:
Sacto gets cap space and draft picks, mostly.... Jersey gets Harris, Dallas gets Kidd, Cleveland gets Bibby, and a lot of people are involved. This trade is contingent on some behind-the-scenes handshakes:
1. Dallas promises to New Jersey that if they accept Dampier now, they will trade for him over the summer with contracts that expire. So the Nets will have cap space heading into Brooklyn.
2. Sacto will cut Jerry Stackhouse, once acquired, so he can go back to the Mavericks. Cuban will send the Maloofs some cash and many draft picks for taking on his contract.
Dallas receives: Jason Kidd, Mikki Moore, Damon Jones (the latter two will be shipped to Jersey after the season is over to get back Dampier)
Cleveland receives: Mike Bibby, Eddie Jones (they might cut him)
New Jersey receives: Devin Harris, Nick Fazekas, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Devean George, and the-merely-for-rental Erick Dampier.... besides, Harris all those guys (and the two they'll get for Dampier later) have contracts that are up soon.
Sacramento receives: Cedric Simmons, Shannon Brown, Jamal Magliorre, Ira Newble, Dwayne Jones, and Jerry Stackhouse (who will have something worked out)... plus draft picks from Cleveland and Dallas
Sacramento Kings
Incoming Players
Cedric Simmons Salary: $1,629,120 Years Remaining: 2
Shannon Brown Salary: $1,044,120 Years Remaining: 1
Jamaal Magloire Salary: $4,000,000 Years Remaining: 1
Ira Newble Salary: $3,441,900 Years Remaining: 1
Jerry Stackhouse Salary: $6,750,000 Years Remaining: 3
Dwayne Jones Salary: $770,610 Years Remaining: 1
New Jersey Nets
Incoming Players
Nick Fazekas Salary: $427,163 Years Remaining: 2
Shareef Abdur-Rahim Salary: $5,800,000 Years Remaining: 3
Devean George Salary: $2,369,111 Years Remaining: 1
Erick Dampier Salary: $10,590,500 Years Remaining: 4
Devin Harris Salary: $3,995,003 Years Remaining: 6
Outgoing Players: Jamaal Magloire, Jason Kidd
Dallas Mavericks
Incoming Players
Mikki Moore Salary: $5,356,000 Years Remaining: 2
Damon Jones Salary: $4,172,432 Years Remaining: 2
Jason Kidd Salary: $19,728,000 Years Remaining: 2
Outgoing Players: Nick Fazekas, Devean George, Erick Dampier, Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Jones
Cleveland Cavaliers
Incoming Players
Mike Bibby Salary: $13,500,000 Years Remaining: 2
Eddie Jones Salary: $1,830,000 Years Remaining: 1
Players: Cedric Simmons, Shannon Brown, Damon Jones, Ira Newble, Dwayne Jones
I think this might work. Obviously the Kings might want more for Bibby, like Drew Gooden or another forward.... but they still don't know what to do with Artest, and this gives them some financial flexibility. Simmons and Brown might do more with time. And they'll get lots of draft picks, so in this draft, they can probably find a good point guard and work from there.
This is contingent on a lot of secret deals, but that seems to help teams out sometimes. Because of all the craziness involved, I'd say it has about a 0.0003 % chance of happening.
But you have to admire that I came up with a four team deal that worked.
First, my all star picks:
STARTERS
EAST: Garnett, LeBron, D Howard, Wade, Billups
WEST: Dirk, Duncan, Boozer, C Paul, Kobe
BENCH
EAST: Caron Butler, Pierce, Bosh, Kidd, Rip, Joe Johnson, and ... who? I don't have a seventh guy. Seriously, no one stands out. Jamison, Josh Smith, Rich Jefferson, Redd, and Ray Allen could all make a case. I guess I like Jamison to give us some size... the Wizards are doing good without Arenas and that's worth something.
WEST: Melo, Yao, Baron, Nash, Iverson.... and I suppose Amare.... and a tie between Ginobli and B Roy. I felt like I missed a guard there... there are four guys under 6-3 there.... no, I'm good. I made that tie. I think we should let the west team have 13 and the east only 11. That's fair this year.
I want to see these people in the rookie game: Roy and Alrdidge; Durant and Jeff Green; Horford; Jamario Moon (great sleeper); Navarro and Rudy Gay; Corey Brewer; Yi; and ummm..... where are the second year guys? Bargnani is hurting but he's probably still in the top ten. 2006 is lacking for now.
Random trade ideas: I tried to figure out a deal for Kidd to Dallas for Devin Harris and other players, but that can't work because Dallas doesn't have many tradable guys. They could give up Erick Dampier, but that actually makes Jersey's cap worse. All of their expensive guys are too important or have too long contracts. Who knew Cuban could put himself in a spot where he couldn't make deals? Even a third team wouldn't help that much - Dallas just has nowhere to go with a big deal.
Kidd to Sacto, Bibby to Cleveland, and draft picks to Jersey? I figured out a way to make it work. But then Jersey doesn't get much for now, and they'd have cap relief in two years anyway when Kidd leaves.... and Kidd goes to the Kings, who might be near his hometown, but aren't a real contender. I doubt that he wants to go there.... so we're back to square one.
Maybe they can get involved with Dallas (Dallas gets Kidd, Jersey gets Harris, Cleveland gets Bibby, Sacto gets.... ummm.... )
Okay:
Sacto gets cap space and draft picks, mostly.... Jersey gets Harris, Dallas gets Kidd, Cleveland gets Bibby, and a lot of people are involved. This trade is contingent on some behind-the-scenes handshakes:
1. Dallas promises to New Jersey that if they accept Dampier now, they will trade for him over the summer with contracts that expire. So the Nets will have cap space heading into Brooklyn.
2. Sacto will cut Jerry Stackhouse, once acquired, so he can go back to the Mavericks. Cuban will send the Maloofs some cash and many draft picks for taking on his contract.
Dallas receives: Jason Kidd, Mikki Moore, Damon Jones (the latter two will be shipped to Jersey after the season is over to get back Dampier)
Cleveland receives: Mike Bibby, Eddie Jones (they might cut him)
New Jersey receives: Devin Harris, Nick Fazekas, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Devean George, and the-merely-for-rental Erick Dampier.... besides, Harris all those guys (and the two they'll get for Dampier later) have contracts that are up soon.
Sacramento receives: Cedric Simmons, Shannon Brown, Jamal Magliorre, Ira Newble, Dwayne Jones, and Jerry Stackhouse (who will have something worked out)... plus draft picks from Cleveland and Dallas
Sacramento Kings
Incoming Players
Cedric Simmons Salary: $1,629,120 Years Remaining: 2
Shannon Brown Salary: $1,044,120 Years Remaining: 1
Jamaal Magloire Salary: $4,000,000 Years Remaining: 1
Ira Newble Salary: $3,441,900 Years Remaining: 1
Jerry Stackhouse Salary: $6,750,000 Years Remaining: 3
Dwayne Jones Salary: $770,610 Years Remaining: 1
New Jersey Nets
Incoming Players
Nick Fazekas Salary: $427,163 Years Remaining: 2
Shareef Abdur-Rahim Salary: $5,800,000 Years Remaining: 3
Devean George Salary: $2,369,111 Years Remaining: 1
Erick Dampier Salary: $10,590,500 Years Remaining: 4
Devin Harris Salary: $3,995,003 Years Remaining: 6
Outgoing Players: Jamaal Magloire, Jason Kidd
Dallas Mavericks
Incoming Players
Mikki Moore Salary: $5,356,000 Years Remaining: 2
Damon Jones Salary: $4,172,432 Years Remaining: 2
Jason Kidd Salary: $19,728,000 Years Remaining: 2
Outgoing Players: Nick Fazekas, Devean George, Erick Dampier, Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Jones
Cleveland Cavaliers
Incoming Players
Mike Bibby Salary: $13,500,000 Years Remaining: 2
Eddie Jones Salary: $1,830,000 Years Remaining: 1
Players: Cedric Simmons, Shannon Brown, Damon Jones, Ira Newble, Dwayne Jones
I think this might work. Obviously the Kings might want more for Bibby, like Drew Gooden or another forward.... but they still don't know what to do with Artest, and this gives them some financial flexibility. Simmons and Brown might do more with time. And they'll get lots of draft picks, so in this draft, they can probably find a good point guard and work from there.
This is contingent on a lot of secret deals, but that seems to help teams out sometimes. Because of all the craziness involved, I'd say it has about a 0.0003 % chance of happening.
But you have to admire that I came up with a four team deal that worked.
Friday, October 19, 2007
NBA previewwwwwwwww?
It's almost time for the season to start. It seems like the postseason never really ended, with all the big news and lackluster finals and all... most fans were looking forward to the draft and the trade season and free agency and such, and now, suddenly, the real season is about to begin. Are you ready? I'm not.
I was going to start my annual preview soon, something I've taken pride in since I was 12. But this year, I don't feel like it's really the end. I kept waiting for the Lakers to do something, anything, and then the Marion - Kirilenko news came out, and I held off on any predictions. I was sure another big deal was upcoming. Then nothing happened. Everyone arrived at camp, somewhat begrudgingly but ready to play. I decided to proceed with caution as I had planned.
Then, last week, the Laker soap opera boiled up again. Kobe showed up to camp, but he and Dr. Buss publicly aired grievances, and now everyone is scrambling to throw out deal scenarios again. I had to look back over all the Kobe trades I suggested on here months ago. I don't know if any of them will work, but maybe..... and then how do I write a preview if major moves are pending? The Lakers could be the same low-level playoff team as last year, or they could be a solid contender, or they could be completely decimated at the end of the season, and I have no idea which will happen.
Some things I DO know:
1. Something is probably going to happen. It used to be thought that superstar trades were impossible, for salary cap and loyalty reasons, but look at the past few years - Shaq, Garnett, Iverson, even Vince, were all moved eventually. The Mavs will look at deals even if they have to lose the reigning MVP. It's not impossible for Kobe to leave.
2. Indiana isn't going anywhere. I know talks between the Lakers and them stalled, and Buss is in a tough spot, but I have to think they can come up with something. The Pacers need a complete overhaul. Why aren't they making something happen?
3. The Lakers have a tough choice of when to do things. If they do nothing now, they could try to win Kobe back with a godo start to the season. But if it goes bad, he'll really demand a trade and they'll be stuck like the Sixers were last year. And they'll lose value on him. But then they also might want to wait so other trades (especially those involving players who just signed) could materialize.
