Chicago Bulls Salaries
Contracts above $5 million
Baron Davis has three years left on his contract. Kaman has two years left on his deal. And Blake Griffin will be beginning the second year of his rookie scale contract.
These three players total $29.66 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Chicago Bulls Salaries
Contracts above $5 million
Luol Deng has four years left on his increasing contract while Kirk Hinrich has only two seasons left on his decreasing deal. Derrick Rose will be entering the third season of his rookie contract.
These three players total $25.9 million.
Rest Of Team’s Salaries
I read this trade proposal by verbatim over on Raptors Republic earlier
After the latest loss, I feel an unreasonable amount of pessimism. If BC made the following trade I would be happy:
Banks (or Evans), Belinelli, Calderon, Johnson, Weems
for
McGradyI do not think Houston would do it. It would be a great way for us to rebuild though, by giving us lots of capspace and a major player in the 2010 market. Plus we get to keep DeRozan who has shown flashes of promise.
As the team stands now, can Bosh and Bargnani play solid team defence? No. Is Calderon the right pointguard for a team with weak interior defence? No. Maybe there are personnel issues here, not just better coaching and line shakeups needing.
I wrote a response or two in the comments section … in summary saying that Read the rest of this entry »
Minnesota Timberwolves Salaries
Contracts above $5 million
Big Al is the only large contract on the Wolves’ books and he has three years left on his contract.
Rest Of Team’s Salaries
Oklahoma City Thunder Salaries
Contracts above $5 million
All three players are entering the final year of their respective contracts.
They combine to make $18.23 million.
Rest Of Team’s Salaries
Miami Heat Salaries
Contracts above $5 million
Rest Of Team’s Salaries
Mario Chalmers has a non-guaranteed contract but at that salary he’s a lock to be picked up so I included him here. Chalmers will be in the final year of his contract. Read the rest of this entry »
New Jersey Nets Salaries
Contracts above $5 million
Devin Harris is the only contract above $5 million on the Nets books at the moment. He has three more years left on his contract.
Rest Of Team’s Salaries
New York Knicks Salaries
Contracts above $5 million
Both hold player options for the 2010/11 season and are locks to pick up those options. They will be entering the final year of their contracts.
They total $18.16 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Interesting side deal that the Bobcats could have chosen instead
Charlotte had offer to trade Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovich to Philly for Sam Dalembert, but chose Stephen Jackson deal, source tells Y!
I like Dalembert more than most people and think some team could get him in a good deal … but I don’t have much love for the idea of Dalembert playing alongside Tyson Chandler on a team that is already the worst in the league offensively.
Still, it was very interesting to see what type of deal the Sixers were being offered and that it appears it was given mediocre-to-strong consideration. Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN reports
ESPN.com reported earlier Monday that one scenario Cleveland and Golden State discussed would have involved the signing-and-trading of ex-Cavaliers forward Wally Szczerbiak — most likely packaged with troubled guard Delonte West — in a deal for Jackson.
Szczerbiak is a free agent after the Cavs elected not to re-sign him and recently underwent minor knee surgery. But the 32-year-old has not ruled out trying to make a comeback this season and would appear to be fully eligible to be plugged into a deal by the Cavs in a manner similar to Dallas’ signing-and-trading of Keith Van Horn in February 2008 in the Mavericks’ complicated trade to re-acquire Jason Kidd. Read the rest of this entry »
Trade
Charlotte Bobcats receive: Stephen Jackson + Acie Law
Golden State Warriors receive: Raja Bell + Vladamir Radmanovic
Source
Marc Stein reports
Disgruntled Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson is about to make a fresh start with a new team.
The Warriors completed a deal Monday that sends Jackson and guard Acie Law to the Bobcats in exchange for veteran swingmen Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.
The trade will be announced Monday. Read the rest of this entry »
Sam Amick reports
A source with knowledge of the situation says the Kings are discussing a trade with New Orleans that would send Kenny Thomas to the Hornets and bring center Emeka Okafor to Sacramento.
The deal would be ideal for the Hornets, as Thomas’ expiring contract worth $8.7 million is just the kind of contract that would trim their enormous payroll. The question, of course, is whether the Kings see Okafor as a big man solution worth the five years and $62.5 million left on his deal.
No deal is imminent and this is merely a discussion between the two sides at this point.
Thoughts
I don’t believe there’s any truth to the rumour. Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN’s Daily Dime has a list of players who can veto a trade this season:
There are 21 more players this season who can block trades through three other provisions. Sixteen of those 21 players possess one-year contracts that require them to give consent before being included in any deal because they are also eligible for Early Bird or Full Larry Bird free-agent rights at the end of the contract. Bird rights are not transferrable to a new team in one-year deals.
Three more players signed two-year contracts that are treated in the same manner as the aforementioned one-year contracts because the deals include a player option for Year 2.
Including Kobe Bryant, then, there are 22 players in a league of 430-plus players who begin the season with a say in trades. They break down into three groups: Read the rest of this entry »
The Cleveland Cavaliers need a power forward who can play above average defense and in particular play defense out on the perimeter while also supplying good jump shooting, preferably three point shooting ability. They need this skill-set to make their offense and their defensive more cohesive after the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal.
This is a rare mix of skills and is thus hard to find. So let’s have a look around the league and eye up some of the potential targets:
Power forwards who are above average defenders who can play defense on the perimeter and can shoot the ball reasonably well:
ESPN’s Chris Broussard reports
For now, this is a rumor because I haven’t verified it with sources close to the situation, but I’ve been told by a few people around the league that the Stephen Jackson trade talk is heating up. I’m told that Golden State is mulling several offers, and one person told me he expects something to happen within the next few days.
I don’t know the particulars of any supposed offers, but I’m told Cleveland, Denver, San Antonio, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Clippers are all interested in Jackson. Read the rest of this entry »
USAToday reports
The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired forward Nathan Jawai from the Dallas Mavericks.The Timberwolves also received cash from the Mavericks for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2012. The deal was announced Tuesday.
The conditional draft pick is protected through the 55th overall slot. Read the rest of this entry »
Interesting headline over at RealGM and the Denver Post
Though Denver is expected to be one of the best teams in the NBA this season, Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said the organization would not be hesitant to make a deal to improve the team if the circumstances warrant doing so.
“We’ll see where we’re at,” Warkentien said. “I think one thing, and history’s proven it, if we indeed have slipped and we get to that analysis, I think our group has proven that we’ll take the driver out and give it a big swing.” Read the rest of this entry »
The Denver Post reports
Joey Graham is holding out hope of making the Nuggets roster.
He shouldn’t have to worry. It’s all but certain.
Graham, 27, has impressed Nuggets coach George Karl so much that Karl has already talked about fitting the 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward in the rotation during J.R. Smith’s seven-game suspension when the season starts.
Those decisions are still to be determined, but what is clear is how much Karl likes the hard- working, rough-and-tumble Graham.
“There’s a ‘how we played’ last year that I don’t think any of us want to change,” Karl said. “Joey has that Dahntay Jones personality. They are different players, going to do it in different ways. But from the standpoint of courage and toughness and the desire to defend, Joey has those personalities.” Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN reports
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric is expected to seek a contract buyout from the Grizzlies if a team willing to trade for Jaric can’t be found, his agent said Monday.
The Grizzlies announced earlier Monday that they have given agent Bill Duffy permission to search for a new home for Jaric after the sides mutually agreed that the 30-year-old would not attend Memphis’ training camp in Birmingham, Ala, or play in preseason games.
In 53 games, Jaric averaged just 2.6 points in 11.4 minutes per game and shot 33.1 percent from the field.
“This is pretty much a mutual thing,” Jaric’s agent, Bill Duffy, said Monday. “Very much cooperative between the Grizzlies and us. We would also likely consider a buyout if a trade is not tenable. This just gives us freedom to look around.” Read the rest of this entry »
The Denver Post reports
The Nuggets acquired swingman James White from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the draft rights to forward Axel Hervelle, a 2005 pick who has yet to play in the NBA.
White has an average of 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10 career games with San Antonio and Houston. Read the rest of this entry »
Trade
New Orleans Hornets acquire: Darius Songaila + Bobby Brown
Minnesota Timberwolves acquire: Antonio Daniels + 2nd round pick
Link
Yahoo Sports announces
The New Orleans Hornets have traded Antonio Daniels and a future second-round draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Bobby Brown and Darius Songaila, a league source told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday afternoon.
The trade removes about $1.3 million off the Hornets’ payroll. Brown played well for New Orleans in the 2008 Las Vegas summer league. Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN reports
Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson says he has requested a trade and prefers to be dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers or any of the NBA’s three teams in Texas.
Jackson’s wishes are rooted in a desire to play for a team that consistently makes the postseason, he says, something the Warriors have done only once in the past 15 seasons.
“At this point, I’m 31 years old. I have four or five years left,” Jackson told Dime Magazine on Friday. “I want to be in a situation where I can continually be in the playoffs and get another ring. So that’s where my mind is at now.”
Jackson, speaking to the magazine in New York during a promotional event for a shoe line, said the status of his demand is pending.
“It’s not about a decision I made,” he told Dime Magazine. “It’s just things are in the air right now. I really can’t get too much into it right now.”
“I’m just looking to go somewhere where I can go and win a championship,” Jackson said. Read the rest of this entry »
Dallas Mavericks receives: Marcus Banks
Toronto Raptors receives: Matt Carroll
Link
This is just a rumour … Doug Smith reports
According to a couple of league sources and I can’t corroborate this with any of my most trusted Toronto folks, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo’s got another deal bubbling, one that would send guard Marcus Banks to the Dallas Mavericks for Matt Carroll, adding a little long-term salary but providing coach Jay Triano with a shooter that he could use deep on the bench. Read the rest of this entry »
Sign and Trade
Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Carlos Delfino + Roko Ukic
Toronto Raptors acquire: Amir Johnson + unnamed other
Source
This deal isn’t done yet … but appearantly it’s close to completion.
The Toronto Star reports
They are on the verge of finalizing a two-for-two deal with Milwaukee that sends swingman Carlos Delfino and point guard Roko Ukic to the Bucks.
Young big man Amir Johnson is headed to Toronto and ESPN reported Monday afternoon the other player is raw swingman Sonny Weems. Read the rest of this entry »
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Mark Blount
Miami Heat receive: Quentin Richardson
The Link
ESPN reports
Quentin Richardson and Dwyane Wade are regular workout partners during the offseason. They’re about to get a chance to play together all year long.
Richardson’s wild summer tour of the NBA continued Thursday night, when he was traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Miami Heat for center Mark Blount. Read the rest of this entry »
Hat tip to Dino Gunner for the heads up on the trade
Los Angeles Clippers acquire: Rasual Butler
New Orleans Hornets acquire: More cap flexibility, and a future second round pick
The Report
ESPN reports
The New Orleans Hornets have agreed to trade swingman Rasual Butler to the Los Angeles Clippers for a future second-round pick, according to NBA front-office sources.
The trade is expected to be announced later Wednesday.
Butler is scheduled to earn $3.9 million next season. With the Clippers looking for an extra shooter and depth at both shooting guard and small forward, sources said the team was amenable to absorbing the final year of Butler’s contract, which will save New Orleans nearly $8 million when factoring in the luxury-tax implications. Read the rest of this entry »
RealGM has the press release
The Memphis Grizzlies received a protected 2010 first round draft pick, along with center Steven Hunter and cash considerations from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a future conditional second round draft pick, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.
The future protected first round draft pick from Denver could potentially give the Grizzlies three first round selections in next year’s NBA Draft. In addition to its own pick, Memphis is owed the Lakers’ 2010 first round draft pick to complete the Pau Gasol trade with the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008. ” Read the rest of this entry »
Yahoo Sports reports
After failing to meet the initial expectations that surrounded his arrival as a first-round pick two years ago, the Golden State Warriors have traded guard Marco Belinelli to the Toronto Raptors, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday night.
The Raptors will send Devean George to the Warriors.
Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo and his assistant GM, Maurizio Gherardini, have long been admirers of Belinelli and tried to draft him in 2007.
Doug Smith is reporting that the Raptors also included “a little bit of cash” in the trade.
Update: NBA Fanhouse says the cash considerations will pay for most of George’s contract. So, the Warriors saved a little money but gained no cap flexibility. Read the rest of this entry »
Charlotte Bobcats receive: Tyson Chandler
New Orleans Hornets receive: Emeka Okafor
Link
Sports Illustrates reports
The Charlotte Bobcats are finalizing a trade that would send Emeka Okafor to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.
