The LA Times reports
the Clippers have agreed to trade power forward Zach Randolph to Memphis for former Clipper Quentin Richardson, The Times learned today.
Because of salary-cap rules, the deal can’t be completed until next week.
One other nice note from the article
Beyond that, the Clippers are intent on turning up the pace, which didn’t fit Randolph, a half-court low-post player, but is perfect for the speedy Griffin.
Oh boy, I hope Dunleavy actually sticks to the script this time and lets his team run. It would make a big difference to his squad, especially to Baron and his young wings who’ll flourish in the open court. Blake Griffin looks to be a nice runner too.
The Trade
Clippers Outlook
Excellent — They got rid of Zach Randolph and saved a huge chunk of cash.
The Clippers now need to direct all their plans towards the 2010 free agency. They could get in a position where they have enough money to offer two max contracts one max contract and one near-max contract, while also having Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton and their 2010 lottery pick still on the team. In other words, they could build a legitimate contender and do it as soon as next offseason, if they play this hand the right way.
Grizzlies Outlook
What the hell were they thinking?
They’d rather pay Zach Randolph that type of coin instead of going out and signing a young power forward like Paul Millsap or David Lee?
They’d rather pay Zach Randolph than wait for next offseason’s free agent bonanza? A time when they’d have Mike Conley, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Hasheem Thabeet, Marc Gasol, another top five lottery pick, and massive cap space to build around? Really?
This team is going to stink for two more seasons. They’re actually in a good position beyond that, hell, you stay in the lottery for as a long as these guys are and it’s hard not to give yourself an opportunity to build a good squad.
Funny Side Note
Zach Randolph’s contract is almost identical to Pau Gasol’s. Same length, pretty much the same pay.
They weren’t willing to pay Pau Gasol? Their franchise cornerstone? The player that led their mediocre team to 50 wins and three playoff appearances? A young seven footer who was a consummate team player and eerily efficient?
And they’re willing to pay Zach Randolph? Madness, pure madness.
Conclusions
This deal makes me angry.
Terrible trade for the Grizzlies. Great trade for the Clippers.
Once I get over my disappointment, and outright anger, at Memphis … I’ll move onto my happy place, a place where I can ponder all the wonderful things that the Clippers may be able to achieve.
Dave,
Step back and take a deep breath on the Grizzlies situation for a second.
If … and it’s still a big one … Mike Conley can learn his lessons from Lionel Hollins, a pretty fair PG in his heyday:
STARTERS
Conley + Mayo + Gay + Gasol + Thabeet
with
KEY SUBS
Jaric + Young + Carroll + Randolph + Mihm
EXTRAS
Quinton Ross, Greg Buckner, Quentin Richardson, Darius Miles and Hamed Haddadi
just how bad do you see this team being this coming season?
Hey Khandor,
I think they’re a 25 win team. Too many self involved one-dimensional scorers, who are weak passers, and too many defensive liabilities on the other end of the floor.
I feel sorry for Mike Conley. He’s going to have one hell of headache for the next two years. Can you imagine trying to run that offense? Trying to keep everyone happy? Trying to stop those three guys breaking plays every second time they touch the ball? Trying to stop those guys killing the ball? Trying to get some ball and player movement going? That’s going to be a nightmare for Conley. I feel sorry for him — I also think it’ll have a negative effect on Conley’s growth, not a good fit for a passive player like Conley, he’s going to take a back seat once again.
Dave,
In part, I agree with that take. No doubt, Mike Conley and Lionel Hollins will have their work cut out for them. However … if Lionel can actually control and meld that group together, there is definitely some solid NBA talent on the Grizzlies’ roster.
25 wins seems about right … and, perhaps, a few more if Hollins does a terrific job.
If Memphis is then back in the Lottery next season with a fairly high pick … Can you see them becoming a middle of the pack team the year after that?
In my estimation … it would depend on Conley & Hollins.
Khandor,
I expect the Grizzlies to be in the high lottery (#1-#7 picks) next season and the high to mid lottery the following year (#1-#10).
I think the key to their revival is Hasheem Thabeet. If he can get his game somewhere between a Sam Dalembert and Tyson Chandler level by his second season, then that would be a major plus for the Grizzlies.
The second key to their revival would be whoever the Grizzlies pick in the draft next season.
I’m not expecting large improvements from their current cast of characters. Small improvements, yet, but not large improvements.