So what do I do? I suppose I will begin this as planned, and be ready to edit if anything goes down. Thank you, internet technology, for allowing me to change what I post quickly and easily.
Where do I rank Indiana though? I gues it doesn't matter if they act or not, or when - they're going to suck this year. How much is unknown.
Anyway, here are some ideas on Kobe's potential suitors, as I rank them.
1. BULLS
This is still the most likely, because they have depth and appealing prospects, they're in the East, they need a leader, and Kobe likes them. The real question is what the Lakers can get out of this. The Bulls will gladly give up Ben Gordon, and I'm thinking they can part with Ty Thomas, but do they dare include Deng or Hinrich? I say the Lakers would do this now with Gordon, Thomas, Selfosha, future draft picks, and cap filler... and the Bulls would be able to keep most of their core intact. They also wouldn't have to worry about investing too much in extensions, since Gordon and Thomas would be out and only Deng left to pay.
It makes the most sense, if they can work on it. I know the Bulls would like to have their young core develop together, but I'd make that deal in a second as long as I kept Deng.
2. NETS
They haven't been mentioned much, but Kobe enjoyed playing with Kidd this year and they will be in New York soon. They have the trading chips: a guy who can score and sell seats in Vince, and a potential star big man in Kristic. So that looks good. But then the Nets would be the same perimeter based team as they have been, with Kobe inserted. And the cap space doesn't work out yet (Kristic is still cheap, he needs to have an extension), considering that the Lakers would probably throw in a forward to help this out.
And if the Lakers settle for Carter and Jefferson and spare pieces (no Kidd or Kristic), well, Kupchak should just hang himself from the rafters. There's too much at stake here - Kristic makes or breaks this deal for both sides, and it can't really be balanced.... for now.
3. SUNS
Kobe mentioned them and they have a nice package, even without Nash or Stoudemire. If they take Marion and Barbosa, plus young guys and draft picks (Phoenix does have Atlanta's), that's not a bad deal. It gives the Lakers a lot of young talent, even if they slip. Remember when Marion said he'd like to be the high scorer on a medicore team over his current situation? Here's his chance.
This is likely not to happen, though, for two simple reasons: the Suns are rivals, and they're cheap. I doubt they'd spend the cash to keep Kobe and improve based on their recent moves. A Kobe/Cook swap for Marion/Barbosa works, but the Suns have to dip into their trade exception for it. Would they do that? Will Buss send Kobe to a team that plays the Lakers often? I doubt it. Too bad, because this would put the Suns over the top and give Marion some peace. Maybe Steve Kerr can beg his boss on behalf of the fact that Kobe is, um, WORTH IT!
(and worth a title?)
4. MAVERICKS
They keep being mentioned as a major player, even though they are in the same conference. Kobe did list them and Buss apparently can withstand Mark Cuban, which is a rarity amongst owners.
But is this really a good fit? Why would the Lakers take all the supporting players on the Mavs, which is the first option, or the Mavs make themselves into the new Lakers, which is the second option? If the Mavs do give up Dirk, then Kobe gets to play with a supporting cast that helps him but doesn't have any stars like he wants. They'll have to involve more people to make it work, because the Mavs have no fours and the Lakers lots. So basically then, Kobe will be in the same situation as the past few years. If the Mavs don't give up Dirk, the Lakers will come away without any real stars (Josh Howard is good, but he's an overachiever who benefits greatly playing alongside Nowitzki) and a big hole on their roster... and the Mavs will be a two man team with the same problems Boston faces, only much worse. So I don't think this is going to happen in any way. The pieces just don't fit.
But then, Cuban has an itchy trigger finger...
5. KNICKS
As much as we all think the league wants this to happen, there's no way the pieces fit. The Knicks are better off managing the cap (whoops, Isiah) and acquiring space (yoinks) and positioning themselves for a big free agent down the road, like Kobe and LeBron in a few years. They haven't done that, instead trading for people they can't get rid of later. Nicely done.
The only way for them to even dream of Kobe is for the Lakers to accept a collection of overpaid guys who aren't stars. Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph may put up good numbers offensively, but they're nowhere near the franchise level the Lakers are looking for. The Knicks could throw a wave of young talent to go with them, but none of these guys are stars in any sense. The Lakers could go for the cap relief, knowing that they can sign free agents in a few years, but why not get someone actually good? New York just doesn't have enough... but I can't count them out, for obvious reasons.
6. HAWKS
Yeah, I know, Kobe would never approve of this. But someone threw out a swap of Joe Johnson and Al Horford for Kobe and one of the forwards. You know what? That's not a bad deal for either side. The Lakers get two young starters who are true quality (that's their best pickup outside of the Bulls), and the Hawks get a true star and someone the fans could actually care about for once. Too bad their ownership group would probably turn it down after fighting again.
7. ROCKETS
Kobe straight up for T Mac? With a couple of the Houston guards thrown in? It would work, I suppose, but would it help either team that much? Hmm... this is intriguing, even if I don't believe it....
8. CELTICS
Rumors that the Celtics would trade Pierce back to his native LA have been floating around for a while, epecially when he was unhappy. He's the rare player who could almost match Kobe's scoring and popularity..... but that would be pretty mean for Boston to finally give him help and then send him packing. After all, ownership loves him. It's why they mortgaged their future to get him other stars instead of trading him for a youth movement. So as much as it makes sense to LA people, it's not gonna happen.
9. SPURS
Kobe for Parker and Ginobli? It would simplify things, but the Lakers want a big man more than a point guard who shoots. Plus San Antonio likes their system how it is.
10. SIXERS
Iggy and T. Young won't get it done because then Kobe has no supporting cast again. He'd be replicating Iverson in the early years.... although, that might be enough to get somewhere in the East.
So as far as I see it, the Bulls are the most likely candidate by far. If Jersey cooks up something or the Suns change their minds, they might work, but the Bulls have the most to offer and the resources to survive. Will this happen anytime soon? I doubt it, but I can't say. I'll start my preview soon with eraser in hand.
I was going to start my annual preview soon, something I've taken pride in since I was 12. But this year, I don't feel like it's really the end. I kept waiting for the Lakers to do something, anything, and then the Marion - Kirilenko news came out, and I held off on any predictions. I was sure another big deal was upcoming. Then nothing happened. Everyone arrived at camp, somewhat begrudgingly but ready to play. I decided to proceed with caution as I had planned.
Then, last week, the Laker soap opera boiled up again. Kobe showed up to camp, but he and Dr. Buss publicly aired grievances, and now everyone is scrambling to throw out deal scenarios again. I had to look back over all the Kobe trades I suggested on here months ago. I don't know if any of them will work, but maybe..... and then how do I write a preview if major moves are pending? The Lakers could be the same low-level playoff team as last year, or they could be a solid contender, or they could be completely decimated at the end of the season, and I have no idea which will happen.
Some things I DO know:
1. Something is probably going to happen. It used to be thought that superstar trades were impossible, for salary cap and loyalty reasons, but look at the past few years - Shaq, Garnett, Iverson, even Vince, were all moved eventually. The Mavs will look at deals even if they have to lose the reigning MVP. It's not impossible for Kobe to leave.
2. Indiana isn't going anywhere. I know talks between the Lakers and them stalled, and Buss is in a tough spot, but I have to think they can come up with something. The Pacers need a complete overhaul. Why aren't they making something happen?
3. The Lakers have a tough choice of when to do things. If they do nothing now, they could try to win Kobe back with a godo start to the season. But if it goes bad, he'll really demand a trade and they'll be stuck like the Sixers were last year. And they'll lose value on him. But then they also might want to wait so other trades (especially those involving players who just signed) could materialize.
So what do I do? I suppose I will begin this as planned, and be ready to edit if anything goes down. Thank you, internet technology, for allowing me to change what I post quickly and easily.
Where do I rank Indiana though? I gues it doesn't matter if they act or not, or when - they're going to suck this year. How much is unknown.
Anyway, here are some ideas on Kobe's potential suitors, as I rank them.
1. BULLS
This is still the most likely, because they have depth and appealing prospects, they're in the East, they need a leader, and Kobe likes them. The real question is what the Lakers can get out of this. The Bulls will gladly give up Ben Gordon, and I'm thinking they can part with Ty Thomas, but do they dare include Deng or Hinrich? I say the Lakers would do this now with Gordon, Thomas, Selfosha, future draft picks, and cap filler... and the Bulls would be able to keep most of their core intact. They also wouldn't have to worry about investing too much in extensions, since Gordon and Thomas would be out and only Deng left to pay.
It makes the most sense, if they can work on it. I know the Bulls would like to have their young core develop together, but I'd make that deal in a second as long as I kept Deng.
2. NETS
They haven't been mentioned much, but Kobe enjoyed playing with Kidd this year and they will be in New York soon. They have the trading chips: a guy who can score and sell seats in Vince, and a potential star big man in Kristic. So that looks good. But then the Nets would be the same perimeter based team as they have been, with Kobe inserted. And the cap space doesn't work out yet (Kristic is still cheap, he needs to have an extension), considering that the Lakers would probably throw in a forward to help this out.
And if the Lakers settle for Carter and Jefferson and spare pieces (no Kidd or Kristic), well, Kupchak should just hang himself from the rafters. There's too much at stake here - Kristic makes or breaks this deal for both sides, and it can't really be balanced.... for now.
3. SUNS
Kobe mentioned them and they have a nice package, even without Nash or Stoudemire. If they take Marion and Barbosa, plus young guys and draft picks (Phoenix does have Atlanta's), that's not a bad deal. It gives the Lakers a lot of young talent, even if they slip. Remember when Marion said he'd like to be the high scorer on a medicore team over his current situation? Here's his chance.
This is likely not to happen, though, for two simple reasons: the Suns are rivals, and they're cheap. I doubt they'd spend the cash to keep Kobe and improve based on their recent moves. A Kobe/Cook swap for Marion/Barbosa works, but the Suns have to dip into their trade exception for it. Would they do that? Will Buss send Kobe to a team that plays the Lakers often? I doubt it. Too bad, because this would put the Suns over the top and give Marion some peace. Maybe Steve Kerr can beg his boss on behalf of the fact that Kobe is, um, WORTH IT!
(and worth a title?)
4. MAVERICKS
They keep being mentioned as a major player, even though they are in the same conference. Kobe did list them and Buss apparently can withstand Mark Cuban, which is a rarity amongst owners.