The swap of 26-year-old centers could be completed later Monday, the people said on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made. It was not immediately clear if more players would be involved. Read the rest of this entry »
Oklahoma City receives: Etan Thomas + Minny’s 2010 second round draft pick + a conditional 2010 second round draft pick
Minnesota receives: Chucky Atkins + Damien Wilkins
Link
RealGM has the press release
The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired veteran center Etan Thomas, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. Read the rest of this entry »
A trade from a few days ago
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Quentin Richardson
Los Angeles Clippers receive: Sebastian Telfair, Craig Smith and Mark Madsen
Link
A link to SI.com’s report on the trade — starts of by considering what this means for Ricky Rubio rather than the actual trade.
“This is not a precursor of any sort,” Kahn said Monday from New York shortly before he was scheduled to hop a flight across the Atlantic. “We have no feel yet as to whether Ricky will be joining us.”
Mike Dunleavy summarizes the move for the Clippers
“We are really excited to add these three players to our team,” Clippers general manager and coach Mike Dunleavy said. “This move really gives some much needed depth.” Read the rest of this entry »
The main issue with the Raptors remaining summer spending isn’t this year’s luxury tax threshold, but the 2010/11 mark. That is due to three main issues (1) Bargnani’s extension (2) Pay increases for top earners (3) The likelihood of the luxury tax line falling in a large way.
So, let’s have a quick look at the Raptors payroll for this coming season and the 2010/11 season … and try to figure out just how close the Raptors are to the luxury tax in both seasons, and how much they can spend
2009/10
The Raptors salaries
The Denver Post reports
The Nuggets have agreed to a trade that would net them veteran power forward Malik Allen from the Bucks in exchange for Sonny Weems and Walter Sharpe, an NBA source said Tuesday afternoon. The trade will likely become official later in the week. Read the rest of this entry »
Is Carlos Boozer On The Way Out?
The Desert News reports
Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer told a Chicago radio station today that he expects to soon be traded, and that he’ll be happy if he is.
According to a transcript from WMVP 1000-AM, the ESPN affiliate in Chicago, Boozer — who has not spoken to Utah media since the Jazz’s season ended in late April — said this when asked if he thought he’d be dealt: “Yeah I do. I had a talk with the Jazz. The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision. We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said, I’m gonna be traded relatively soon or in good time.” Read the rest of this entry »
RealGM has the press release
The Atlanta Hawks today traded the rights of David Andersen to the Houston Rockets for a future second round pick, cash and future considerations, it was announced by Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund.
Previously selected by the Hawks in the second round of the 2002 Draft – the 37th pick overall – Andersen is an Australian professional basketball player who has played internationally since the 1998-99 season, most recently in the Spanish League with FC Barcelona.
I like David Andersen, he’s an NBA quality player, and good acquisition by the Houston Rockets. Nice pickup. Read the rest of this entry »
This is an update to a previous post, to account for Detroit’s signings of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, in order to find out how much cap space the Pistons have left
Detroit Pistons Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Pistons’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $41.95 million spread across five players. Read the rest of this entry »
The Denver Post reports
The Detroit Pistons are likely looking to trade guard Arron Afflalo to clear cap space to sign another big man and my colleague, Benjamin Hochman, has learned that the Nuggets could be Afflalo’s next stop.
Afflalo averaged 6.3 points per game on 47 percent shooting for the Pistons last season, his second season in the NBA out of UCLA. Read the rest of this entry »
This is an update to today’s earlier post
Adrian Wojnarowski reports
The Dallas Mavericks have reached agreement to acquire Shawn Marion in a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources said Wednesday.
The Mavericks and Raptors recruited the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies to help facilitate the deal. The Raptors will get Hedo Turkoglu in a sign-and-trade deal with the Magic rather than signing him outright. They also will receive forwards Devean George and Antoine Wright from the Mavericks.
Marion will receive a five-year, $40 million contract from the Mavericks.
Stackhouse will go to the Grizzlies, who will waive him. Only $2 million of Stackhouse’s $7 million contract for next season is guaranteed. The Grizzlies will receive cash, likely $3 million, to participate in the trade.
Toronto, which gets to keep its midlevel salary-cap exception, sends a trade exception to Orlando. The Mavericks also will receive forward Kris Humphries from the Raptors.
The Dallas Morning News first reported the Mavericks were nearing a deal for Marion, describing the trade as “on the lip of the cup.”
The Trade
You gotta love, and hate at the same time, four team trades. So many elements, and so confusing. I think I’ve gotten this trade straight now though (took awhile!)
Toronto Raptors
So, Toronto sign and trade Marion for around $8 million. Turkoglu comes back to them. The Raptors also trade Humphries to Dallas, along with Marion, and take back George and Wright from the Mavs. Read the rest of this entry »
Shawn Marion Is Heading To Dallas
Yahoo Sports reports
The Dallas Mavericks are close to acquiring Shawn Marion in a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources said Wednesday.
Jerry Stackhouse will be dealt to the Raptors, who will ship his contract to another team for considerations.
The Trade
It’s unclear whether it’s a three team trade, or a straight trade followed up by a second trade by Toronto to a team below the cap.
Creative work by Donnie Nelson and Bryan Colangelo. Nicely done.
I didn’t think this trade was possible when I first heard of it, but I was wrong, and by including a third team they were able to get it done. The Raptors were able to avoid the $2 million cap charge from Stackhouse after he was waived, by sending him to a third team. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
This is an update to a previous post following the trade of Shaquille O’Neal.
Phoenix Suns’ Salaries
Alright, let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Suns’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $50.31 million for four players. Read the rest of this entry »
This is an update for a previous Utah post since Boozer, Okur and Korver all decided not to use their ETO’s, and stayed with Utah as a result. How do those decisions effect the Jazz?
Utah Jazz Payroll
Alright, let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Jazz’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $56.87 million for five players. Read the rest of this entry »
Philadelphia 76ers Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These four contracts combine to make $45.4 million.
Read the rest of this entry »
New York Knicks Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These seven contracts combine to make $62.93 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Miami Heat Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These four contracts combine to make $53.87 million. Read the rest of this entry »
New Jersey Nets Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These four contracts combine to make $31.18 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Indiana Pacers Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
I wrote two posts on two separate sections within the NBA
Now, it’s time to round it out with the remainder of the NBA:
Los Angeles Clippers Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These four contracts combine to make $48.15 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Dallas Mavericks Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These four contracts combine to make $51.97 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Cleveland Cavaliers Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These four contracts combine to make $57.18 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Houston Rockets Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These three contracts combine to make $45.72 million.
Shane Battier and Yao Ming both have two years left on their contracts, although Yao Ming does hold an early termination option on his deal. Tracy McGrady is an expiring contract. Read the rest of this entry »
Golden State Warriors Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These five contracts combine to make $41.8 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Charlotte Bobcats Salaries
Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.
These seven contracts combine to make $53.22 million. Read the rest of this entry »
Zach Posting Up Emeka
The Memphis Commercial has the story
The Grizzlies had agreed in principle to acquire power forward Zach Randolph on Thursday night but Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling later nixed the trade, according to two NBA sources.
How did it fall apart
During the NBA Draft, executives from both teams hammered out a package with Randolph and Darko Milicic as the key pieces. Griz guard Greg Buckner would also have been included in the transaction.
The Griz ended up dealing Milicic to the New York Knicks for swingman Quentin Richardson after they waited on a final answer from the Clippers and received a “no.” Read the rest of this entry »
This post is an update to the previous Magic cap concerns article. A new post was written to take into account the acquisition of Vince Carter and to assess how that changes things for Orlando.
Orlando Magic Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on Orlando’s’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $62.33 million for five players.
Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson all have four years remaining on their contracts. Pietrus has three years with the final year being a player option. Their new addition, Vince Carter, has three years left on his contract with the final year only being partially guaranteed. Read the rest of this entry »
Orlando receives: Vince Carter + Ryan Anderson
New Jersey receives: Courtney Lee + Tony Battie + Rafer Alston
The Source
ESPN reports
The New Jersey Nets have traded Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to the Orlando Magic for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee.
Otis Smith talks
“Vince [Carter] gives us a veteran, go-to scoring presence, especially at the end of games,” Magic general manager Otis Smith said in a team release.
“Our goal remains the same — to win a championship. Any time you can add an All-Star to help you reach your goals, you have to do it. Vince has been a bonafide scorer in this league for 11 seasons and we are excited to add both him and Ryan [Anderson] to our team. We thank Rafer, Tony and Courtney for their efforts and wish them success in the future.”
An eight-time NBA All Star, Carter, 32, grew up in Daytona Beach and lives in Orlando. Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN reports
The NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers have sold the No. 29 pick in the first round of the NBA draft to the New York Knicks for $3 million, multiple sources told ESPN.com’s Andy Katz.
Great buy by the NY Knicks. They’ll be able to get a good player at that draft slot, and will have him on a bargain basement contract for the next four years. That’s far more valuable than $3 million.
The Lakers are stuck in a financial hardplace, it’s an understandable choice to take the money. Hopefully this will aid their efforts to keep both Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. Read the rest of this entry »
New York receives: Darko Milicic
Memphis receives: Quentin Richardson
The Source
NY Daily News reports
The Knicks are on the verge of acquiring the second pick of the NBA draft. The second pick of the 2003 draft, that is.
A deal that would send Quentin Richardson to Memphis for Darko Milicic, the player selected after LeBron James and before Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, is close to being finalized.
The 7-foot Milicic has been a disappointment since entering the league but he would give the Knicks a shot-blocker on their front line. Both Milicic and Richardson are entering the last year of their contracts.
“We’re just having conversations,” said one Knicks source. “Nothing is done yet.” Read the rest of this entry »
Phoenix receives: Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, second round pick, and $500k
Cleveland receives: Shaquille O’Neal
The Report
ESPN has the story
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns have come to an agreement on a blockbuster trade that sends Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland to team with LeBron James, according to sources.
The deal has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized Thursday, according to sources.
Cleveland will send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for the future Hall of Famer. Sources said the Suns will also receive the 46th pick in Thursday’s NBA draft and $500,000.
ESPN details the savings for Phoenix
For the Suns, the O’Neal trade is a straight salary dump. Read the rest of this entry »
RealGM has the press release
The Dallas Mavericks have announced they have traded the 22nd overall pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the 24th and 56th overall selections in the 2009 NBA Draft. The Mavericks also acquire the lesser of Portland’s second round picks in the 2010 NBA Draft.
“The depth of the second tier in this year’s draft has given us the opportunity to trade down, pick up two second round picks and not lose ground in terms of talent,” said President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Donnie Nelson. “This will give us added flexibility for the future.”
This trade was first reported by Chad Ford of ESPN.
Picks in the mid-to-late 50’s are fairly useless, not worth dropping back two draft slots in the first round in order to pick them up. I think this is a bad trade for Dallas, a pointless one. Read the rest of this entry »
The deal isn’t finalized yet, but is close to done.
Atlanta receives: Jamal Crawford
Golden State receives: Speedy Claxton and Acie Law
The Report
ABC Local reports
The Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors are closing in on a trade that would find a new home for Jamal Crawford.NBA front-office sources say that the Warriors and Hawks will soon complete a deal sending Crawford to Atlanta for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton.
Team Outlooks
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks get a low efficiency scorer in Jamal Crawford, a combo guard with a nice handle and good passing skills. A solid offensive player but a very poor defensive player. Read the rest of this entry »
This is an update to an earlier post following the acquisition of Richard Jefferson.
San Antonio Spurs’ Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Spurs’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $59.71 million for four players. Read the rest of this entry »
Washington receives: Mike Miller and Randy Foye
Minnesota receives: #5 pick, Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, Pecherov
The Report
Sports Illustrated has the story
The Wizards and Timberwolves have agreed in principle to a trade involving Washington’s No. 5 pick in the draft, a league source told SI.com on Tuesday.
The Wizards would receive Randy Foye and Mike Miller while the Timberwolves would get the No. 5 pick, Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila and Oleksiy Pecherov.
The deal would leave Minnesota with the Nos. 5 and 6 picks in the lottery. The Timberwolves also have the 18th and 28th selections in the first round of Thursday’s draft.
The trade was awaiting final approval by both sides. Read the rest of this entry »
Detroit receives: Fabricio Oberto
Milwaukee receives: Amir Johnson
The Report
Sean Deveney of Sporting News writes
A source tells Sporting News that the Bucks, after trading Richard Jefferson for a trio of Spurs-Fabricio Oberto, Bruce Bowen and Kurt Thomas-have traded Oberto to Detroit for young power forward Amir Johnson. A Bucks source has confirmed the deal.