But is this really a good fit? Why would the Lakers take all the supporting players on the Mavs, which is the first option, or the Mavs make themselves into the new Lakers, which is the second option? If the Mavs do give up Dirk, then Kobe gets to play with a supporting cast that helps him but doesn't have any stars like he wants. They'll have to involve more people to make it work, because the Mavs have no fours and the Lakers lots. So basically then, Kobe will be in the same situation as the past few years. If the Mavs don't give up Dirk, the Lakers will come away without any real stars (Josh Howard is good, but he's an overachiever who benefits greatly playing alongside Nowitzki) and a big hole on their roster... and the Mavs will be a two man team with the same problems Boston faces, only much worse. So I don't think this is going to happen in any way. The pieces just don't fit.
But then, Cuban has an itchy trigger finger...
5. KNICKS
As much as we all think the league wants this to happen, there's no way the pieces fit. The Knicks are better off managing the cap (whoops, Isiah) and acquiring space (yoinks) and positioning themselves for a big free agent down the road, like Kobe and LeBron in a few years. They haven't done that, instead trading for people they can't get rid of later. Nicely done.
The only way for them to even dream of Kobe is for the Lakers to accept a collection of overpaid guys who aren't stars. Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph may put up good numbers offensively, but they're nowhere near the franchise level the Lakers are looking for. The Knicks could throw a wave of young talent to go with them, but none of these guys are stars in any sense. The Lakers could go for the cap relief, knowing that they can sign free agents in a few years, but why not get someone actually good? New York just doesn't have enough... but I can't count them out, for obvious reasons.
6. HAWKS
Yeah, I know, Kobe would never approve of this. But someone threw out a swap of Joe Johnson and Al Horford for Kobe and one of the forwards. You know what? That's not a bad deal for either side. The Lakers get two young starters who are true quality (that's their best pickup outside of the Bulls), and the Hawks get a true star and someone the fans could actually care about for once. Too bad their ownership group would probably turn it down after fighting again.
7. ROCKETS
Kobe straight up for T Mac? With a couple of the Houston guards thrown in? It would work, I suppose, but would it help either team that much? Hmm... this is intriguing, even if I don't believe it....
8. CELTICS
Rumors that the Celtics would trade Pierce back to his native LA have been floating around for a while, epecially when he was unhappy. He's the rare player who could almost match Kobe's scoring and popularity..... but that would be pretty mean for Boston to finally give him help and then send him packing. After all, ownership loves him. It's why they mortgaged their future to get him other stars instead of trading him for a youth movement. So as much as it makes sense to LA people, it's not gonna happen.
9. SPURS
Kobe for Parker and Ginobli? It would simplify things, but the Lakers want a big man more than a point guard who shoots. Plus San Antonio likes their system how it is.
10. SIXERS
Iggy and T. Young won't get it done because then Kobe has no supporting cast again. He'd be replicating Iverson in the early years.... although, that might be enough to get somewhere in the East.
So as far as I see it, the Bulls are the most likely candidate by far. If Jersey cooks up something or the Suns change their minds, they might work, but the Bulls have the most to offer and the resources to survive. Will this happen anytime soon? I doubt it, but I can't say. I'll start my preview soon with eraser in hand.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
now i'm just confused
All the talk about the Lakers-Pacers trades took a strange turn this week. Mr. Jermaine O'Neal was in LA and talked about how he'd like to play here. Fair enough. The press interpreted this as him demanding a trade and he had to back off for publicity's sake. Not a super smart move, but I like his honesty - he knows the Lakers and Nets are talking about him and he knows they're both better off than his current situation.
It looked like this would help speed up things between the Lakers and Pacers making that trade..... but they still can't agree on a deal. Figures. Yet the really strange part is that the Lakers have actually consigned themselves to giving up Bynum, which stopped them a coupel times before from making a host of deals, but now they're balking at giving up Odom.
Huh??
Memo to Mitch Kupchak: Bynum is still the centerpiece of that deal. If you're gonna trade him, why get all pissy about the guy you wanted to get rid of before so badly??? Why get so uptight over two people you clearly have to deal in order to get ANYONE?
This is bizarre because I always thought the hold up between the Lakers and Pacers was the Lakers' refusal to throw in Bynum. But now, the Pacers are insisting on Odom - kinda surprising, given their rebuilding efforts, but I can see that they're just gonna deal him sooner or later, and they know the trade doesn't have much value for them without him. Bynum is a good prospect and Odom will net some other asset in a trade.... is that asking too much for a true all-star who should be able to appease Kobe? No. The Lakers, for some odd reason, think so.
As much as I love people ripping their hair out here over this, I can't believe the ineptitude. If they whiff on Garnett and now this... they're not going to recover from it. Fans have turned in the wake of the post-Shaq mediocrity. They won't stick around for this, unless they're idiots, which many are. But not all.
So what's the hold up? The Lakers are allegedly offering Bynum, Brian Cook, and Kwame straight up. That's pretty bad. Only one guy who might do anything with cap relief? Indiana needs it but they're also stuck with some bad contracts, so they ought to be able to get more value or dump some of those contracts.
Here's one that might be better for both sides. Lakers give up more, but get more.
Los Angeles Lakers
Incoming Players
Jermaine O'Neal
Salary: $19,728,000 Years Remaining: 2
Mike Dunleavy
Salary: $8,219,008 Years Remaining: 4
Outgoing Players: Andrew Bynum, Brian Cook, Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom
Indiana Pacers
Incoming Players
Andrew Bynum
Salary: $2,172,000 Years Remaining: 1
Brian Cook
Salary: $3,500,000 Years Remaining: 2
Kwame Brown
Salary: $9,075,000 Years Remaining: 1
Lamar Odom
Salary: $13,248,596 Years Remaining: 2
Outgoing Players: Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Dunleavy
This could be fine-tuned to include more or less, but I think it works out good for both teams. Indiana gets both guys and also gets to dump Dunleavy, who is a nice complement but not worth the cash. The Lakers, however, shouldn't mind having a big wing who can shoot and pass well.
I included Javaris Crittenton originally, but they can just do this and I think Indiana would agree quickly. Some people have suggested the Lakers taking Danny Granger back if they throw in Odom. I know the Pacers would rather keep him than Dunleavy, but they might be able to swing that. If the Lakers do throw in Crittenton, Indiana could back down.
In two years, Indiana will have cap space and some interesting young guys. Next year, the Lakers will be much better. I don't see why this can't work.... unless Kupchak coninues to think he can balk. Remember, Jersey could offer some nice parts as well. He doesn't want to be left in the dust again.
Or does he? No wonder Kobe wants the Logo back so much....
NOTES -
Boston signed Scot Pollard and Eddie House. That's about all they can do now. Pollard hasn't played much the past few years, but he was once a decent backup. All he has to do is hustle and rebound for 18 minutes a night. And all House has to do is pass the ball to the stars and then get open for treys. It's not much, but they're getting a little deeper.
Golden State re-signed Matt Barnes. I don't get why he had to fire agents and go through such a hassle. Was he really going anywhere else? They like him. He fits them. And they'll need him, with Richardson and Pietrus (likely) gone.
It looked like this would help speed up things between the Lakers and Pacers making that trade..... but they still can't agree on a deal. Figures. Yet the really strange part is that the Lakers have actually consigned themselves to giving up Bynum, which stopped them a coupel times before from making a host of deals, but now they're balking at giving up Odom.
Huh??
Memo to Mitch Kupchak: Bynum is still the centerpiece of that deal. If you're gonna trade him, why get all pissy about the guy you wanted to get rid of before so badly??? Why get so uptight over two people you clearly have to deal in order to get ANYONE?
This is bizarre because I always thought the hold up between the Lakers and Pacers was the Lakers' refusal to throw in Bynum. But now, the Pacers are insisting on Odom - kinda surprising, given their rebuilding efforts, but I can see that they're just gonna deal him sooner or later, and they know the trade doesn't have much value for them without him. Bynum is a good prospect and Odom will net some other asset in a trade.... is that asking too much for a true all-star who should be able to appease Kobe? No. The Lakers, for some odd reason, think so.
As much as I love people ripping their hair out here over this, I can't believe the ineptitude. If they whiff on Garnett and now this... they're not going to recover from it. Fans have turned in the wake of the post-Shaq mediocrity. They won't stick around for this, unless they're idiots, which many are. But not all.
So what's the hold up? The Lakers are allegedly offering Bynum, Brian Cook, and Kwame straight up. That's pretty bad. Only one guy who might do anything with cap relief? Indiana needs it but they're also stuck with some bad contracts, so they ought to be able to get more value or dump some of those contracts.
Here's one that might be better for both sides. Lakers give up more, but get more.
Los Angeles Lakers
Incoming Players
Jermaine O'Neal
Salary: $19,728,000 Years Remaining: 2
Mike Dunleavy
Salary: $8,219,008 Years Remaining: 4
Outgoing Players: Andrew Bynum, Brian Cook, Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom
Indiana Pacers
Incoming Players
Andrew Bynum
Salary: $2,172,000 Years Remaining: 1
Brian Cook
Salary: $3,500,000 Years Remaining: 2
Kwame Brown
Salary: $9,075,000 Years Remaining: 1
Lamar Odom
Salary: $13,248,596 Years Remaining: 2
Outgoing Players: Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Dunleavy
This could be fine-tuned to include more or less, but I think it works out good for both teams. Indiana gets both guys and also gets to dump Dunleavy, who is a nice complement but not worth the cash. The Lakers, however, shouldn't mind having a big wing who can shoot and pass well.
I included Javaris Crittenton originally, but they can just do this and I think Indiana would agree quickly. Some people have suggested the Lakers taking Danny Granger back if they throw in Odom. I know the Pacers would rather keep him than Dunleavy, but they might be able to swing that. If the Lakers do throw in Crittenton, Indiana could back down.
In two years, Indiana will have cap space and some interesting young guys. Next year, the Lakers will be much better. I don't see why this can't work.... unless Kupchak coninues to think he can balk. Remember, Jersey could offer some nice parts as well. He doesn't want to be left in the dust again.
Or does he? No wonder Kobe wants the Logo back so much....
NOTES -
Boston signed Scot Pollard and Eddie House. That's about all they can do now. Pollard hasn't played much the past few years, but he was once a decent backup. All he has to do is hustle and rebound for 18 minutes a night. And all House has to do is pass the ball to the stars and then get open for treys. It's not much, but they're getting a little deeper.