Deveney continues
Milwaukee entered the offseason seeking to improve their depth at the power forward spot with the impending free agency of Charlie Villanueva. After the deal for Jefferson, the team was left with, basically, Kurt Thomas and Luc Mbah a Moute at the position, but moving Oberto for the 22-year-old Johnson gives the Bucks added depth, youth and athleticism. Read the rest of this entry »
Los Angeles Lakers Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on Lakers books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $44.26 million for five players. Read the rest of this entry »
San Antonio receives: Richard Jefferson
Milwaukee receives: Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto, Kurt Thomas
The Report
Chad Ford writes the following at the beginning of his chat for ESPN
The trade is Richard Jefferson to the Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas … more coming in just a second. Deal is agreed to in principle with a trade call coming later today
The story has hit the wire now
The Virtue Of The Trade
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks trim a lot of money off their payroll. Each of the three Spurs role players are expiring contracts, and there is extra savings in Bowen + Oberto’s contract because only 50% of their deals are guaranteed. Read the rest of this entry »
Detroit Pistons receive: Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen
Boston Celtics receive: Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey
The Rumour
A non-rumour at this stage since it’s been shot down, and doesn’t look like being resurrected, not that there ever was a point where it was under serious consideration … but a big trade with massive consequences that was fun to think about for 60 seconds.
Anyway, Wojnarowski at Yahoo Sports reported the rumour
The Celtics offered Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to the Detroit Pistons for a package that included Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Read the rest of this entry »
Memphis Grizzles receive: LaMarcus Aldridge
Portland Trailblazers receive: The #2 pick — Ricky Rubio
Why?
Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers get an excellent point guard prospect. Someone who is capable of coming in and contributing right away, and has a lot of potential down the road. A player who can create offense for others and put people in positions where they can be successful. A talented all-round point guard who loves to play defense, hunts down loose balls and rebounds, and will push the tempo. Read the rest of this entry »
There is an updated edition of this article following the acquisition of Vince Carter. Click here for that.
Orlando Magic Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on Orlando’s’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $52.5 million for five players. Read the rest of this entry »
Boston Celtics Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Celtics’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $56.03 million for three players. Read the rest of this entry »
Chicago Bulls Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Bulls’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $56.69 million for seven players. Read the rest of this entry »
There is an update to this article — after Boozer, Memo and Korver all decided to stay, and looking at what changes that would have for Utah’s summer decisions.
Utah Jazz Payroll
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Jazz’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $30.21 million for two players.
Andrei Kirilenko has another year to run on his deal after next season, while Deron will be just beginning his five year extension. Read the rest of this entry »
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Devin Harris
New Jersey Nets receive: #2 pick
The Rumour
Good article in the Memphis Commercial today on the Grizzlies and that second pick. This blurb is from the end of the article
Are the Griz entertaining trade offers for the second pick?
Absolutely. Sacramento, Houston, Boston, Minnesota, Washington and New York are among the teams that have made offers — some ridiculous.
Are there any potential trades scenarios that have gone underreported?
Sure. The New Jersey Nets are said to be willing to part with point guard Devin Harris. The Griz should ponder if Harris is worth the second pick. Read the rest of this entry »
Washington Wizards Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Wizards’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $57.68 million for six players.
Etan Thomas has an early termination release clause but he definitely will not use it. Mike James has a player option and he will definitely use it. Both players are entering the last year of their contracts, as is Brendan Haywood.
Gilbert Arenas has four more years after next season, Jamison has two more, and Butler has one more.
I want to separate this number for a moment just to make a quick point on how valuable Caron’s and Antawn’s contracts are. Read the rest of this entry »
Phoenix Suns receive: Al Jefferson and the #6 pick
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Amare Stoudemire
The Rumour
The Boston Globe has the rumour
An NBA executive told the Boston Globe today that the Minnesota Timberwolves is working a deal with the Phoenix Suns that would send former Celtics forward Al Jefferson and their sixth pick in next week’s NBA Draft for All-Star Amare Stoudemire.
The Suns, which have dangled Stoudemire for some time, fiound a suitor in Minnesota that is in transition. The team announced today that coach Kevin McHale has ended his 15-year association with the team. New basketball of operations David Kahn is looking to take the franchise into another direction. Read the rest of this entry »
Update from the previous post, to take into account the Jason Kapono-Reggie Evans trade and a better knowledge of what slot the Raptors will draft at this summer.
Toronto Raptors Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Raptors books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $30.6 million spread across four players. Bargnani will be entering the final year of his contract in 2009, while Bosh has a player option following the 2009/10 season and is expected to opt out. Kapono has another season following the next one, and Calderon has four years left on his deal. Read the rest of this entry »
Michael Lee article
One minute it’s Ricky Rubio, then it’s Amare Stoudemire, then it’s Josh Howard. Now, the latest is talk about the Washington Wizards having a deal on the table for Manu Ginobili for a package involving the No. 5 pick. Read the rest of this entry »
Philadelphia receives: Jason Kapono
Toronto receives: Reggie Evans
Notes
A poster by the name of David Moro mentioned this trade a good possibility for the Raps in a comment on the Raptors Republic about a week or two ago. I thought it was a very good idea and was planning on writing it as a trade idea post, but I never got around to it, anyway …. we’re here now. Good idea from David Moro and a good trade. Read the rest of this entry »
The Portland Tribune is reporting
The Blazers have team options on guard Steve Blake ($4.0 million salary next season) and forward Travis Outlaw ($3.6 million) that can be exercised on July 1, but it sounds as if both will remain with the club – unless a trade is made, of course.“I don’t see a scenario where we don’t pick up their options,” Pritchard says. “They’ve both been terrific for us. We like those guys way too much.”
Someone Below The Cap Receives: Tony Allen + $3mil in cash considerations
Boston receives: Nothing
Why?
Team Under The Cap
This mystery team under the cap (for example, the Memphis Grizzlies) would turn a profit — the difference between $3mil and Tony’s contract ($2.5mil?) which I think is about $500k — and would then have the choice about whether to keep Tony on as a player or whether to buy him out. Read the rest of this entry »
Washington receives: Amare Stoudemire
Phoenix receives: The #5 draft pick, Antawn Jamison, and Mike James
Why Would These Do This?
Washington Wizards
Amare Stoudemire is an upgrade over Antawn Jamison. He’s more of an interior based player. He’s a lot younger than Antawn and allows the Wizards to take a longer view on their title ambitions, instead of going all-in for a title this summer.
This will be help make their decisions on Nick Young, Andray Blatche, JaVale McGee, Dominic McGuire, Javaris Crittenton and Pecherov a lot easier. They will be able to think more long term and how these guys fit alongside an Amare-Arenas-Caron Wizards team, instead of having to part with these guys to give a Jamison-Arenas-Caron team a shot a title while they’re still all dominant players. Read the rest of this entry »
The Trade
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Tony Parker
San Antonio Spurs receive: OJ Mayo
Why?
San Antonio Spurs
This trade idea follows the very interesting suggestion made by Ed Torian in the comments section of a recent post — describing what he thinks is the Spurs best opportunity to build another title caliber side:
The idea is to trade Tony Parker for a young prospect on a cheap contract (likely his rookie contract), while simultaneously clearing cap space for 2010 in order to make a run at a max contract free agent.
Then in 2010, the core of the Spurs squad would be Tim Duncan, the max contract free agent, Manu Ginobili and the top prospect. The idea being that those four players are superior to the Spurs’ current Big Three. It’s an interesting strategy and both a creative and a very good idea. Read the rest of this entry »
This is an outdated post, there is an update following the acquisition of Richard Jefferson. Please click here for that post.
Spurs Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Spurs’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $45.57 million for three players.
Manu Ginobili will be entering the final year of his deal, while Parker has two more to go, and Duncan three years to play on his contract. Read the rest of this entry »
Nuggets Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Nuggets’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
That totals $59.51 million for five players.
Kenyon Martin and JR Smith will have one more season on the books following the 09/10 campaign, while the other three have two more seasons to go after next year. Billups’ final year is only partially guaranteed … and Nene + Martin + Melo have early termination options on their final year. Read the rest of this entry »
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Buck’s books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
RealGM reports
The Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves on Sunday night, which means that they will not have one of the top 20 picks in June’s NBA Draft.
Oklahoma City will receive the selection from Denver as part of a Jan. 7 trade. The Nuggets also sent the Thunder guard Chucky Atkins while getting center Johan Petro and a 2009 second-round pick in return. Read the rest of this entry »
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Hornets’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
There is an update to this post following the trade of Shaquille O’Neal.
Phoenix Suns Salaries
Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Suns’ books for next season.
Here are the contracts over five million dollars
Last month I looked at all the teams who figure to have substantial cap space heading into this summer, detailing how much cap flexibility they had and pondering on how they may use it in free agency.
However, those teams are not the only ones who are facing major financial decisions this summer. Now, I’ll switch my attention to teams who are over the luxury tax line, near the tax line, or who have players looking for large extensions which could put them over their limit. Teams who are facing major financial pressures, and consequently may be forced to make changes. Read the rest of this entry »
For the last couple of days I’ve been thinking that I have been too hard on the Orlando Magic for their acquisition of Rafer Alston, and that the Magic deserve more credit for the good work they did in that trade.
Part of the reason for my reaction was my belief that Stephon Marbury was the best possible choice for the Magic — I wrote this as a comment on Feet In the Paint. Read the rest of this entry »
I wrote a post listing the transactions made in the month February yesterday. There were 15 trades made, with 19 teams and 43 players involved. The article also contains links at the bottom of that page to posts made on each individual trade.
Okay, so let’s get down to it — I’m going to go through all 30 teams and write a short review on their trade deadline moves and non-moves and give them a grade on their work.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks weren’t involved in any trades, and didn’t have many pieces to play with. Grade N/A
Boston Celtics
The Celtics had hardly anything to barter with and it showed. The result was the club failed to pull off a significant trade, but since they had no quality options they deserve no blame. They did however make two tidy trades to dump Sam Cassell and Patrick O’Bryant, creating two open rosters and saving some money, and that was nicely done. Grade B Read the rest of this entry »
I thought it would be worthwhile to make a list of all the trades that went down prior to the trading deadline.
Trades made in February prior to Feb 16th
First Trade (Feb 5th)
Orlando sends Keith Bogans to the Milwaukee Bucks in return for Ty Lue.
Second Trade (Feb 7th)
The Los Angeles Lakers send Vladamir Radmanovic to the Charlotte Bobcats in return for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown. Read the rest of this entry »
Yesterday, throughout the afternoon, the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks held trade discussions. The deal was Kenny Thomas in return for Nate Robinson and Jared Jeffries. On three separate occasions the Kings made their offer, and on three occasions the Knicks rebuffed their advances foolishly.
Let’s have a look at that trade, because it was the biggest decision made by the Knicks yesterday.
The Contracts
This trade is all about contracts and it’s a home run for the Knicks.
The contract of most importance is Jared Jeffries because his $7mil contract eats into the Knicks cap space in 2010, and reduces their ability to acquire top tier talent. Read the rest of this entry »
Very good trade from Sam Presti here.
This report comes from ESPN’s trade deadline page
Marc Stein: Chicago’s Thabo Sefolosha is headed to Oklahoma City for one of the Thunder’s five stockpiled first-round picks in the next two drafts. Read the rest of this entry »
Marc Stein is reporting a three team trade between the Rockets, Magic and Grizzlies
NBA front-office sources tell ESPN.com that Orlando is acquiring Rafer Alston from Houston to fill the void created at point guard by Jameer Nelson’s shoulder injury.
The Rockets will receive Memphis guard Kyle Lowry, Orlando forward Brian Cook and perhaps two other minimum-salaried players to make the finances work.
The Grizzlies will receive a first-round pick from Orlando.
Update: ESPN is reporting that the deal is close to a conclusion and basically agreed to, but not yet finalized.
Update: Now finalized. Mike Wilks and Adonal Foyle have been added to the trade and they’re heading to Memphis. Foyle is now a possible buyout candidate. Read the rest of this entry »
Nice trade here for the Knicks, ESPN has the story
Marc Stein: Hopefully you’ve seen all the clarifications on New York’s moves.
The Knicks have swung two deals.
No. 1: Tim Thomas, Jerome James and Anthony Roberson to Chicago for Larry Hughes
No. 2: Malik Rose and cash to Oklahoma City for Chris Wilcox
[Correction: Boston pulled out of this deal, and sent O'Bryant to Toronto instead, scroll down for that information. I'll leave this Kings deal up for a comparison.]
[Double Correction: The deal is actually a three team deal which has been incorrectly reported on twice. I'll leave up the other two for the story, it was all fun]
The Boston Globe reports
The Celtics have traded backup center Patrick O’Bryant to the Sacramento Kings. The move was made for salary-cap purposes and the club will not receive a player in return, according to an NBA source.