Golden State re-signed Matt Barnes. I don't get why he had to fire agents and go through such a hassle. Was he really going anywhere else? They like him. He fits them. And they'll need him, with Richardson and Pietrus (likely) gone.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
the great Garnett gangbuster
Well, THIS is a change....
After all the Garnett deals that were discussed earlier, this is the one that goes through? I won't make any McHale-is-still-secretly-part-of-the-Celtics jokes. That's too easy. I'm just going to address the good and bad sides of this deal:
THE GOOD FOR BOSTON, BAD FOR MINNESOTA
- Boston has three guys who have been all stars and now would like nothing more than to win.
- I'm not worried about people needing shots. Garnett had his best year when he could share the ball with Sprewell and Cassell. He doesn't have to be lead scorer. This is Pierce's team offensively, and I know Allen and KG will be fine not having to carry them. They need a break from that.
- I'm also not worried about KG wearing down so soon. He's still got time. Plus, he won't have to carry the offense anymore, again, and he gets to play in the East. That will make his stress level go WAY down.
- Compared to everyone in the East, they look pretty good now, eh? They have one of the best big men in the game when all the others are out West. The only teams that have bigs who can match up with KG are Detroit, Toronto, and Orlando, and those last two don't have the supporting casts.
- Yes, I know Jefferson might eventually be a franchise big man, but you already know KG is. And he's much better defensively.
- Celtics fans (and NBA fans in general) have to be happy that the Celtics went all out to get better, instead of being cheap and waiting for young guys to develop.
- They managed to get KG without giving up that big draft pick. How crazy is that?
- They weren't sold on any of the young guys they gave up besides Jefferson.
- One of the draft picks the Celtics gave up actually belonged to Minnesota in the first place, so it's not really a loss for them.
- McHale managed to get young guys, but he didn't give up any of the bad contracts they have. Other trade scenarios I mapped out for them had them cutting payroll somehow. Now they still need to wait a few years to get these guys off their payroll. I know the cap hindered them, but my guess is that Boston would have taken a few of these guys for some depth. They could have looked for other teams to get involved.
- Jefferson has to replace the only great player in franchise history, and this team is going to be bad right away.
-Boston managed to get rid of Telfair and Ratliff for something positive.
- Why did the Wolves pick up Juwon Howard if they were serious about moving KG? Doesn't seem like a great move now. He's another old guy they have to pay for a few years.
- Along with that, would they have drafted Corey Brewer if they knew KG would be gone? Maybe they would have sprung for someone lower rated but with more potential. I don't know who... Brandan Wright? Meh, I guess Brewer was still the best available. I just think he's worth more on a contender.
- If I found out that they could have had Stoudemire straight up, I would seriously punch them in the face. But I think Phoenix would nix theat deal first.
- I was going to put the Wolves having a high draft pick next year in their good list, but is it going to the Clippers? This could be very good or bad for them, because they will absolutely be picking in the top five next year.
THE GOOD FOR MINNESOTA, BAD FOR BOSTON
- Boston now has no depth. I don't know what the rules are for using mid level trade exceptions, but I think with the cap space gone, they'll have a hard time picking up people. They really could use a veteran backup at the point and at center.
- Boston's three wing players they rely on (Tony Al, Ray Al, Pierce) all missed a huge chunk of last season with injuries.
- Rajon Rondo has to be the man now. This isn't all terrible, since Boston needed to straighten up the point situation, but without Delonte West or Telfair, he's got to be it.
- Kendrick Perkins is the only center Boston has, and besides him, the only big men they can sub are Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis, and Brian Scalabrine. Yikes.
- To go along with that, my main complaint about this trade on both sides is including Ryan Gomes. He's a nice backup for Boston, but without him, they have no depth down low. Perkins can get into foul trouble easily and then there's no one with any experience left. Meanwhile, he doesn't help Minnesota much because they have Howard and Craig Smith already, and they're all decent guys who basically do the same thing. He's not going to ever be a star for them; Jefferson and Green have a chance to do something. Boston isn't giving him up for salary reasons either.
So why put him in there? Minnesota can take Big Baby, who at least might develop into something if he trains right, or Powe, or more draft picks. Boston can keep a guy who gives them important minutes. This is the part I don't get.
- Minnesota needed a true point, and if Telfair lives up to anything, he can help.
- Same deal with Green. He and Brewer have the tools, but can they figure it out? If so, they have a nice wing combo.
FOR THE REST OF THE LEAGUE.....
- Conspiracy theorists are harping that Stern got this deal done because it helps an eastern team with a passionate fan base get better. Also, it detracts attention from the scandal. Nah. I think that it happened for these reasons: Phoenix was too cheap and/or didn't want to give up Stoudemire; the Lakers didn't have a good enough package; and Chicago is content to stay with the team they have (hence them not even biting anymore on Pau Gasol, who'd cost less). Boston was the only team left able to give Minnesota something valuable for their star.
Regardless, it does make the Celtics a lot better and the East better as well. Now, the Celtics will be on TV much more. Yes, Stern has to be happy about it. Yes, it's shady McHale gave up so easily.
But he's never been sharp, has he?
- This puts even more pressure on the Lakers to make a deal. Without KG in the mix, they now have even more desperation to go after Jermaine O'Neal, plus they have to hear about their old rivals for a while.
Here's an interesting problem the Lakers face: I've been saying that they need to find a third team that would be interested in Lamar Odom, because the Pacers sure aren't. One of those teams was Boston, potentially. Now they're out, obviously, and I think New York is going to stay where they are or get Artest. So that leaves Miami, Jersey, and Philly, but the Sixers and Heat don't have enough assets (other than their main guys they'll never give up) to get it done. So the main trade partner is Jersey.
Ironically, however, Jersey and Indiana have already been discussing a deal amongst themselves for O'Neal. Indiana wanted Nenad Kristic, Richard Jefferson, and maybe Marcus Williams from the Nets. Jersey said no. So now the Lakers not only have to convince Indiana that they can offer a good package, but maybe convince Jersey too that a three-way is the best way to go. I already traced out a bunch of three-way trades with these guys earlier on here. If Indiana can get Kristic and Jefferson from Jersey straight up for O'Neal, doesn't that trump anything the Lakers can do? Can the Lakers possibly convince the Nets to take Odom instead, trade Jefferson to Indiana, and get Indiana to accept Bynum, Kwame (for the contract), and Crittendon? Let's see this again:
Indiana Pacers
Incoming Players
Andrew Bynum
Salary: $2,172,000 Years Remaining: 1
Jason Collins
Salary: $6,100,000 Years Remaining: 2
Richard Jefferson
Salary: $12,200,000 Years Remaining: 4
Kwame Brown
Salary: $9,075,000 Years Remaining: 1
Bernard Robinson
Salary: $1,080,000 Years Remaining: 1
(Javaris Crittendon)
(once he clears restrictions)
Outgoing Players: Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Dunleavy
New Jersey Nets
Incoming Players
Brian Cook
Salary: $3,500,000 Years Remaining: 2
Mike Dunleavy
Salary: $8,219,008 Years Remaining: 4
Lamar Odom
Salary: $13,248,596 Years Remaining: 2
Maurice Evans
Salary: $1,740,000 Years Remaining: 1
Outgoing Players: Jason Collins, Antoine Wright, Richard Jefferson, Bostjan Nachbar, Bernard Robinson
Los Angeles Lakers
Incoming Players
Jermaine O'Neal
Salary: $19,728,000 Years Remaining: 2
Antoine Wright
Salary: $1,680,600 Years Remaining: 1
Bostjan Nachbar
Salary: $2,500,000 Years Remaining: 1
Outgoing Players: Andrew Bynum, Brian Cook, Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom, Maurice Evans (also Javaris Crittendon, once available)
Hey, this trade doesn't look so bad now. All three teams do something positive. Indiana gets Bynum, Jefferson, and Crittendon, while getting major cap relief. I think they've been really ruing the midseason trade with Golden State. In earlier trade scenarios, I had them trying to get rid of Dunleavy, but failing. Now, with Jersey picking up big men, they can do more to swing that. Jersey gets rid of Jefferson, but they keep Kristic, get Odom, and then majorly improve their bench. Even if Odom-Kidd-Carter is less of a trioka than Jefferson-Kidd-Carter, they still have Kristic and finally have some depth for once. That's not bad.
And the Lakers get Kobe a real post guy. DO it, Kupchak.
The question will be if Indiana thinks they can still get Kristic and Jefferson from Jersey straight up. That's better than the Lakers' offer.
- Yes, it changes the balance of power in the East for now. Detroit is getting younger, but that may not make them any better right now. They're mostly the same as last year. Cleveland hasn't changed much (for now). Chicago was my pick to break through next year, but like Detroit, they're going with quantity over quality. Miami is the only other team that could be considered a true contender, but they need Shaq to get back, and he hasn't looked motivated in a long, long time. Jersey? Maybe. Pending on moves.
Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, and New York all got better, but they aren't contenders.
This team, assuming a few guys come in cheap, can win 50 games, which puts it near the top.
- Finally, some of the forwards out West can breathe a little easier. And look at all star selections. With Garnett, Lewis and almost-been-theres Zach Randolph and (likely) Odom gone, you can finally get in the midseason showcase.
- One last thing: I know we'll probably never get the real story on this, but we'll always wonder how close Phoenix got, or how close they both got with Atlanta, or if the Lakers ever really had a chance. Did someone really turn this down? On either side? With respect to Stoudemire as well?
Maybe those fans don't want to know....
After all the Garnett deals that were discussed earlier, this is the one that goes through? I won't make any McHale-is-still-secretly-part-of-the-Celtics jokes. That's too easy. I'm just going to address the good and bad sides of this deal:
THE GOOD FOR BOSTON, BAD FOR MINNESOTA
- Boston has three guys who have been all stars and now would like nothing more than to win.
- I'm not worried about people needing shots. Garnett had his best year when he could share the ball with Sprewell and Cassell. He doesn't have to be lead scorer. This is Pierce's team offensively, and I know Allen and KG will be fine not having to carry them. They need a break from that.
- I'm also not worried about KG wearing down so soon. He's still got time. Plus, he won't have to carry the offense anymore, again, and he gets to play in the East. That will make his stress level go WAY down.
- Compared to everyone in the East, they look pretty good now, eh? They have one of the best big men in the game when all the others are out West. The only teams that have bigs who can match up with KG are Detroit, Toronto, and Orlando, and those last two don't have the supporting casts.