There is the possibility that the club will receive a draft pick in exchange for the 7-footer, who averaged 1.5 points in 26 games for the Celtics after signing as a free agent in the offseason.
O’Bryant was not at the Celtics’ shootaround this afternoon. Read the rest of this entry »
Chad Ford is reporting (chat) that a deal has been concluded but awaiting league approval
Chad Ford: (1:22 PM ET ) Yes. Bulls and Knicks have agreed to a trade. Larry Hughes for Tim Thomas and Jerome James. I’m told it’s waiting for league approval.
Nice pickup for the Knicks
Update: Anthony Roberson was also included in the trade. He hasn’t shown himself to be an NBA caliber player, he’s also on a one year minimum contract, so he’s pretty much irrelevant. Read the rest of this entry »
Okay, this post is going to quickly cover a bunch of rumours (19 so far) that are floating around.
Cavs and Shaq
Brian Windhorst reports
The Cavaliers have offered Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to the Suns for Shaquille O’Neal.
Anyone got any ideas on this one? I don’t know what to think about it.
Can Shaq and Big Z play alongside one another? They’d make the Cavs very slow defensively. They’d also take up a massive amount of room offensively, limiting space for LeBron to drive.
The Cavs duo of Wallace/Varejao also did a brilliant job defensively on Kevin Garnett last season, a big factor in making that series as close as it was. Do you play a Shaq-Z combination ahead of Varejao? KG has been passive at times with his scoring, does he take advantage of that?
Odd trade … I really don’t know what to make of it. Read the rest of this entry »
Ken Berger breaks the news at the top of his trade deadline rumours article
Minnesota sends Rashad McCants and Calvin Booth to Sacramento for Shelden Williams and Bobby Brown.
Nice pickup for Sacramento. Rashad McCants is the only legit talent in this trade, and there’s no financial downside. Nicely done. Read the rest of this entry »
Several contenders just threw their hands in the air and screamed “Yipee” at the news of Hornets-Thunder trade falling though. Suddenly, all those Joe Smith possibilities are back in play.
Chris Sheridan: A source who has been in the know for years tells me that Joe Smith is keeping his fingers crossed that the Thunder do not find another trade for him now that he’s back in Oklahoma City. Smith, the source said, would like to do a buyout and then sign with the Boston Celtics as this season’s version of P.J. Brown.
That quote is from a trade talk roundup by Chris Sheridan.
The ideal scenario for several teams is for Joe Smith not to be traded, and then be bought out by the Thunder, and picked up as a free agent for low value contract by some contender.
Here’s a short list of teams who’ll likely be interested in Joe Smith Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN’s report
Tyson Chandler missed the New Orleans Hornets’ last 12 games before the All-Star break with a sprained left ankle. But that had nothing to do with why he failed his physical with the Oklahoma City Thunder and was thus sent back to the Hornets on Wednesday.
After examining Chandler’s left big toe, Dr. Carlan Yates, Oklahoma City’s team physician, determined that the risk of re-injury was too great to give Chandler a clean bill of health. He therefore advised the Thunder to rescind Tuesday’s trade that landed them Chandler for Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox and the rights to Devon Hardin.
“This is absolutely crazy,” Chandler said in a telephone conversation Wednesday night. “I’m super shocked. This is nuts.” Read the rest of this entry »
The Lakers have traded Chris Mihm to the Memphis Grizzlies.
RealGM has the story
The Memphis Grizzlies added depth to the team’s frontcourt by acquiring Chris Mihm from the Los Angeles Lakers, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.
The Grizzlies also received cash considerations in exchange for a 2013 protected second round draft pick. Read the rest of this entry »
A fairly big trade just went down a short while ago between the Chicago Bulls and the Sacramento Kings. NBA.com has the details
The Kings agreed on Wednesday to a trade that sends forward John Salmons and center Brad Miller to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forwards Drew Gooden and Andres Nocioni, according to league sources.
The Bulls also sent Cedric Simmons and Michael Ruffin to Sacramento. Read the rest of this entry »
Revolting news today folks — the Oklahoma Thunder have acquired Tyson Chandler from the New Orleans for five cents on the dollar, and ended the Hornets bid for an NBA Title in the process.
ESPN has the story
The New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder have completed a deal that sends center Tyson Chandler to the Thunder.
The Hornets received forwards Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox in exchange for their best interior defender.
The Hornets also received the draft rights to DeVon Hardin, who was selected No. 50 overall by the Thunder in the 2008 draft. Read the rest of this entry »
Both deals are fairly similar — both clubs trade their 15th man to a team below the cap in order to free up a roster spot, in return for some second round pick considerations.
Here’s the Detroit trade:
The (very) minor trade Detroit has agreed to with the Los Angeles Clippers — sending Alex Acker to L.A. for nothing more than a future swap of second-round picks — appealed to the Pistons for obvious reasons. They were $731,868 over the NBA’s $71.15 million luxury-tax threshold as of Sunday morning. Shedding Acker’s 2008-09 salary of $711,517 almost gets them under the tax line.
However …
The conspiracy theorists among Joe Dumars’ front-office peers around the league will inevitably surmise that the Pistons might need the extra roster spot because they’re closing in on some sort of Stoudemire deal. The combination of Rasheed Wallace’s expiring contract and young forward Amir Johnson would appear to be Detroit’s best offer — and thus not quite in Chicago’s class — but there are a couple well-connected league insiders who believe that Dumars still has hope of winning the Amare Sweepstakes. Read the rest of this entry »
I was in the midst of writing this post when the news of the Marion-Jermaine trade broke, and when I say in the midst of writing I mean I was staring at the title for 30 minutes and putting off writing this post like I had done for a few days.
Anyway, let’s get down to business, this will only be a quick short post.
Jason Kapono’s trade value has been declining in a big way over the past six months, not solely or even mainly due to his play, but because of his contract.
Time doesn’t stand still, and as we get closer and closer to 2010, any and every overpaid contract that goes past 2010 will be seen as increasingly burdensome. Kapono’s trade value has plummeted, like many others, over the past six months and will decline equally so over the next four months. Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN’s Ric Bucher is reporting
The Toronto Raptors have agreed to send Jermaine O’Neal and Jamario Moon to the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, league sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher.
The deal is pending league approval, according to sources, and if approved, would be announced later Friday afternoon.
Initial reaction?
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Raptors also included a future first round pick in the trade package. That would be a huge bonus for the Miami Heat. No confirmation as of yet (Update: Now confirmed, scroll down to the heading below in the article of more information on the draft pick).
I forget where I saw this rumour, I think it was ESPN, but it brought a smile to my face immediately.
A Vince Carter-Tracy McGrady reunion? Sign me up for that. Oh that would be a sight for sore eyes. I’d love to see those two get another shot at playing together, and to have Yao Ming and the rest of the Rockets supporting cast … wow, that would be a dynamite team. Read the rest of this entry »
Lakers swap Radmanovic for Morrison:
The Charlotte Bobcats traded managing partner Michael Jordan’s first draft pick on Saturday, sending struggling forward Adam Morrison and reserve guard Shannon Brown to the Los Angeles Lakers for forward Vladimir Radmanovic.
“We definitely wish him well,” Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said of Morrison. “He’s a good kid and hopefully he gets an opportunity to play. You never know, he might get a chance to win a [championship] ring.”
Morrison and Brown were never a good fit. Morrison’s defensive deficiencies didn’t mesh with Brown’s style, and Morrison had failed to hit shots consistently, struggling in a starting role the past four games after small forward Gerald Wallace suffered a partially collapsed lung and a broken rib against the Lakers on Jan. 27. Read the rest of this entry »
RealGM has the press release
The Orlando Magic have acquired guard Tyronn Lue from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for guard-forward Keith Bogans and cash considerations, General Manager Otis Smith announced today.
“Tyronn is a veteran point guard who fits in well with our style of play,” said Smith. “He shoots well from three-point range and adds needed depth at that position. We thank Keith for everything he gave to us and wish him all the best.”
Lue has played in 30 games this season for Milwaukee, averaging 4.7 ppg., 1.5 apg. and 1.2 rpg. in 13.1 minpg. He is shooting .467 (21-of-45) from three-point range and has scored in double figures three times, including a season-high 14 points on Nov. 24 @ Orlando. Lue led (or tied) the Bucks in assists three times.
From Orlando’s corner, Mr Brian Schmitz’ views on the trade (he likes it). Read the rest of this entry »
Or at least, Chad Ford is reporting that anyway. He did so in a recent chat
Wannabe GM (Philly): C-Ford, considering how well the Sixers have played without Brand, both during their current 10-game stretch and towards the end of last year, do you think it may behove them to explore trading him either closer to the trade deadline or during the offseason? Read the rest of this entry »
The Dallas Mavericks have agreed a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats, sending DeSagana Diop to the Bobcats in return for Matt Carroll and Ryan Hollins.
As ESPN reports, this trade is an alternate and smaller version of the much reported three team trade that fell through last week
It was roughly this time last week, according to NBA front-office sources, that Charlotte, Dallas and Oklahoma City put the pieces in place on a three-team deal that would have sent Felton, Nazr Mohammed and Sean May from Charlotte to Dallas, landed Oklahoma City’s Earl Watson and Diop with the Bobcats and shipped Mavs veteran Jerry Stackhouse to the Thunder along with a future second-round pick. Read the rest of this entry »
Interesting report by Gerry Woelfel
The latest rumor to surface is the Bucks possibly trading backup point guard Ramon Sessions and forward Joe Alexander, who was the eighth overall selection in last June’s NBA draft, to the Memphis Grizzlies.
In return, the Bucks would obtain point guard Michael Conley Jr., who was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2007 draft.
The Bucks would also likely receive a future draft choice.
I’ve been told both teams have virtually agreed on the conditions of the trade and only Bucks owner Herb Kohl had to give his stamp of approval. Bucks general manager John Hammond, reached in North Carolina where he was on a scouting trip, said it was his policy not to comment on any trade speculation. Read the rest of this entry »
A basic stats comparison between the two players:
|
‘08-09 |
MPG |
PPG |
RPG |
APG |
BPG |
FG% |
TS% |
|
Nesterovic |
22.1 |
9.2 |
4.4 |
2.2 |
0.7 |
52.8% |
54.0% |
|
O’Neal |
29.5 |
14.0 |
7.3 |
1.6 |
1.9 |
47.5% |
52.1% |
Jermaine gets a larger bump in his overall shooting efficiency when you include the free throws, where he hits 80% of his attempts at makes it to the line 4 times a night versus 82% and just less than one a game for Rasho.
There’s a substantial difference in minutes so let’s even it out and look at per 36 numbers Read the rest of this entry »
The Denver Post is reporting that the Nuggets have traded Chucky Atkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder in return for Johan Petro.
The Nuggets have traded reserve guard Chucky Atkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for reserve center Johan Petro. Denver will also trade their first-round pick in the 2009 draft to the Thunder for the Thunder’s second-round pick. Read the rest of this entry »
RealGM has the press release
The Los Angeles Clippers today acquired guard/forward Hassan Adams and cash considerations from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a future conditional second round draft pick. Read the rest of this entry »
Hoopsworld (uncredible source that it is) ran a rumour today on a possible trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors. The principals involved revolve around Andrea Bargnani of the Raptors and Josh Howard of the Mavericks …. and could also include players like Anthony Parker, DeSanga Diop, and possibly others.
The Toronto Raptors have been looking for a small forward, and HOOPSWORLD has learned that they may have finally found their man. A deal being discussed would send troubled forward Josh Howard to the Raptors in a deal that would land Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Parker in Dallas, with a combination that could involve DeSagana Diop and Antoine Wright headed back to Toronto. Read the rest of this entry »
A fantastic story today folks, the Houston Rockets have traded oft-injured guard Steve Francis to none other than the Memphis Grizzlies. Yes, the same Grizzlies that Francis refused to play for on draft night forcing his way out of Vancouver. Life has come full circle.
Steve Francis will wind up with the Grizzlies, after all. Not the Vancouver Grizzlies — the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Houston Rockets announced Wednesday they’ve dealt the injured former superstar to Memphis along with a 2009 second-round pick and cash. The Rockets get a conditional 2011 second-round pick. Read the rest of this entry »
Here’s the quote:
Rasheed Wallace could be another story. According to one Eastern Conference executive, the Pistons will take calls on Wallace. One team mentioned as a potential destination is Dallas.