- Yes, I know Jefferson might eventually be a franchise big man, but you already know KG is. And he's much better defensively.
- Celtics fans (and NBA fans in general) have to be happy that the Celtics went all out to get better, instead of being cheap and waiting for young guys to develop.
- They managed to get KG without giving up that big draft pick. How crazy is that?
- They weren't sold on any of the young guys they gave up besides Jefferson.
- One of the draft picks the Celtics gave up actually belonged to Minnesota in the first place, so it's not really a loss for them.
- McHale managed to get young guys, but he didn't give up any of the bad contracts they have. Other trade scenarios I mapped out for them had them cutting payroll somehow. Now they still need to wait a few years to get these guys off their payroll. I know the cap hindered them, but my guess is that Boston would have taken a few of these guys for some depth. They could have looked for other teams to get involved.
- Jefferson has to replace the only great player in franchise history, and this team is going to be bad right away.
-Boston managed to get rid of Telfair and Ratliff for something positive.
- Why did the Wolves pick up Juwon Howard if they were serious about moving KG? Doesn't seem like a great move now. He's another old guy they have to pay for a few years.
- Along with that, would they have drafted Corey Brewer if they knew KG would be gone? Maybe they would have sprung for someone lower rated but with more potential. I don't know who... Brandan Wright? Meh, I guess Brewer was still the best available. I just think he's worth more on a contender.
- If I found out that they could have had Stoudemire straight up, I would seriously punch them in the face. But I think Phoenix would nix theat deal first.
- I was going to put the Wolves having a high draft pick next year in their good list, but is it going to the Clippers? This could be very good or bad for them, because they will absolutely be picking in the top five next year.
THE GOOD FOR MINNESOTA, BAD FOR BOSTON
- Boston now has no depth. I don't know what the rules are for using mid level trade exceptions, but I think with the cap space gone, they'll have a hard time picking up people. They really could use a veteran backup at the point and at center.
- Boston's three wing players they rely on (Tony Al, Ray Al, Pierce) all missed a huge chunk of last season with injuries.
- Rajon Rondo has to be the man now. This isn't all terrible, since Boston needed to straighten up the point situation, but without Delonte West or Telfair, he's got to be it.
- Kendrick Perkins is the only center Boston has, and besides him, the only big men they can sub are Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis, and Brian Scalabrine. Yikes.
- To go along with that, my main complaint about this trade on both sides is including Ryan Gomes. He's a nice backup for Boston, but without him, they have no depth down low. Perkins can get into foul trouble easily and then there's no one with any experience left. Meanwhile, he doesn't help Minnesota much because they have Howard and Craig Smith already, and they're all decent guys who basically do the same thing. He's not going to ever be a star for them; Jefferson and Green have a chance to do something. Boston isn't giving him up for salary reasons either.
So why put him in there? Minnesota can take Big Baby, who at least might develop into something if he trains right, or Powe, or more draft picks. Boston can keep a guy who gives them important minutes. This is the part I don't get.
- Minnesota needed a true point, and if Telfair lives up to anything, he can help.
- Same deal with Green. He and Brewer have the tools, but can they figure it out? If so, they have a nice wing combo.
FINAL ANALYSIS (cue Richard Gere looking solemn) :
Boston wins big time. This trade puts them amongst the best teams in the East. You can complain about their depth, but only a few teams in that conference have anyone close to KG, and they don't have the supporting cast. This threesome is worth 50 wins, right? It's not much worse than KG, Spree, and Cassell in 2004. Those guys won 58 in a loaded conference. They can challenge for the conference title. League, not so much.
Minnesota managed to get one future star and some nice pieces for Garnett, but they're going to be bad for a while. At least the foundation is there, plus the next few high picks they will surely get. If McHale steps aside, after loading up his old team, well, it wouldn't be so bad.
I have a strange feeling that somewhere down the line, once the cap is set, Boston will make a "thank you" move to Minnesota. I don't know if they can do this with the cap, and they definitely can't do it right now, but I think they might actually take some of those guys with contract problems that Minnesota has. They need depth. They'd bring back Mark Blount as a backup if they could fit him under the cap. They'd probably take Marko Jaric or Trenton Hassell too. Once the season starts, I think they will find a way to do this to get depth and help McHale clear some cap space. Remember, he's made a bunch of deals with Boston in the past few years. No coincidence. He and Ainge will keep talking and finding ways to help each other out. I think Ainge kinda owes it to him for this deal.....
FOR THE REST OF THE LEAGUE.....
- Conspiracy theorists are harping that Stern got this deal done because it helps an eastern team with a passionate fan base get better. Also, it detracts attention from the scandal. Nah. I think that it happened for these reasons: Phoenix was too cheap and/or didn't want to give up Stoudemire; the Lakers didn't have a good enough package; and Chicago is content to stay with the team they have (hence them not even biting anymore on Pau Gasol, who'd cost less). Boston was the only team left able to give Minnesota something valuable for their star.
Regardless, it does make the Celtics a lot better and the East better as well. Now, the Celtics will be on TV much more. Yes, Stern has to be happy about it. Yes, it's shady McHale gave up so easily.
But he's never been sharp, has he?
- This puts even more pressure on the Lakers to make a deal. Without KG in the mix, they now have even more desperation to go after Jermaine O'Neal, plus they have to hear about their old rivals for a while.
Here's an interesting problem the Lakers face: I've been saying that they need to find a third team that would be interested in Lamar Odom, because the Pacers sure aren't. One of those teams was Boston, potentially. Now they're out, obviously, and I think New York is going to stay where they are or get Artest. So that leaves Miami, Jersey, and Philly, but the Sixers and Heat don't have enough assets (other than their main guys they'll never give up) to get it done. So the main trade partner is Jersey.
Ironically, however, Jersey and Indiana have already been discussing a deal amongst themselves for O'Neal. Indiana wanted Nenad Kristic, Richard Jefferson, and maybe Marcus Williams from the Nets. Jersey said no. So now the Lakers not only have to convince Indiana that they can offer a good package, but maybe convince Jersey too that a three-way is the best way to go. I already traced out a bunch of three-way trades with these guys earlier on here. If Indiana can get Kristic and Jefferson from Jersey straight up for O'Neal, doesn't that trump anything the Lakers can do? Can the Lakers possibly convince the Nets to take Odom instead, trade Jefferson to Indiana, and get Indiana to accept Bynum, Kwame (for the contract), and Crittendon? Let's see this again:
Indiana Pacers
Incoming Players
Andrew Bynum
Salary: $2,172,000 Years Remaining: 1
Jason Collins
Salary: $6,100,000 Years Remaining: 2
Richard Jefferson
Salary: $12,200,000 Years Remaining: 4
Kwame Brown
Salary: $9,075,000 Years Remaining: 1
Bernard Robinson
Salary: $1,080,000 Years Remaining: 1
(Javaris Crittendon)
(once he clears restrictions)
Outgoing Players: Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Dunleavy
New Jersey Nets
Incoming Players
Brian Cook
Salary: $3,500,000 Years Remaining: 2
Mike Dunleavy
Salary: $8,219,008 Years Remaining: 4
Lamar Odom
Salary: $13,248,596 Years Remaining: 2
Maurice Evans
Salary: $1,740,000 Years Remaining: 1
Outgoing Players: Jason Collins, Antoine Wright, Richard Jefferson, Bostjan Nachbar, Bernard Robinson
Los Angeles Lakers
Incoming Players
Jermaine O'Neal
Salary: $19,728,000 Years Remaining: 2
Antoine Wright
Salary: $1,680,600 Years Remaining: 1
Bostjan Nachbar
Salary: $2,500,000 Years Remaining: 1
Outgoing Players: Andrew Bynum, Brian Cook, Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom, Maurice Evans (also Javaris Crittendon, once available)
Hey, this trade doesn't look so bad now. All three teams do something positive. Indiana gets Bynum, Jefferson, and Crittendon, while getting major cap relief. I think they've been really ruing the midseason trade with Golden State. In earlier trade scenarios, I had them trying to get rid of Dunleavy, but failing. Now, with Jersey picking up big men, they can do more to swing that. Jersey gets rid of Jefferson, but they keep Kristic, get Odom, and then majorly improve their bench. Even if Odom-Kidd-Carter is less of a trioka than Jefferson-Kidd-Carter, they still have Kristic and finally have some depth for once. That's not bad.
And the Lakers get Kobe a real post guy. DO it, Kupchak.
The question will be if Indiana thinks they can still get Kristic and Jefferson from Jersey straight up. That's better than the Lakers' offer.
- Yes, it changes the balance of power in the East for now. Detroit is getting younger, but that may not make them any better right now. They're mostly the same as last year. Cleveland hasn't changed much (for now). Chicago was my pick to break through next year, but like Detroit, they're going with quantity over quality. Miami is the only other team that could be considered a true contender, but they need Shaq to get back, and he hasn't looked motivated in a long, long time. Jersey? Maybe. Pending on moves.
Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, and New York all got better, but they aren't contenders.
This team, assuming a few guys come in cheap, can win 50 games, which puts it near the top.
- Finally, some of the forwards out West can breathe a little easier. And look at all star selections. With Garnett, Lewis and almost-been-theres Zach Randolph and (likely) Odom gone, you can finally get in the midseason showcase.
- One last thing: I know we'll probably never get the real story on this, but we'll always wonder how close Phoenix got, or how close they both got with Atlanta, or if the Lakers ever really had a chance. Did someone really turn this down? On either side? With respect to Stoudemire as well?
Maybe those fans don't want to know....
Friday, June 22, 2007
another work in progress
Trade updates part deux:
If the NBA was really interesting in biasing things toward the East, they'd make it possible for Chicago to acquire Kobe and KG. But it's not possible under salary cap rules... unless they gave up Ben Wallace, which would leave 1. them with no help for those two, and 2. he's the last guy any other team wants to have. If they could swing it so they had KG, Ben, Nocioni, Duhon, and Kobe... I mean, that's almost enough to win the East, right? They'd have no bench and not much scoring besides the big duo ... but if LeBron can carry a team where no on else is going for more than 15 a night to the finals, they'd have to do it, right? The MJ-Pippen Bulls had basically two superstars, one good rebounder, one decent third scorer, and a bunch of misfits.... this is almost like that. And they'd have two big guys who can defend, which would destory the East. Duhon has worked to be a decent shooter, and Nocioni can defend and hit threes, so that wouldn't be a terrible lineup. No bench, but they might have a few exceptions and trade rules left.