“That’s a ‘Mark Cuban move,’ ” said an Eastern Conference executive. “Cuban would take Rasheed, no question. It would be bold, but he knows he’s got to do something to spark his team.”
There’s a little more on the rumour if you click the link and go to the NY Daily News article. I don’t think anything will come from these rumours for a bunch of reasons and here they are: Read the rest of this entry »
The Charlotte Bobcats Outlook
Folks if this was GM 101, we’d flunk the Bobcats for breaking so many rules.
There’s one part of this deal in particular that terrifies me for Bobcats fans and that is that Larry Brown’s fingertips are all over this move. Everybody knows about Larry’s neurotic episodes and his daily barks about trading half of the roster and falling in love with players on other teams, and everyone knows you need a strong general manager to stand up to him and run the squad. It appears that Charlotte do not have that strong GM and that Larry Brown is wielding a huge hand in trade discussions. His short term temperamental thinking could destroy the Bobcats …. well what’s left of them. Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN is reporting
The Phoenix Suns have completed a deal with the Charlotte Bobcats to acquire high-scoring swingman Jason Richardson, according to NBA front-office sources.
The multiplayer deal will require the Suns to part with forward Boris Diaw and defensive ace Raja Bell, two mainstays from the team that averaged 58 wins over the last four seasons under former Suns coach Mike D’Antoni.
The Suns will also receive a future second-round pick from the Bobcats and forward Jared Dudley while sending Sean Singletary to the Bobcats. Read the rest of this entry »
The Washington Post is reporting a three team trade is close to completion
According to a league source with knowledge of the situation, the Wizards, New Orleans Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies are closing in on a three-team trade.
The Wizards will acquire guards Javaris Crittenton (Memphis) and Mike James (New Orleans). The Hornets will get Antonio Daniels from the Wizards and possibly a conditional draft pick from Memphis. The Grizzlies would get the conditional first round pick they sent to Washington for Juan Carlos Navarro before last season.
To Wizards will release PG Dee Brown to make room on the roster. Brown, who was signed to a partially guaranteed deal before the season, has started 11 games but has recently seen his playing time reduced. Read the rest of this entry »
The much reported Memphis Grizzlies trade of Mike Conley to the Portland Trailblazers for Travis Outlaw is still alive and well. Yahoo Sports reports
The Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies have discussed a multiplayer trade that centers on the exchange of forward Travis Outlaw and point guard Mike Conley, league sources said Friday.
The talks have been ongoing for weeks, but one source close to the Blazers said Portland GM Kevin Pritchard remains hesitant about completing the deal and that a trade doesn’t appear imminent. Read the rest of this entry »
The Rocky Mountain News reports
“After the trade went down, I talked with (coach) Mike (Dunleavy), and he said they want me here,” Camby said Tuesday in a telephone interview with the Rocky Mountain News. “I still understand the nature of the business. I know, around trade deadline time, probably a lot of contenders will try to look to add me to their team.”
Marcus Camby sounds like a depressed woman who’s been dumped too many times
But anyway, the idea is interesting, let’s say Camby does get traded before the end of the season to a contender … who might make a run at him? Read the rest of this entry »
Which is the bigger story angle? Knicks moving Zach Randolph or the Clippers acquiring Zach Randolph?
I think it’s the Knicks moving Zach Randolph because of the salary cap implications down the road.
The LA Times is reporting that a trade involving in the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers is now completed. The Knicks will send Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins to LA in exchange for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas. Read the rest of this entry »
Earlier Attempt: Rumour has it that Al Harrington is close to being traded to the NY Knicks for either Jamal Crawford or Malik Rose. Read the rest of this entry »
Article is from the Star-Telegram
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A pillar of the Dallas Mavericks for the past half-decade, veteran Jerry Stackhouse, disillusioned with his diminished role just 10 games into the season, wants to rediscover happiness somewhere else.
Stating his style clashes with coach Rick Carlisle’s motion offense, a scheme based more on freelance movement than structured plays, and a reluctance to sacrifice minutes for mentoring, the 14-year swingman said his agent is exploring options for him to depart Dallas, possibly through a buyout or trade. Read the rest of this entry »
Good thoughts from George Karl in the Phily Inquirer
But the more Nuggets coach George Karl watches Chauncey Billups run his offense – and watches Iverson lead the Detroit Pistons – it has become clearer that Iverson, well, wasn’t the answer.
“There are less bad plays, more solid plays,” Karl said of the former 76er, who was traded earlier this month. “I think the wasteful, cheap possessions that we used to have 10 to 15 a game, they don’t exist very much anymore.”
What always irked Karl was Iverson’s inability to run the offense like a general. When it came to beating the elite teams, the Nuggets had too many questions with The Answer – about his shot selection, his dedication to defense and his ability/inability to trust his teammates.
“Sometimes I saw something, but I couldn’t get it done on the court because I didn’t have a playmaker out there,” Karl said.
Completely true statement.
Pro Basketball News reports
Multiple NBA sources have confirmed that Charlotte moving Gerald Wallace is imminent, but Pro Basketball News has yet to learn of a definitive destination at this time.
The Bobcats have apparently talked about Wallace’s long-term value to the franchise (he signed a six-year, $57 million extension in July of 2007) and decided that they would be better suited allocating such a significant salary to somebody else.
Who? Word is we’ll know much sooner than later.
Take it for what it’s worth, it’s only a rumour. Read the rest of this entry »
|
Chauncey Billups |
Allen Iverson |
|
| Points per game |
17.0 |
26.4 |
| Minutes per game |
32.3 |
41.8 |
| Points per 36 minutes |
18.9 |
22.8 |
| Shots per game |
12.5 |
19 |
| FG% |
44.8% |
According to Michigan Live, and I’ve heard second had reports that ESPN are running it too, that the Denver Nuggets have agreed to trade Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups and it now appears Antonio McDyess will be included too.
Here’s the quote from Michigan Live:
The Detroit Pistons have reached a tentative agreement to trade Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson. Neither player was at this morning’s shoot-around. Team officials said that more information would be forthcoming later today. Read the rest of this entry »
Tim Kawakami reports
Two NBA sources, both close to the Warriors veteran forward, told me that Al Harrington recently informed the Warriors that he does not want to play for Don Nelson any more and is requesting to be traded as soon as possible.
(There is no suggestion, however, that Harrington will walk out from the team if he isn’t traded before the start of the season tomorrow.)
In fact, one league source with knowledge of the situation said that Harrington’s agent, Dan Fegan, is “actively working to get (Harrington) out of there” and that a few teams already have proposed tentative deals. Read the rest of this entry »
The Indiana Pacers have traded Shawne Williams to the Dallas Mavericks for Eddie Jones plus two future second rounders and some cash.
The Indiana Pacers have traded swingman Shawne Williams to Dallas
The Pacers will receive guard Eddie Jones, two second-round picks and approximately $1.8 million in cash.
This trade is a character dump by Larry Bird. Read the rest of this entry »
Shortly after appearing on a Indy radiostation and claiming a potential Tinsley-to-Denver trade was vetoed by Rex Champman, Vescey published an update claiming that the trade was done in principal and awaiting medicals. Here’s his report:
Locked-out Pacers point Jamaal Tinsley was traded to the Nuggets for Chuckie Atkins and Stephen Hunter, The Post has learned.
The deal is contingent on Tinsley passing a physical. Chronically injured over the last four years (only once playing more than 42 games) and embroiled in violent encounters on three separate occasions (none of which he instigated), he spent all summer in Atlanta rehabbing his body and is said to be a great condition.
Denver assumes his $21M, 3-year debt. Atkins is due $3.24M and $3.48M while Hunter is guaranteed $3.86M and $3.69M. Less than half of their total salary remaining is guaranteed. Read the rest of this entry »
In an odd move, for so many reasons, the NY Knicks have completed a trade with the Houston Rockets to acquire Patrick Ewing Jr. Here’s the details:
The New York Knicks have acquired Patrick Ewing, Jr. in a trade with Houston in exchange for the draft rights to center Frederic Weis.
Yeah folks, you’re thinking about the right man:
Weis was New York’s first-round draft choice (15th overall) in 1999 and became controversial because they passed on Artest, who was known locally from playing at St. John’s and growing up in Queensbridge. Read the rest of this entry »
Small trade yesterday evening between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. It was a one-for-one swap of young players, with Phoenix trading DJ Strawberry to Houston for Sean Singletary. Read the rest of this entry »
Mo Williams likes his fit in Cleveland:
During that conference call, Williams said two things that raised some eyebrows for those expecting him to be a traditional playmaker.
Referring to James, he said, “I think that a guy who can make plays and handle the ball takes a lot of pressure off me handling the ball a whole lot. I’m more than comfortable playing off the ball. That’s one of my strengths, and I really get to use that strength now. I’m very excited about that.”
Later, he added, “The way I play, and the gifts that I have, is better suited to Cleveland. Me playing with a facilitator really grows my game. In Milwaukee, they were looking for something different. They were looking for a distributor. That didn’t play to my strength. It took away from my aggressiveness.” Read the rest of this entry »
There’s some really good articles on the trade and what the respective teams are thinking. For now we’re going to concentrate on Ridnour and the Bucks ….. here is a couple of quotes from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
The point guard’s agent, Lon Babby, called Ridnour at his suburban Seattle home and told him he might be traded.
“What team?” Ridnour wondered.
“Milwaukee,” his agent said.
“Perfect,” was Ridnour’s response. Read the rest of this entry »
I came across this on the Newsday Blog comments section – The KnicksBlog has the story:
A source close to the Nets front office told TKB that the team would most definately accept a Knicks offer of Nate Robinson in exchange for forward Sean Williams.
Tommy Dee of the Knicks continues
It’s a deal that makes sense for both teams. Williams, the troubled former BC product, is the shot blocking presense that Walsh covets. Read the rest of this entry »
Final details of the trade are as follows:
The Houston Rockets announced that they have acquired forward Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings, the Associated Press is reporting.
In addition to Artest, Houston acquired forward Patrick Ewing, Jr. and guard Sean Singletary from the Kings in exchange for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and the Rockets’ first-round draft pick in 2009.
My thoughts on the deal were back in a previous post, you can click here to check that out. Basic summary, good-good for both sides. Read the rest of this entry »
Cleveland gets: Mo Williams
Milwaukee gets: Luke Ridnour, Damon Jones, Adrian Griffin
Oklahoma City gets: Desmond Mason, Joe Smith
First reaction … this is an odd-ball trade. Odd parts, odd intentions. Think it helps everyone but my goodness does its seem weird. Read the rest of this entry »
Here’s the press release taken from RealGM:
The Oklahoma City NBA franchise acquired guard Kyle Weaver in a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats, it was announced today by the team’s General Manager Sam Presti.
Weaver was selected 38th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Bobcats. In exchange for Weaver, Oklahoma City sent New Jersey’s 2009 2nd round pick to Charlotte. Oklahoma City held New Jersey’s second round pick following a July 2006 trade which sent Mikki Moore to the Nets.
“We’re pleased to add Kyle Weaver to our organization,” Presti said. “He is a young player with a defensive mentality and team-first approach to the game. We are excited to add these qualities to our team in Oklahoma City.”
Well this is a pointless trade. Well done Oklahoma, you have replaced Gelebale and have annointed Weaver the new title “completely useless two guard who doesn’t fit our team”. Read the rest of this entry »
A couple of days ago now there was a great rumour in the Cleveland papers discussing the possibility of JR coming to the Cavs, this is from Terry Pluto over at Cleveland.com:
About the Cavs …
J.R. Smith is a restricted free agent who could provide the Cavaliers with some needed athleticism should they outduel the rebuilding Denver Nuggets for him.The Cavs are talking to Denver about restricted free agent J.R. Smith, and they should go after him hard. The 6-6 Smith is athletic, shot 40 percent on 3-pointers and 46 percent overall while averaging 12.3 points in only 19 minutes a game. With Denver signing wing man Dahntay Jones and being on a binge to cut payroll (they gave Marcus Camby to the Clippers to cut $10 million), it seems Smith should be available. The Cavs have plenty of expiring contracts, which should help Denver if it continues to want to keep payroll under control. Smith won’t be 23 until September. He has averaged 10.9 points in 21 minutes a game during his four-year career. He had some maturity issues in the past, but he also was just a kid who skipped college entirely. Denver has said it will match an offer for Smith. I think the Cavs should offer something close to the mid-level exception and see if the Nuggets will do it — or force their hand in a deal.
Before we rubbish, actually let’s rubbish the rumour, there is no hope Denver let this kid go. He’s too good and his contract will be too friendly to even consider letting him leave. JR Smith’s importance to the Nuggets far outweighs Camby’s, heck he’s the second most important player on their squad and gives the Nuggets a legit 1-2 punch alongside Melo for the future as they look to retool their roster.