But every scenario I've tried to come up with doesn't work. Even if they use the sign-and-trade leverage for P. J. Brown, they can't afford three colossal contracts when two of them are incoming. They might, MIGHT be able to do it if they get big sign-and-trades for Brown and Nocioni, but then they really gut their roster and they have to hope other people are interested in paying big bucks for those guys. In the end, it's nearly impossible to get both.
It's a shame, because this would totally re-energize the East, give the league a marquee team in Chicago again with marquee names, and give the Lakers and Wolves some great young talent. I don't think the Bulls are really so interesting in gutting their team to get KG or Kobe, when they could make a simpler move (like Pau Gasol) and have a young team that could compete for years. But then again, they made that big deal for Ben Wallace, indicating that they'd like to win now.
Well, we know this:
KG will not play for Boston.
Shawn Marion will not play for Boston or Minnesota.
Kobe will only play for Dallas, Phoenix, or Chicago, if he's really done with the Lakers.
Phoenix and LA are weary of dealing with each other because of their rivalry.
Does that create anything? Not yet.
ANOTHER NEWS NOTE:
As Henry Abbott noted today, Danny Ferry and the Cavs haven't made all great moves, but they have at least opened up the vault to sign people. They'll pay the tax and invest. That's better than being cheap for everything. They've been able to take bad contracts off other teams (I do appreciate them taking Eric Snow, if they could only take every other move Billy King made...) and help those teams out. Now that Steve Kerr is in Phoenix and Sam Presti is in San Antonio, both guys Ferry knows from San Antonio, the Cavs could offer help to thos teams with their contract problems, because both of them are being cheap and both are also happy to deal to an Eastern team. As Abott said, this means that the Cavs could be the destination for Rashard Lewis or Shawn Marion.
That makes sense, but of course, both of those guys have options (Lewis is on one now), so they'll have to be convinced to go there. Marion might not like it, but Lewis is a great fit. I said they should resume talks with Seattle about Ray Allen.... but they could just go after him instead and not have to give up as much. I didn't see what their deal space was like, but if they're willing to take on bad contracts, they become a little more attractive trade partner. Lewis could solve a lot of problems for them....
Here's one to think about:
NEW JERSEY trades
Richard Jefferson, Bernard Robinson, Josh Boone, Bostjan Nachbar, Hassan Adams, Cliff Robinson, Antoine Wright (all expire in a year), # 16 pick to MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA trades
Kevin Garnett to PHOENIX, Trenton Hassell to NEW JERSEY
PHOENIX trades
Shawn Marion, James Jones to JERSEY, Eric Piatkowski, # 22 pick, future pick (from Atlanta) to MINNESOTA
Minnesota gets to drump Hassell, pickup Jefferson, draft picks, and a lot of guys whos contracts are up soon. Jersey exchanges Jefferson for Marion and Jones, which I think is an upgrade (he needs to play with either Nash or Kidd and no one else). Phoenix gets KG without giving up Amare, as they wish. Phoenix also sends Marion eastbound, and makes it harder for the Lakers to make deals, since, as I already proposed, Jersey is one of the few teams that might not mind picking up Lamar Odom. You could say that Minnesota isn't getting much worth back for KG, but they need to start getting rid of salaries, and Jefferson and a bunch of draft picks isn't a terrible start. Three first rounders this year gives them depth; then next year, they hope that Atlanta's pick is good. It's something.
If the NBA was really interesting in biasing things toward the East, they'd make it possible for Chicago to acquire Kobe and KG. But it's not possible under salary cap rules... unless they gave up Ben Wallace, which would leave 1. them with no help for those two, and 2. he's the last guy any other team wants to have. If they could swing it so they had KG, Ben, Nocioni, Duhon, and Kobe... I mean, that's almost enough to win the East, right? They'd have no bench and not much scoring besides the big duo ... but if LeBron can carry a team where no on else is going for more than 15 a night to the finals, they'd have to do it, right? The MJ-Pippen Bulls had basically two superstars, one good rebounder, one decent third scorer, and a bunch of misfits.... this is almost like that. And they'd have two big guys who can defend, which would destory the East. Duhon has worked to be a decent shooter, and Nocioni can defend and hit threes, so that wouldn't be a terrible lineup. No bench, but they might have a few exceptions and trade rules left.
But every scenario I've tried to come up with doesn't work. Even if they use the sign-and-trade leverage for P. J. Brown, they can't afford three colossal contracts when two of them are incoming. They might, MIGHT be able to do it if they get big sign-and-trades for Brown and Nocioni, but then they really gut their roster and they have to hope other people are interested in paying big bucks for those guys. In the end, it's nearly impossible to get both.
It's a shame, because this would totally re-energize the East, give the league a marquee team in Chicago again with marquee names, and give the Lakers and Wolves some great young talent. I don't think the Bulls are really so interesting in gutting their team to get KG or Kobe, when they could make a simpler move (like Pau Gasol) and have a young team that could compete for years. But then again, they made that big deal for Ben Wallace, indicating that they'd like to win now.
Well, we know this:
KG will not play for Boston.
Shawn Marion will not play for Boston or Minnesota.
Kobe will only play for Dallas, Phoenix, or Chicago, if he's really done with the Lakers.
Phoenix and LA are weary of dealing with each other because of their rivalry.
Does that create anything? Not yet.
ANOTHER NEWS NOTE:
As Henry Abbott noted today, Danny Ferry and the Cavs haven't made all great moves, but they have at least opened up the vault to sign people. They'll pay the tax and invest. That's better than being cheap for everything. They've been able to take bad contracts off other teams (I do appreciate them taking Eric Snow, if they could only take every other move Billy King made...) and help those teams out. Now that Steve Kerr is in Phoenix and Sam Presti is in San Antonio, both guys Ferry knows from San Antonio, the Cavs could offer help to thos teams with their contract problems, because both of them are being cheap and both are also happy to deal to an Eastern team. As Abott said, this means that the Cavs could be the destination for Rashard Lewis or Shawn Marion.
That makes sense, but of course, both of those guys have options (Lewis is on one now), so they'll have to be convinced to go there. Marion might not like it, but Lewis is a great fit. I said they should resume talks with Seattle about Ray Allen.... but they could just go after him instead and not have to give up as much. I didn't see what their deal space was like, but if they're willing to take on bad contracts, they become a little more attractive trade partner. Lewis could solve a lot of problems for them....
Here's one to think about:
NEW JERSEY trades
Richard Jefferson, Bernard Robinson, Josh Boone, Bostjan Nachbar, Hassan Adams, Cliff Robinson, Antoine Wright (all expire in a year), # 16 pick to MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA trades
Kevin Garnett to PHOENIX, Trenton Hassell to NEW JERSEY
PHOENIX trades
Shawn Marion, James Jones to JERSEY, Eric Piatkowski, # 22 pick, future pick (from Atlanta) to MINNESOTA
Minnesota gets to drump Hassell, pickup Jefferson, draft picks, and a lot of guys whos contracts are up soon. Jersey exchanges Jefferson for Marion and Jones, which I think is an upgrade (he needs to play with either Nash or Kidd and no one else). Phoenix gets KG without giving up Amare, as they wish. Phoenix also sends Marion eastbound, and makes it harder for the Lakers to make deals, since, as I already proposed, Jersey is one of the few teams that might not mind picking up Lamar Odom. You could say that Minnesota isn't getting much worth back for KG, but they need to start getting rid of salaries, and Jefferson and a bunch of draft picks isn't a terrible start. Three first rounders this year gives them depth; then next year, they hope that Atlanta's pick is good. It's something.
Monday, June 11, 2007
work in progress
This is a gradual experiment I'm working on. This space is going to be reserved for trade ideas. I've got a million ideas on how teams could potentially improve themselves... but then, who knows if anyone will listen to sense. Also, I thought of these based on needs, when star power, salaries, and luxury cap ramifications factor in more than that. Sometimes.
So I'm gonna propose them, check up with them on the ESPN trade machine, and see if they work and maybe adjust them. In the meantime, you can see how they fared. Simmons apparently spends hours each day on this thing, but since this is not my day job, I can't. But I will check in from time to time.
TRADE 1: GASOL GOODIES
Chicago and Memphis have been talking for months, and maybe the Bulls should have done it earlier, but then, they might have given up Gordon or Deng. I think they can pull it off without. This version gives Memphis three young guys who can help, Chicago everything they need, and gets Memphis' cap space down... way down.
CHICAGO trades
Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Selfosha, #9 pick this year, Mike Sweetney
MEMPHIS trades
Pau Gasol, Brian Cardinal, Dahntay Jones
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Dammit....
TRADE 2: PLEASE BILLY PLEASE
I don't know if this works under the salary cap, but f**k it, if the Sixers can swing it any posible way, I don't think the Blazers can get much better deals.
PHILADELPHIA trades
picks this year (11, 21, 30), Kyle Korver, Kevin Ollie
PORTLAND trades
Zach Randolph
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Awww f&$#$&#$&#..... Billy, you're the worst. How are they way over the cap? I hope Joe Smith is found in an alley, covered in blood and urine. Unless his cap space is really done this year.
TRADE 1 and 1/2: CONNECTING THESE
This will make the Sixers' deal a little sweeter. It ensures the Blazers will probably get Julian Wright or Jeff Green, which will complete their young, expolsive lineup. Memphis knows they can trade down to get Acie Law, plus another first rounder, and get rid of even more space with Swift, who fills a decent bench role in Portland.
MEMPHIS trades
pick #9 (see trade 1), Stromile Swift
PORTLAND trades
pick #11, pick # 21 ( see trade 2)
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
OK, maybe the trade machine isn't the end-all. I can't seem to pull off any deals involving Memphis, Philly, Portland, or Chicago. I know this is wrong because you can't account for all the deals that will be made in the future, or draft picks, or sign-and-trades. Which Chicago has a lot of. I could not get any of these trades to work unless Chicago gave up one of their young assets (Deng, Gordon, Duhon) or Philly did too (Iggy, Miller, Dalembert). That's not happening when they have lottery picks instead. If the machine could factor in what the Bulls do with Sweetney and P. J. Brown, I think this could all work. Maybe.
I will check on this later.
TRADE 3: THE BIG KAHUNA
These teams have been rumored to make trades for a while. They should get together and realize that they can help each other. The Lakers desperately want to get an all-star big man, but Lamar Odom is skeptical about going to certain places (Indiana) and the Pacers probably don't want to deal with him anyway. This allows them to get their man while keeping Bynum, which should please the Busses. And Kobe. Jersey, meanwhile, needs a four man, and would probably be willing to give up one of its wings... of course, this is all pending what Vince wants to do. But if they give him cash, and make this trade, that sends a good message, right?
LAKERS trade
Kwame Brown, # 19 pick to INDIANA, Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic to JERSEY
PACERS trade
Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Dunleavy to LAKERS, Rawle Marshall to JERSEY
NEW JERSEY trades
Richard Jefferson to INDIANA, Mikki Moore to LAKERS
TRADE MACHINE: no, but almost....
Okay, here's the new deal:
LAKERS GET: O'Neal, Dunleavy, Antoine Wright (NJ)
NETS GET: Odom, Radmanovic, Maurice Evans (LA)
PACERS GET: Brown, Jefferson, Josh Boone (NJ), Cliff Robinson (NJ) (he'll be waved or traded shortly), Hassan Adams (NJ)
AHA! All the key components stay the same and a few young pups and washed up vets are moved around. Get on the phone, Kupchak. You don't want to pass this one up... rid of Kwame and the Rad Man whilst getting Jermaine and a good passer/shooter in Dunleavy. Of course, once again, Vince Carter can sabotage this whole thing. But it works.
TRADE 4: THE OTHER KAHUNA
Isiah is an idiot, but he also likes trading for big contracts and he might be able to pull this off. This would make the Knicks better and more consolidated, which they need, and it would also make Seattle younger and more interesting for the hometown fans.... of course, if they move, these guys lose some appeal. Whatever. Ray needs to go somewhere where he can be appreciated.... and the Lakers complete their overhaul to satisfy Kobe's whims.
Note: I can't process this deal on the trade machine until the first one is made... and it doesn't let you keep new rosters after trades have been made..... I think. The first one works. This might too. But for now, who knows...
NEW YORK trades
Jared Jeffries, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford to SEATTLE, Steve Francis, Mardy Collins to LAKERS
SEATTLE trades
Ray Allen, Earl Watson, Nick Collison to NEW YORK
LAKERS trade
Mikki Moore, Sasha Vujacic to NEW YORK, future picks to SEATTLE
It seems like the Lakers don't give up much here, but then, they did in the last trade. Francis is almost an unwanted son at this point - New York wants to get rid of him for any price. Seattle gets back two OK guards for an all star, which seems like a bad move, but they get younger and deeper. They're building around Durant, and these two guys are Seattle natives. Maybe they get people excited? The Knicks get a great outside player they've missed in a long time, and rid of some crazy contracts.
(just as far as seattle-knicks go: WOW! The Knicks can give up Robinson, Jeffries, Crawford, and Frye for almost EXACTLY Allen and Watson. Hmm... maybe the Lakers getting Stevie Franchise is another deal entirely....)
(BUT, if the Lakers want Francis, they probably can't swing Dunleavy in any way. I might have to figure that deal out again if they want to have the cap space to add him. He's making 15 mil a year... not easy. Perhaps the Lakers can convince Isiah to pay some of his salary.)
SO, yes, the Lakers wouldn't be able to afford O'Neal, Francis, and Dunleavy together. They could give up every guy besides Kobe and it still wouldn't fit. So their best bet is probably to re-sign Luke Walton (who fits their system anyway) and go after a shooter. Indiana would liek to give up Dunleavy, but they're probably stuck with him now.
Let's redo these last two:
SEATTLE - NEW YORK # 4 stays the same
(Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Channing Frye, possible picks, and Jared Jeffries
for
Ray Allen, Earl Watson... yes, it's almost an exactly even cap number)
NEW # 3 (including Francis)
LAKERS trade
Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic, Maurice Evans to JERSEY, Kwame Brown to INDIANA, Sahsa Vujacic, # 19 pick to NEW YORK
INDIANA trades
Jermaine O'Neal to LAKERS, Shawne Williams to JERSEY
NEW JERSEY trades
Richard Jefferson, Cliff Robinson, Bernard Robinson, # 16 pick to INDIANA, Hassan Adams, Josh Boone to NEW YORK, Antoine Wright to LAKERS
NEW YORK trades
Mardy Collins, Steve Francis to LAKERS
That works. Kobe, make it happen.
UPDATE: I've been thinking about this one.... several things about it bother me. Like I said, I think the Pacers would much rather get rid of Dunleavy that Shawne Williams, who is younger and much less expensive. But Dunleavy's huge contract (nice job, Warriors... real freaking nice) is too much for New Jersey or the Lakers to absorb with all the players they get. I tried to mess around with these teams and figure out a way to make it happen. No luck.
Thing is, I think the Nets and Lakers would both take him.... they could both use a shooter at the three. But the Nets wouldn't give up any of their young assets, and they basically have to trade everyone on their bench right now just to fit Odom and Radman. I think they'd like to have another wing besides Dunleavy to pair with Vince. They'd take him and Maurice Evans, but they can't afford it. The Lakers would love to have Dunleavy back up Walton, because he can shoot better and is still a decent passer. But then they can't get anyone else. Maybe another deal is in order....
I tried to see if the Lakers could trade Brian Cook instead of Radman, allowing New Jersey to pick up Cook, Odom, Dunleavy, and Evans, which would be a great deal for them. And they can, but then the Lakers can't get Francis and JoNeal. Unless they part with Farmar and the maybe-untouchable Bynum, and they won't do that after dumping Kwame and Odom. So they're stuck.
Once again, I don't see why they felt a need to sign Radman when Cook is basically the same player. For cheaper. This is why Kobe is pissed right now.
TRADE 5: MISFITS AND MYSTICS AND MEN
Here, a few teams can get rid of some people they don't want. Wally goes back to Minnesota, and a change of scenery could help these other guys.
BOSTON trades
Wally Sczerbiak, Sebastian Telfair to MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA trades
Rashad McCants, Mike James to CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND trades
Shannon Brown, Eric Snow to BOSTON
James could help out Cleveland with his shooting, even if they are happy with Daniel Gibson. He's a better backup than Damon Jones or Snow, who will mostly serve as a mentor to Boston's young points. That group will not include Telfair, who gets another chance to prove he can do something. McCants hasn't done anything, but Cleveland will take any shooter they can get. Brown gives Boston another two to try out next to Pierce. I think KG accepts Wally back after seeing how miserable he's been without a decent outside shooter. These teams all want to be rid of these guys, so why not exchange them?
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Almost, though. Minnesota needs to give up more to get Wally's colosal salary (which they made, by the way) to fit. Yikes... how are they over the cap with this roster? Anyway, they can throw in Marko Jaric's terrible contract to Boston in exchange for taking Brian Scalabrine off the Celtics' hands. Boston cringes, but at least they get rid of two bad contracts for one. Justin Reed, thrown into the last Boston-Minnesota trade, is thrown back again. The Celtics liked him, so maybe they'll use him.
redesigned:
BOSTON trades
Brian Scalabrine, Sebastian Telfair, Wally Sczerbiak to MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA trades
Mike James, Rashad McCants to CLEVELAND, Justin Reed, Marko Jaric to BOSTON
CLEVELAND trades
Shannon Brown, Eric Snow to BOSTON
Good? Simmons will probably shoot himself if the C's spend a large amount of money for two point guards they won't use. But hey, they got rid of Scalabrine, Wally, and Shoot-em-up Telfair, and Ratliff will be gone soon. That's something.
UPDATE 6/15:
SO... I guess this is not going down with the Wolves trading Mike James to the Rockets. That wasn't a bad deal, because they could use anyone besides KG who could score down low, even if Juwon Howard is almost dead. Cleveland is porbably better off giving more minutes to Daniel Gibson anyway. He proved during these playoffs that he could be that guy who hits shots and defends. He's just what they needed, so if he keeps improving, they should be OK.
I still think Boston should think of a way to unload Wally, especially if they can get the Wolves interested again. Why not?
TRADE 6: ONE ON ONE
With Shawn Marion wanting big bucks and the keys to a franchise, and the Suns' ownership stalling, he needs to go. He finds a similarly disgruntled match in Ronnie Artest. Both teams are delighted to get an all star for their disappointed forwards. Sacramento builds around Marion in a more exciting offense, giving him, Bibby, Kevin Martin, and younger guys free reign to gun it. They might draft another wing after this and go small. Artest can play the four spot in Phoenix's gun-it offense, or next to Boris Diaw. He improves them defensively while not giving up too much offensively for Marion. In a rare star-for-star trade, I think both teams benefit.
SACRAMENTO trades Ron Artest to PHOENIX for Shawn Marion
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Whoops. Marion is making significantly more. No wonder Phoenix wants him out. Okay, the Suns might like another rebounder to add depth, and they can throw in a late draft pick if the Kings want. Let's try this again....
SACRAMENTO trades
Ron Artest, Shareef Abdur-Rahim to PHOENIX for
Shawn Marion
OK. Reef's salary works, though I think the Suns would not want to pay him for the next 4 years. Maybe they deal him or Kurt Thomas after this. Sacramento, for the record, doesn't miss him.
So I'm gonna propose them, check up with them on the ESPN trade machine, and see if they work and maybe adjust them. In the meantime, you can see how they fared. Simmons apparently spends hours each day on this thing, but since this is not my day job, I can't. But I will check in from time to time.
TRADE 1: GASOL GOODIES
Chicago and Memphis have been talking for months, and maybe the Bulls should have done it earlier, but then, they might have given up Gordon or Deng. I think they can pull it off without. This version gives Memphis three young guys who can help, Chicago everything they need, and gets Memphis' cap space down... way down.
CHICAGO trades
Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Selfosha, #9 pick this year, Mike Sweetney
MEMPHIS trades
Pau Gasol, Brian Cardinal, Dahntay Jones
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Dammit....
TRADE 2: PLEASE BILLY PLEASE
I don't know if this works under the salary cap, but f**k it, if the Sixers can swing it any posible way, I don't think the Blazers can get much better deals.
PHILADELPHIA trades
picks this year (11, 21, 30), Kyle Korver, Kevin Ollie
PORTLAND trades
Zach Randolph
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Awww f&$#$&#$&#..... Billy, you're the worst. How are they way over the cap? I hope Joe Smith is found in an alley, covered in blood and urine. Unless his cap space is really done this year.