Anyway, if the Cavs did manage to do the business and get this done it would be a huge move for Cleveland. Possibly big enough to make them the favourite to get past Boston.
Heck, two years ago JR Smith was dropping 16-17ppg in starters minutes and he’s come on leaps and bounds since then (now scoring 12.3ppg in 19.2mpg, 23ppg per 36 minutes). In a team like the Cavs were they’re desperate for another scorer he’ll have many opportunities to shoot the ball and would be a major scorer. Smith is also freakishly efficient with a TS% of 60% while shooting 40% on threes taking nearly 400 threes in only 19 minutes a night. His scoring skills and shooting ability would complement LeBron perfectly because teams couldn’t hedge off of JR Smith. Add in his ability on the break and penetration in the halfcourt and the Cavs offense could look somewhat dynamic for the first time since Mike Brown joined the club.
Cleveland would also be good for JR. His defense needs work and he’s showing some interest in improving it, in Mike Brown he’d have hands down the best defensive head coach in the league. Brown made Wally World look like a good defender, he can definitely do the same for JR Smith. With some time and hard work Smith could become a good defender in his own right and the Cavs/Brown would speed that process up.
Smith also plays with terrific energy and fearlessness on the court. He was a major sparkplug for the Nuggets over the second half of last season and provide the same for Cleveland.
Mmm – JR Smith and Daniel Gibson – imagine how difficult life becomes for the opposition to double LeBron then. That would be a nightmare for the opposition trying to contain LeBron with those two ready to pounce on any wayward defending …… Add Delonte and Wally as their backups. Z as a natural third scorer. Then the overall toughness from their other bigs of Big Ben, Varejao, Joe Smith, Hickson plus Pavlovic providing a good utility player. That’s a very nice squad, very deep.
Do no underestimate how dangerous Smith is or how deadly a LeBron-Smith combination could become, it could make Cleveland the team to beat out East.
_____________________
The Rocky Mountain News had a reply on their blog
NBA rumors are a way of life, but sometimes common sense must rule. That’s why I had to shake my head Monday when I saw a report out of Cleveland saying the Nuggets and Cavaliers are talking about a deal involving young shooting guard J.R. Smith.
The 22-year-old Smith is a restricted free agent, but there is no indication that he and the Nuggets are going to part ways anytime soon. In fact, I’ve been told by a very reliable source that J.R. is not going anywhere and he could re-sign with Denver within the next 7 to 10 days.
Smith is one of those young players the Nuggets can ill afford to let go
I have no trouble believing this report and find it hard to believe the Nuggets will let Smith leave.
Smith is one of the most promising young players in the league. To draw a parallel to another free agent, this signing has similar potential to that of Chauncey Billups when he signed with Detroit for the MLE out of Minnesota. An excellent young backup who was clearly capable of a lot more and was a very promising player. Smith at the MLE is incredble value for whatever team he joins.
The Chronicle reports:
The Rockets expect to trim their roster and their bloated collection of forwards today by dealing Steve Novak to the Los Angeles Clippers, an individual with knowledge of the deal said Tuesday.
The Rockets will receive future draft considerations from Los Angeles.
This will likely include the right to switch places with the Clippers in a second round.
It is unclear which season that would be because both teams have future second- round commitments.
Good trade for Houston. I’m not sold on Novak as an NBA player, he’s a truly magnificent shooter but he does nothing else and can be a liability when he’s not taking shots. Good player to remove from your team, gives the Rockets some roster flexibility to add another player to their team.
As for the Clippers, yeah I don’t know why they bothered to make this deal. They already have their 6-10 shooter in Tim Thomas. Why not just keep Fazekas instead of trading for Novak? Anyway, it’s all much of a nothingness move. I doubt Novak sees any significant floor time next season.
Via RealGM’s Andrew Perna, here’s the link:
“We won’t buy Jamaal out. That’s not even a consideration, we’re not even looking at that,” Morway said of the rumors.
He didn’t reveal any possible destinations for Tinsley, but talks involving the Iowa State product are on-going.
“Right now we are in conversations with a few teams and we’ll see where that takes us,” he added. “But our intent is to trade Jamaal and try to find the right situation for both him and the franchise.”
Obie and Bird have clearly stated that Tinsley isn’t returning. Bird has also said he doesn’t believe in buying out contracts so this news isn’t quite new news or surprising.
Let’s play along with the the idea of Jamaal being traded for a moment. What would acquiring teams be getting?
Age – He’s 30 years old so he likely won’t be in the plans of teams going through rebuilding.
Injury History – He’s appeared in 59% of available games over the past five years. In the last 5 seasons Tinsley has only played more than 52 games once, that season he played 72 games. During that season he was clearly limited on the court from the injuries that he was playing through. He’s very prone to injuries and a massive health risk.
Contract – Tinsley has three years remaining on his contract totaling about $21.5mil. Good contract for a healthy productive Tinsley. Bad contract for an injured Tinsley. The length is the key factor here, especially since it goes past the summer of 2010 which will turn several teams off of him.
Character issues – He’s had a few off the court problems but I don’t care too much about, what does bother me is basketball related problems. I didn’t like that he reportedly added 20lbs of weight while injured during the second half last year and that coach Obie clearly doesn’t seem to want him back as his starting point guard.
Indy Star columnist Bob Kravitz said on the radio that he would “walk to Kokomo if Tinsley was in a Pacers uniform on opening night.” Kokomo is 53 miles due north of Indy. And when Kravitz mentioned this to Pacers coach Jim O’Brien, he laughed and said, “If Jamaal is still with us, I’ll walk to Kokomo with you.”
“To say as a coach we’re going to go with [Tinsley] as our point guard despite the injuries, you can’t do that,” O’Brien said. “It’s very, very difficult to depend on him when, physically, he’s been undependable.” The Pacers would love to trade Tinsley, but won’t find many (or any) teams interested in an overpaid and highly unreliable player who has more than his share of off-court transgressions.
In the past he’s shown more willingness to work hard when he wasn’t playing, such as when he was made 3rd string and played his way through months of training sessions back into the starting lineup. He’s also been a good team player in the past, playing in systems that didn’t suit him or sacrificing touches/shots for other players. He’s a guy that works hard on the court and tries to make plays on both ends …. in the past … what does his future look like? Who knows?
Highly skilled player – Excellent playmaker. Very good floor general. Excellent passer. Very creative and has very good vision. Sets up his teammates well. Good defensive player. Solid rebounder. Very good penetrator and excellent ballhandler. Poor shooting ability, inefficient scorer. Can play physical and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. He can operate well in any type of offense but is best in an uptempo offense which gives him a lot of decision making responsibility.
Performance last season – During the first two months of the season he was playing excellent basketball and wasn’t far off being performing at an All-Star level. Then the injuries started and his play decreased before being shut down for good.
It would probably be a low playoff team. I doubt a top tier team is willing to take a risk on his health and contract. It would likely be a team trying to make the next jump in the playoffs or into the playoffs. I also doubt a lottery squad adds him considering his age/past troubles/length of contract.
Last season I thought the Knicks would have been a great fit. They had Fred Jones’ expiring contract to dangle, Isiah had a good history with Tinsley, and the Knicks needed point guard help. With Chris Duhon added it’s hard to see them having any interest. Anyway, sidetracked, back to the subject at hand.
Cleveland – Still desperate for point guard help. They’ve a lot of contracts expiring next season and the following season to play around with. Tinsley isn’t a shooter though which makes him a questionable fit next to LeBron, he also needs the ball to be effective which again makes him a questionable fit next to LeBron. An unlikely partner.
Denver – Desperate …. notice a trend here already? Desperate for point guard help. Having a point guard with size would also help Iverson out. He’d be perfect in Denver’s offensive system and would help their ball and player movement no end. He’s also a better defender than any of their perimeter players in the rotation right now.
What would they have to offer though? A Steven Hunter+Chucky Atkins package sounds interesting. Indy get some cap relief and Denver get a player who can start for them.
Miami – Not desperate but not far off it either. I doubt they feel comfortable with their point guard situation but if I was them I’d be happy with Chalmers. He’ll be an excellent fit next to Wade. All signs point to Miami still being interested in adding another quality point guard so they’d like be in the hunt. They could offer Marcus Banks. Possibly Mark Blount but I wouldn’t considering their lack of size right now.
Is there anyone else? Not a lot of potential suitors out there because of his injury problems and contract length. I can’t think of any other likely suitors.
Update: Pacers Owner Simon also wants to see Tinsley leave
Pacers’ owner Herb Simon is on the same page as team President Larry Bird and general Manager David Morway regarding point guard Jamaal Tinsley, according to The Indianapolis Star.
“Tinsley, he’s probably outlived his welcome here,” Simon said Tuesday. “He’s a very talented player. Teams will give us a hard time because they know it’s better for him and for us to have him play somewhere else. We’re confident that we’ll find a good place.”
The Chronicle has the story:
In what had been a quiet offseason, the Rockets are about to make a lot of noise.
In a stunning move designed to push the Rockets from solid playoff team toward legitimate NBA contenders, the Rockets reached agreement Tuesday with the Sacramento Kings to acquire gifted but controversial forward Ron Artest, according to an NBA executive with knowledge of the deal.
The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick next season and another player that the individual with knowledge of the trade could not name. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey could not be immediately reached for comment.
Because of contract considerations, the trade will not be announced until Aug. 14, though that would indicate the deal could include Rockets’ first round draft pick Donte’ Greene. Greene is not permitted to be traded until then, one month from when he signed with the Rockets.
There could also be other players involved to make the money match but none that the Rockets would plan to keep. The Rockets will also send the Kings cash in excess of $1 million.
Wow
First reaction? A mixture of displeasure and joy for the Rockets. Sad to see them lose Donte Greene – and I can’t see the Kings making this trade without Greene being included so I’m happy marking him down as definite in the trade until further notice – and joy because well Ron Artest is a very talented player. I really like Greene as a prospect, I think he’s got an excellent chance of being a high quality starter in this league. He reminds me so much of Rashard Lewis at that age it’s sort of scary. In time, don’t know how much time which is the key point for the Rockets, Greene would have been that third scorer that they needed. His inside-outside game would have been a perfect complement for Yao and Tracy and he would have fitted in beautifully next to Battier and McGrady in the wing rotation.
Then again what’s better than having a guy who has the potential to be a third scorer? Getting a guy who is a third scorer right now.
Ron Artest is an All-Star caliber talent who can be a game changing force on both ends of the court. He has the post game, he’s developed a nice perimeter shot. He can score. When he wants to he can pass the ball. Most of his all he’s a top level defender. The thought of Battier and Artest defending the wings together is something else.
Though Artest has been best used as a small forward, Rockets forward Shane Battier is also considered among the league’s best players at defending small forwards and shooting guards. But because Artest can defend players from small guards to power forwards, the Rockets could finish games with Artest and Battier on the court together, either with Tracy McGrady sliding over to point guard or with Artest matching up with power forwards.
Will it be a problem?
I’m not wild about the fit. Defensively they’ll be fine and I expect Battier to defend the shooting guards because he’s the best defensively on quicker players. Offensively the two of them together, not a huge amount of movement. But a lot of size that will make it difficult for the opposition to gang up on them.
Artest as a power forward?
Yeah I’ve been wondering about this for two years. I’m not so sure it’s a great idea but it could be a great lineup when the team is chasing the game. Lot of defense and lot scoring options. But generally I think Artest is limited defensively as a power forward and a good chunk of his offensive game (post game) is limited too. He’s also a solid rebounder but nowhere near Scola/Landry/Hayes on the backboards so rebounding was a concern in the past. Would it be a concern next to Yao? Plus two wings who rebound well also? Probably not. That could work. After all, it worked with Bonzi.
I really don’t know what to expect from Artest as a power forward. I didn’t really like it in Sacramento but playing next to a guy like Yao changes everything. It can give the Rockets that new age fun quick hitting offense that we’ve seen sprout off in several other places. It could be fantastic, it could be average, I really don’t know what to expect. Yao is such a unique player that this is very hard to judge. Yao Ming has played with nearly every type of power forward around (athletic, center, perimeter orientated, post game, undersized) but he’s never played with an all-star talent who’s capable of playing both forward positions. That could be brilliant.
I’m not sure what to expect from Artest on the Rockets. There’s so many things that they can try out and it’ll be delightful to see that.
The Third Scorer Problem
I’ve been saying for three years now that Houston desperately need someone to step up and be a third scorer next to Yao and Tracy. They run into too many difficulties by having a largely offensively inept supporting cast. They needed one more scorer just to put everybody in their rightful place. Having a third scorer will make Rafer more effective, Battier more effective, Scola more effective.
This third scorer problem was similar to the Jazz last season, but in a greater sense for Houston, when Utah lacked a sixth man. Their bench was struggling because players weren’t in their proper roles. When they acquired Kyle Korver suddenly Harpring went back to 7th man, Millsap to 8th man, Miles to 9th man, and Price to 10th man. Their bench went from inconsistent and undependable to one of the best in the league. The Rockets supporting cast will see a similar boom from having this third scorer.
Morey’s Legend Grows
I’ve been incredibly impressed with Darryl Morey since he became the Rockets GM. He continues to make excellent moves and build a top class ball club. He’s clearly one of the most talented GM’s in the game today.
The Ron Artest Problem
While being one of the most versatile and talented players in the league, Artest is also one of the most selfish players. You regularly see him go on 11 and 13 game type streaks where for one group of games he’s the consummate teammate that does everything necessary for the team to win, and then on the other streak he’s a selfish ball dominating, play breaking, poor shot selection selfish prick.
If Ronnie can keep his head together on the court he’s a huge coup for the Rockets. If he can’t, he’ll become a distraction and an issue.
Rockets Head Coach Rick Adelman coached him for half a season back in Sacramento. Morey is the type of GM that cares deeply about his players fit in with his coaches philosphies and definitely would have checked in with Adelman first. Adelman must be confident in Artest’s sanity, team attitude and in his own abilities to reach him. Considering how well Artest (huge impact on the Kings leading to a great second half surge and playoff showing) played under Adelman he likely is right about those beliefs.
Will Artest threaten the top of the food chain?
In the past Artest has consistently shown unhappiness at being less than the first option. He wants to be the best player on the team and regularly demands it. There’s clearly a comfortable pecking order clearly in place with Yao and Tracy, will Ron threaten that?
I have no idea. Neither Tracy or Yao are outspoken leaders and questionable leaders under pressure in the playoffs. Both are leaders because of their amazing talent rather than their personality, neither is a charismatic leader. I think the Rockets locker room is kept in check by the collective rather than individuals. Is it better to have a locker room like that? I don’t know but I liked having MJ and Pippen around to keep Rodman in check.
Artest is reportedly a shy and very likeable person off the court so I don’t see him causing issues there but what happens if his play becomes erratic on the court? Like it has so many times before. Who brings him back in check? Looks to me that the head coach is the one who’ll consistently have to step in. I don’t see the players stepping up to the task. Deke is the guy that keeps everyone together but there’s only so much a guy can do leadership wise when he’s not on the court (as Malik Rose and the Knicks found out).
Virtue of the trade for Sacramento
Donte Greene and a first round pick. That’s it. Bobby Jackson’s contract will expire after this season so financially there’s largely no change. It’s the two prospects they get out of this.
I’ve already talked about Greene and how much I love his talent, he’s a great pickup for Sacramento. He’ll remind some Kings fans of Peja Stojakovic with a similar jump shooting game, he isn’t as good off the ball as Peja, he’s closer to Rashard Lewis. But that’s some company to be compared to after one season in college. He’ll be an excellent complement to Kevin Martin’s game down the road. Two versatile scoring wings with good size and athleticism.
The first round draft pick will be nice. Probably late 20’s. The Kings can get something there. Who knows they might get lucky and land someone special.
The Salmons Problem
Another huge reason for this move is John Salmons. For those who don’t know, I’m a big admirer of Salmons. I believe him to be the best penetrator in the league earning under $6mil per (and not on rookie contract).
Before we go on, let me state this problem clearly:
Starter – 41 games played – 38mpg, 17.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.5apg, 50% FG%, 39% from three
Bench player – 40 games played – 24mpg, 7.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, 43% FG%, 21% from three
Here’s the splits page for Salmons to re-read those numbers again. Ready? Okay let’s go on
This isn’t a new problem for Salmons. He struggles off the bench. He struggles next to ball dominating players. But boy does he produce when you take those inhibitors out of his way. Moving Artest out of the way allows Salmons to move into the starting lineup full time.
Salmons isn’t just an offensive player either. He’s a very strong defensive player. I think Hollinger even had some stat that said his D helped the Kings more than Artest’s did, but I don’t have ESPN insider so I can’t recheck that. I wouldn’t go that far (better than Artest) with Salmons but I would say he’s a very good defensive player and he’ll now be the best perimeter defender on the Kings.
Even with his struggles off the bench Salmons had a TS% of 55.6% so he’s not only a good scorer he’s an efficient scorer.
This is a guy you want on the floor. He’s very talented on both ends of the court and adds a lot to the Kings.
Also opens up minutes for Garcia
This also opens up some more floor time for Francisco Garcia. Garcia has become one of the NBA’s strongest 6th men. He plays with great passion, hustle and leadership. He plays tough physical defense. He scores 12ppg on a TS% of 57.5%. Garica also has excellent vision for a wing and can make some exceptional passes, unfortuantely his decision making is still a work in progress so his passing can be inconsistent. Well, most of his game, well let’s just say consistency is still an issue but he’s made tremendous strides over the past 12 months in curing that.
The Kings are clearly very strong on the wings. Adding Greene only improves that. I expect Greene to start off as the fourth option behind this trio, as he develops he’ll move up ahead and should claim the starting small forward spot in the future.
The Backup Point guard
This is now a new issue for the Kings. Sean Singletary was very impressive during summer league. They also just signed Bobby Brown to a two year contract. That’s two very promising young point guards. They also recently signed Beno Udrih to a 5 year full MLE contract. So they’re nicely setup here.
Add Bobby Jackson and his $5mil to the table and clearly a situation is arising. Look to the Kings to trade Bobby Jackson before the end of the summer. If not, expect the Kings to continue shopping him throughout the season. He has an expiring contract which could net a good player so hopefully this works out for the Kings. What will the Kings be looking for in a trade? Hopefully a big man.
Does Jackson play if he’s still on the roster after training camp? I think he’ll take the backup point guard slot ahead of both Singletary and Brown in that scenario. I’d be a bit peeved at that as a Kings fan because I’d like to see these two guys get the opportunity to develop on the court. There’s definitely talent worth exploring there.
Conclusion
Excellent trade for the Kings. Long term it’s excellent and if Salmons can produce like he did when starting last season, it might even be a short term win too. Kings future needs are big man related, all eyes on Thompson and Hawes’ development. Boy they’ve got themselves a really nice collection of young talent now. Nicely and quielty done by Geoff Petrie.
Excellent trade for the Rockets. Artest gives the Rockets the extra boost they needed to become one of the main frontrunners out West.
Some Updates
Some Chronicle Links
Richard Justice doesn’t like a character like Artest being on the Rockets
Steve Campbell thinks it was a chance they had to take
Jonathan Feigen blogs his thoughts on Ron Artest (my favourite writer at the Chronicle – also broke the story separate link above for that)
ESPN links
Stein details the trade + some McGrady quotes
Adande – Artest gives the Rockets a missing element
Hollinger adds his two cents – his spies in Houston say the idea is for Ron-Ron to play a lot of power forward
Some Links from the Bee
Sac-town fans thrilled to bid Artest goodbye
Amick breaks down the deal:
A second source close to the Kings said second-round draft picks Sean Singletary and Patrick Ewing Jr. could be sent to Houston as a means to keep the Kings under the luxury tax threshold ($71 million). Both players have partially guaranteed contracts that aren’t fully guaranteed until the regular season begins. That element of the deal, however, could be handled with different pieces as well.
If Houston can get Singletary that would be a nice coup. Patrick Ewing should be a solid NBA player too but I doubt he survives the cut in Houston.
Let’s imagine for a minute that the Nuggets front office actually has a plan and that the plan is rebuilding. Let’s also imagine that Iverson isn’t in that picture, that they plan to move Iverson allowing the team to retool. In that scenario, who would be interested and what would a trade offer look like?
So, Who would be interested?
Iverson is 32 years old, paid $20mil and is an expiring contract. The only teams that will seriously make a run at him will be teams trying to contend for the title. So let’s rule out some lottery clubs and young teams. For a gamble as large as Iverson, those teams will likely be second tier contenders. So how about a quick list:
Dallas
Their window has closed. They’re not even a definite playoff team, if they make the dance they’ll likely be out in the first round. They have no choice but to try and make moves. No choice in avoiding big risks. Iverson is right up their alley way. But what in the world would they have to offer? No draft picks, no young talent.
There’s one trade that makes great sense and that’s a straight Iverson-Kidd swap. Kidd would be perfect in Denver. Their offense would allow him to flourish and have a tremendous impact offensively, and Iverson’s absence would be filled admirably by young JR Smith. It would also give the Nuggets good size at each position on the perimeter. Meanwhile Iverson brings what Dallas need most – more scoring and toughness. It’s a win-win for both clubs. But since both were high profile trades that didn’t work, are old, last year of contracts …. well let’s just say I’d place the odds of this trade happening at zilch. Neither team will be open to idea feeling it’s more of a lateral move (it’s not), an admission of both failure and a lack of a plan for the future.
So what else could Dallas offer? Josh Howard is the only chip they have. Dampier isn’t netting anything. Neither are their other poor contracts. Howard has to be the centerpiece, they simply don’t have anything attractive enough elsewhere to make it worth the Nuggets while. So is Josh Howard+change (say Stackhouse) for Iverson a decent trade?
Well Josh Howard would be allowed to move his natural position as a big two guard which would be nice. Himself, Melo and JR Smith would be a scary trio on the wings. He’ll improve their defense while replacing most of Iverson’s scoring. Unfortunately his self-involved offensive ways will do little to improve their offensive efficiency or team balance. He’s younger, on a fine contract but has more years to go. Iverson meanwhile moves alongside Kidd in the backcourt. The Mavericks will suddenly be desperate on the wings but there’s few quality SFs in the Western playoff picture so they might be able to get away with that. Still it’s a huge hole. Kidd unfortunately needs a lot of the ball to be effective, as does Dirk and we all know Iverson does. Thus, touches will be hard to balance. So that’s not a great trio. Iverson isn’t an off the ball type player so Kidd’s effectiveness will likely be limited and Dallas will remain an iso-dependent offense. Josh Howard needs less of the ball than the other three so he’s better balancing act, although not ideal. Iverson can defend PGs while Kidd takes SGs which is about right for both of them. Defense will be a bit worse. Jason Terry’s lack of size will be more of an issue playing alongside Iverson, his contract is too bad to be trade bait so they’d likely be stuck with that. I’m fairly against this idea, it isn’t totally without virtue but I can’t see it delivering them any further hopes of winning a title …. It would give Dallas $40mil of expiring contracts though.
I don’t think Dallas will be able to put together an offer that makes sense for them
Detriot
Iverson isn’t a Joe Dumars type player. He’s undersized, weak defensively, self-involved offensively, not a team player. To bring Iverson to Detroit will likely cost two starters and at least one of Billups/Hamilton to make the backcourt work when Iverson arrives …. which makes absolutely no sense for Detroit considering each one of them are both a superior player and a superior fit than Iverson.
Rule Detroit out.
Houston
This is a how desperate are the Rockets type of pondering?
Tracy is the only guy worth talking about. Would Iverson be a better fit alongside Yao? I’d say definitely not.
But how fed up are the Rockets with Tracy’s injuries? With their squads inability to make it past the first round?
If Denver were offered this deal they should take it because it’s one sidede in their favour. I can’t see Houston being this desperate, I get the feeling their GM wants to give the Yao-McGrady one more run at the very least to find out what they’re truly capable of when they have a good supporting cast/coach … and he’d be right to want that.
Let’s rule Houston out.
Orlando
This would take an odd type of offer. You’d assume Nelson/Battie/Hedo would be the package or something like it. Hedo would be the bait, Nelson would be someone they’d like to lose to make room for Iverson, and then another significant contract would have to be added (Battie is the only one, Pietrus could be in time).
Would Orlando do this? Heck no. Otis Smith won’t put a potential negative influence next to Dwight Howard … yet. He wants the team to be more stable and have better leadership before taking a chance on a player.
Also the move would rob the Magic of three important players. Their best playmaker/scorer off the bounce in Hedo, a player who causes numerous matchup problems. Also their best PG and best leader. Their only big man help for Dwight. It wouldn’t be worth his time, it would cost Orlando far too much.
Let’s rule Orlando out.