TRADE 1 and 1/2: CONNECTING THESE
This will make the Sixers' deal a little sweeter. It ensures the Blazers will probably get Julian Wright or Jeff Green, which will complete their young, expolsive lineup. Memphis knows they can trade down to get Acie Law, plus another first rounder, and get rid of even more space with Swift, who fills a decent bench role in Portland.
MEMPHIS trades
pick #9 (see trade 1), Stromile Swift
PORTLAND trades
pick #11, pick # 21 ( see trade 2)
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
OK, maybe the trade machine isn't the end-all. I can't seem to pull off any deals involving Memphis, Philly, Portland, or Chicago. I know this is wrong because you can't account for all the deals that will be made in the future, or draft picks, or sign-and-trades. Which Chicago has a lot of. I could not get any of these trades to work unless Chicago gave up one of their young assets (Deng, Gordon, Duhon) or Philly did too (Iggy, Miller, Dalembert). That's not happening when they have lottery picks instead. If the machine could factor in what the Bulls do with Sweetney and P. J. Brown, I think this could all work. Maybe.
I will check on this later.
TRADE 3: THE BIG KAHUNA
These teams have been rumored to make trades for a while. They should get together and realize that they can help each other. The Lakers desperately want to get an all-star big man, but Lamar Odom is skeptical about going to certain places (Indiana) and the Pacers probably don't want to deal with him anyway. This allows them to get their man while keeping Bynum, which should please the Busses. And Kobe. Jersey, meanwhile, needs a four man, and would probably be willing to give up one of its wings... of course, this is all pending what Vince wants to do. But if they give him cash, and make this trade, that sends a good message, right?
LAKERS trade
Kwame Brown, # 19 pick to INDIANA, Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic to JERSEY
PACERS trade
Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Dunleavy to LAKERS, Rawle Marshall to JERSEY
NEW JERSEY trades
Richard Jefferson to INDIANA, Mikki Moore to LAKERS
TRADE MACHINE: no, but almost....
Okay, here's the new deal:
LAKERS GET: O'Neal, Dunleavy, Antoine Wright (NJ)
NETS GET: Odom, Radmanovic, Maurice Evans (LA)
PACERS GET: Brown, Jefferson, Josh Boone (NJ), Cliff Robinson (NJ) (he'll be waved or traded shortly), Hassan Adams (NJ)
AHA! All the key components stay the same and a few young pups and washed up vets are moved around. Get on the phone, Kupchak. You don't want to pass this one up... rid of Kwame and the Rad Man whilst getting Jermaine and a good passer/shooter in Dunleavy. Of course, once again, Vince Carter can sabotage this whole thing. But it works.
TRADE 4: THE OTHER KAHUNA
Isiah is an idiot, but he also likes trading for big contracts and he might be able to pull this off. This would make the Knicks better and more consolidated, which they need, and it would also make Seattle younger and more interesting for the hometown fans.... of course, if they move, these guys lose some appeal. Whatever. Ray needs to go somewhere where he can be appreciated.... and the Lakers complete their overhaul to satisfy Kobe's whims.
Note: I can't process this deal on the trade machine until the first one is made... and it doesn't let you keep new rosters after trades have been made..... I think. The first one works. This might too. But for now, who knows...
NEW YORK trades
Jared Jeffries, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford to SEATTLE, Steve Francis, Mardy Collins to LAKERS
SEATTLE trades
Ray Allen, Earl Watson, Nick Collison to NEW YORK
LAKERS trade
Mikki Moore, Sasha Vujacic to NEW YORK, future picks to SEATTLE
It seems like the Lakers don't give up much here, but then, they did in the last trade. Francis is almost an unwanted son at this point - New York wants to get rid of him for any price. Seattle gets back two OK guards for an all star, which seems like a bad move, but they get younger and deeper. They're building around Durant, and these two guys are Seattle natives. Maybe they get people excited? The Knicks get a great outside player they've missed in a long time, and rid of some crazy contracts.
(just as far as seattle-knicks go: WOW! The Knicks can give up Robinson, Jeffries, Crawford, and Frye for almost EXACTLY Allen and Watson. Hmm... maybe the Lakers getting Stevie Franchise is another deal entirely....)
(BUT, if the Lakers want Francis, they probably can't swing Dunleavy in any way. I might have to figure that deal out again if they want to have the cap space to add him. He's making 15 mil a year... not easy. Perhaps the Lakers can convince Isiah to pay some of his salary.)
SO, yes, the Lakers wouldn't be able to afford O'Neal, Francis, and Dunleavy together. They could give up every guy besides Kobe and it still wouldn't fit. So their best bet is probably to re-sign Luke Walton (who fits their system anyway) and go after a shooter. Indiana would liek to give up Dunleavy, but they're probably stuck with him now.
Let's redo these last two:
SEATTLE - NEW YORK # 4 stays the same
(Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Channing Frye, possible picks, and Jared Jeffries
for
Ray Allen, Earl Watson... yes, it's almost an exactly even cap number)
NEW # 3 (including Francis)
LAKERS trade
Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic, Maurice Evans to JERSEY, Kwame Brown to INDIANA, Sahsa Vujacic, # 19 pick to NEW YORK
INDIANA trades
Jermaine O'Neal to LAKERS, Shawne Williams to JERSEY
NEW JERSEY trades
Richard Jefferson, Cliff Robinson, Bernard Robinson, # 16 pick to INDIANA, Hassan Adams, Josh Boone to NEW YORK, Antoine Wright to LAKERS
NEW YORK trades
Mardy Collins, Steve Francis to LAKERS
That works. Kobe, make it happen.
UPDATE: I've been thinking about this one.... several things about it bother me. Like I said, I think the Pacers would much rather get rid of Dunleavy that Shawne Williams, who is younger and much less expensive. But Dunleavy's huge contract (nice job, Warriors... real freaking nice) is too much for New Jersey or the Lakers to absorb with all the players they get. I tried to mess around with these teams and figure out a way to make it happen. No luck.
Thing is, I think the Nets and Lakers would both take him.... they could both use a shooter at the three. But the Nets wouldn't give up any of their young assets, and they basically have to trade everyone on their bench right now just to fit Odom and Radman. I think they'd like to have another wing besides Dunleavy to pair with Vince. They'd take him and Maurice Evans, but they can't afford it. The Lakers would love to have Dunleavy back up Walton, because he can shoot better and is still a decent passer. But then they can't get anyone else. Maybe another deal is in order....
I tried to see if the Lakers could trade Brian Cook instead of Radman, allowing New Jersey to pick up Cook, Odom, Dunleavy, and Evans, which would be a great deal for them. And they can, but then the Lakers can't get Francis and JoNeal. Unless they part with Farmar and the maybe-untouchable Bynum, and they won't do that after dumping Kwame and Odom. So they're stuck.
Once again, I don't see why they felt a need to sign Radman when Cook is basically the same player. For cheaper. This is why Kobe is pissed right now.
TRADE 5: MISFITS AND MYSTICS AND MEN
Here, a few teams can get rid of some people they don't want. Wally goes back to Minnesota, and a change of scenery could help these other guys.
BOSTON trades
Wally Sczerbiak, Sebastian Telfair to MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA trades
Rashad McCants, Mike James to CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND trades
Shannon Brown, Eric Snow to BOSTON
James could help out Cleveland with his shooting, even if they are happy with Daniel Gibson. He's a better backup than Damon Jones or Snow, who will mostly serve as a mentor to Boston's young points. That group will not include Telfair, who gets another chance to prove he can do something. McCants hasn't done anything, but Cleveland will take any shooter they can get. Brown gives Boston another two to try out next to Pierce. I think KG accepts Wally back after seeing how miserable he's been without a decent outside shooter. These teams all want to be rid of these guys, so why not exchange them?
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Almost, though. Minnesota needs to give up more to get Wally's colosal salary (which they made, by the way) to fit. Yikes... how are they over the cap with this roster? Anyway, they can throw in Marko Jaric's terrible contract to Boston in exchange for taking Brian Scalabrine off the Celtics' hands. Boston cringes, but at least they get rid of two bad contracts for one. Justin Reed, thrown into the last Boston-Minnesota trade, is thrown back again. The Celtics liked him, so maybe they'll use him.
redesigned:
BOSTON trades
Brian Scalabrine, Sebastian Telfair, Wally Sczerbiak to MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA trades
Mike James, Rashad McCants to CLEVELAND, Justin Reed, Marko Jaric to BOSTON
CLEVELAND trades
Shannon Brown, Eric Snow to BOSTON
Good? Simmons will probably shoot himself if the C's spend a large amount of money for two point guards they won't use. But hey, they got rid of Scalabrine, Wally, and Shoot-em-up Telfair, and Ratliff will be gone soon. That's something.
UPDATE 6/15:
SO... I guess this is not going down with the Wolves trading Mike James to the Rockets. That wasn't a bad deal, because they could use anyone besides KG who could score down low, even if Juwon Howard is almost dead. Cleveland is porbably better off giving more minutes to Daniel Gibson anyway. He proved during these playoffs that he could be that guy who hits shots and defends. He's just what they needed, so if he keeps improving, they should be OK.
I still think Boston should think of a way to unload Wally, especially if they can get the Wolves interested again. Why not?
TRADE 6: ONE ON ONE
With Shawn Marion wanting big bucks and the keys to a franchise, and the Suns' ownership stalling, he needs to go. He finds a similarly disgruntled match in Ronnie Artest. Both teams are delighted to get an all star for their disappointed forwards. Sacramento builds around Marion in a more exciting offense, giving him, Bibby, Kevin Martin, and younger guys free reign to gun it. They might draft another wing after this and go small. Artest can play the four spot in Phoenix's gun-it offense, or next to Boris Diaw. He improves them defensively while not giving up too much offensively for Marion. In a rare star-for-star trade, I think both teams benefit.
SACRAMENTO trades Ron Artest to PHOENIX for Shawn Marion
TRADE MACHINE: NO!
Whoops. Marion is making significantly more. No wonder Phoenix wants him out. Okay, the Suns might like another rebounder to add depth, and they can throw in a late draft pick if the Kings want. Let's try this again....
SACRAMENTO trades
Ron Artest, Shareef Abdur-Rahim to PHOENIX for
Shawn Marion
OK. Reef's salary works, though I think the Suns would not want to pay him for the next 4 years. Maybe they deal him or Kurt Thomas after this. Sacramento, for the record, doesn't miss him.
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