Toronto
Now this is the truly promosing team. The Raptors are in a desperate situation. They just took a chance on Jermaine’s $40mil behind without the necessary parts around him to truly contend for title. They desperately need more scoring punch on the perimeter and if they want to contend with Jermaine they’ll have to make a move.
So what type of package could the Raptors put together? Bargnani is the carrot. The rest would be make-weights like Parker+Kapono+Humphries and change. You could just about get close enough to make an offer. This is where cutting Garbajosa kills you. He could have provided the flexibility to make this worse.
Now assuming the Nuggets can put enough loose change together to make the deal work financially …. does it work from a basketball standpoint?
For the Nuggets it definitely does. It gives them a 7 footer who’s a legit prospect. Himself and Nene would complement each other nicely. It also gives them some expiring contracts to cut half of Iverson’s pay level. Kapono provides them a role player that they could probably move in another deal, especially if couple with Kleiza.
For the Raptors? No, well maybe, probably not ….. But I can see the team being in a position where they think it does. Iverson and Calderon could work well in the backcourt. Calderon is a low usage player who’s a phenomenon when it comes to effectiveness in assists, turnovers, shooting. Iverson’s scoring ability would also balance out their offense enough to bring them to contender status. 25-30ppg from a player that gets to the line at will, is a former MVP who still gets 6-7apg also. That gives them a Bosh-Jermaine-Iverson trio which could be deadly, and a fourth player in Calderon which makes one heck of a foursome. The worries would be defensively with Iverson/Calderon and the role players. After all the squad would be ravaged, they’d also have no money or time to get replacements. They couldn’t win without a backups on the wing and up front. They’d also be suspect from range with Calderon being the only pure shooter.
So far fetched fantasy …. but not totally out of the box
Anyone else?
I can’t think of any other bidders. Teams like LA, San Antonio, Hornets, Boston are all too good and close to winning a title to break up their nucleus to add Iverson. Other teams like Portland and Philadelphia are too young and talented to take such a large risk.
There is one team that keeps popping into my head though. Michael Jordan has visions (delusions) of grandeur and Larry Brown would likely back a move to bring his old pupil back to his bench. What if the Bobcats put an offer based around Richardson+change or Wallace+change? They could be a surprise bidder.
So What are the Chances of AI being dealt?
Slim to none. The Nuggets have a limited market of interested teams and even more limited of potential trade packages. This is no surprise considering the exact same thing happen a year and a half ago when Phily found out nobody was willing to part with quality for AI …. and it’s only going to be worse now because of his age and added recent team failures. Read the rest of this entry »
Very interesting trade talk over at Newsday. Ken Berger breaks the story:
Renaldo Balkman’s days with the Knicks appear to be numbered.
An NBA front office source familiar with the discussions told Newsday Sunday night that the Knicks are considering trading Balkman to the Denver Nuggets for point guard Taurean Green and small forward Bobby Jones.
During the night he gave two updates, the first
UPDATED 10:08 p.m.: Here’s my take: Though he’s athletic, it’s become clear that Balkman doesn’t fit Mike D’Antoni’s system, which requires quick decision making and a lot of savvy. Green and Jones are just roster fodder
The real significance here — unless you’re all torn up about Balkman being traded — is the fact that the Knicks would have 17 players under contract. That’s two over the limit and a clear sign that they’re gearing up for one or more significant trades.
The Knicks are involved in active trade discussions with several teams, so this could be an eventful summer. The way Donnie Walsh is amassing bodies suggests that he’s positioning himself to do something big when the opportunity presents itself.
Second update
UPDATED 10:21 p.m. A person familiar with the situation said Green and Jones both expect to be waived by the Knicks, which would put a damper on parlaying this into a bigger deal. Both players have non-guaranteed contracts, which means it’s simple accounting to waive them and get back to the 15-player limit. If the Knicks can shed another body, they wouldn’t mind bringing Green to training camp to have a look-see. So it appears that this is simply a move designed to get rid of Balkman and save $1.32 million in cap space next season.
Wow that would be a very interesting trade. This breaks into a post I made yesterday about the deadlines coming up shortly on both Green’s and Jones’ contracts that would make both of them guaranteed. Smart play by Denver to turn that into a trade asset. As for the Knicks, Balkman’s role is clearly under fire from Gallinari and Wilson Chandler so isn’t altogether surprising that the Knicks are looking to move him.
As for the potential trade – I like Balkman. He’s a very interesting player but I don’t think he understands his game well enough. He doesn’t use his skills to good enough effect which limits him and at times turns into an outright liability. Still …. he’s young and there’s something there, especially on the defensive end. He’s definitely worth taking a shot on.
I don’t really understand why Denver would want to acquire him. They’re desperate for more perimeter shooting so that AI/Melo can receive enough space to function properly with. Or a point guard who can run the team. Now if they want to start Balkman as a quasi-point instead of Anthony Carter …. I could get behind something like that. I have to say I find that idea very interesting (especially defensively and post orientated offensive game). The Nuggets must try that type of lineup in training camp at the very least.
But half-joking and half-crazy-interest aside, Balkman just can’t work for Denver offensively. They don’t move the ball well enough to make use of his skills offensively and he can’t space the floor for others. Offensively it’s possible, probable, that he’ll be a disaster. Defensively he is the perfect type of disruptive trapping active player that George Karl loves but I don’t see where the minutes are.
The Nuggets are also loaded on the wings with Melo/Iverson/JR/Kleiza on the wings, where are the available minutes for Balkman? Why bring him in if he isn’t going to play? The Nuggets just made a large salary dump with DpoY Marcus Camby. What are they doing here?
Back to the Knicks, if I were a Knicks fan I’d be hoping for more assets in return for Balkman. Instead of a salary dump perhaps a pair of second round picks. I doubt he’d get more than 2nd rouders or a 2nd rounder. Still at least that’s something, it’s not like the Knicks can’t afford to pay a years salary, why not go after the extra pick?
The NY Post reports:
Well, so much for fighting for his job.
Point guard Marcus Williams, who recently vowed to fight for his minutes after the Nets acquired Keyon Dooling, is headed to Golden State for a future first round pick. The trade will be announced later today.
The pick is lottery protected for 2011 – so the Nets get it if the Warriors are in the playoffs. If it goes to 2012, the pick is protected 1-to-11. It’s protected 1-to-10 for 2013. If it is not conveyed by 2013, the Nets s\get second rounders in 2013 and 2015.
Good pickup for the Warriors. They had only one player (Monta Ellis) on their roster who could handle and distribute the ball well enough to run the point. Williams provides at worst some depth and at best an option that allows Ellis to remain as a shooting guard, although I think he’ll have to play the point sometime in the future. Giving up a first rounder is a little steep but it’s workable.
Rod Thorn did very well to get a first rounder for Williams. I was thinking he’d only get a pair of second rounders much like Delfino and Detroit did a year ago.
It’s quite early to give up on a prospect as talented as Marcus Williams but since I don’t like the idea of developing two young point guards at the same time I’m comfortable with the decision to part ways. Obviously the addition of Dooling makes the situation easier because he can take over the available minutes.
The Nets offered Denver a package of young players (Sean Williams, Josh Boone, Marcus Williams — take your pick) and expiring contracts for Marcus Camby, but the Nuggets didn’t want salaries coming back, team officials confided. Denver settled for a second-round pick from the Clippers Tuesday night.
If the Nets were willing to put that type of talent on the table it was a serious mistake for Denver. Bite the bullet and eat the extra year of luxury tax payment. Sean Williams is a very talented young big man, Josh Boone is a functional and solid backup big, and Marcus Williams is a promising point guard. All three of those players would have walked right into the Nuggets rotation. Williams would easily win the starting job and be an upgrade over Anthony Carter. Sean Williams has so many similarities to Camby, he’s perfect for Denver, a good defensive player and rebounder with great athleticism who can run the floor. Boone adds a tough big who competes and is a very good rebounder and likely would have been a good backup big.
This Nuggets team built around Iverson and Melo isn’t going to win anything. They needed to consider how they were going to rebuild, those three Nets would have given them something interesting to develop around Melo for the future.
“Blindsided, distraught, disrespected. All those adjectives. I definitely feel insulted,” he said in a telephone interview with the Rocky Mountain News.
“When I first heard about the trade, I felt like I was the scapegoat after all our past first-round exits and failures and lack of defense. I felt it was them telling me that I was no longer wanted and I was the cause of everything that went wrong the last couple years on this team.
“I’m still in disbelief. I’m still in shock. I still can’t believe this happened.”
“The team and the organization always talked about the need to play good defense, but they traded away a pretty good defender,” Camby said. “From that aspect, I really don’t understand the move. They obviously feel confident with the team they have assembled right now to get some things done.”
There’s a few more comments in the article, worth reading. The article also mentions that the Nuggets might look at Francisco Elson and Chris Andersen now.
Trade Summary
Nuggets get: 2nd round pick, $10.1mil trade exception
Clippers get: Marcus Camby
First thoughts on the trade – Idiotic move by the Clippers that robs them of their cap space which could have brought in a far superior player. Denver had to cut salary and Camby was expendable which is fair enough. I don’t see this having much of an effect on Denver because Nene will be back healthy next season and can replace Camby.
Why did the Clippers make this deal?
The virtue of the trade for the Clippers was adding a capable player who can start at power forward, the club’s most gaping hole. Chris Kaman had hardly any help on the backboards or with the interior defense last season, he fought valiantly but was outnumbered on a nightly basis and got beat because of it. Camby brings them a quality rebounder and an excellent weak side defender/shot blocker which will solve this problem. Offensively Kaman is a good enough low post option to get away with someone like Camby next season so Camby’s lack of scoring shouldn’t be too large of an issue.
Those two guys should give the Clippers a top interior defense next season and one of the better rebounding teams. In order for the Clippers to become a top defensive team next season they need to buckle down on the perimeter, especially on the wings. Baron Davis can play good defense. Thornton and Gordon … eh. Mobley inconsistent but sometimes capable. Be interesting to see how their perimeter D shapes up next season.
Why is it a bad move for the Clippers?
There’s a good argument for this trade being the worst possible realistic move that they could have made. The argument is three-fold:
(1) There was four restricted free agents heavily linked with the Clippers since Brand defected – Josh Smith, Emeka Okafor, Luol Deng, Andre Iguodala. All four are superior players than Camby, all four are both better offensive and defensive players than Camby. All four are younger than Camby. The Clippers were also linked with an interesting Zach Randolph scenario which again would have been a better move (if they move Cat/Thomas, not straight cap space).
Josh Smith in particular would have been a very interesting choice. I’m not Smith’s biggest fan but the Clippers would have been an excellent fit for him. He needs a center like Chris Kaman next to him; someone who can be a low post scorer, top rebounder, second anchor, good post defender to defend bigger players. Baron Davis and the Clippers young wings also meant that they’re likely to have a running game and Josh Smith is one of the best open court big men in the league today. He checked every box and would have been an inspired choice.
(2) The Clippers just threw away their cap space. I keep hearing about 2010, but they had cap space right now, who the hell cares about 2010? Any cap space they have today they can have in 2010, it’s not like the league is going to take it away from them because they didn’t use it. Instead, they spend it and remove all their options. That’s fine if the player is good enough but Camby isn’t. They should have kept that cap space until they found a better use for it.
(3) A lineup of Baron-Gordon-Thornton-Camby-Kaman is very solid. It’s not going to contend for a title though, nowhere close to that. It’s going to win 35-45 games a season if healthy, hovering around that .500 mark. With the West the way it is it’s unlikely to be a playoff squad so they’ll be in the lottery, unfortunately for them they’ll be winning too many games to get a high lottery pick. So not contending, and not adding the top level talents in the draft, and not being able to add top level talent in free agency.
So how do they improve? They don’t. All improvement is going to come internally from their prospects – Thornton, Gordon, Jordan – because they don’t have the flexibility to make additions elsewhere.
What does this mean for the Clippers?
It means they just threw away every hope of making a large leap in the near future on a 34 year old center who’ll play no role in their future.
It means they’ve just wasted the next two years of their franchise while playing for absolutely nothing. Incidently those two years are likely to be the best two years of their best player, Baron Davis, remaining career.
It also means that the Clippers lack offensive firepower and are in dire need of Gordon/Thornton becoming a 20ppg threat just to have a shot at making the playoffs. There’s way too much offensive burden on Baron Davis right now and he needs more help.
Why did Denver make this deal?
They backed themselves into a corner by adding bad contracts – Nene, Kenyon, Iverson – which in conjunction with Melo and Camby left them with five players earning eight figure salaries. Their payroll was up around $76mil for last season and they still had to resign JR Smith who’ll likely cost at least the MLE. They were a 50 win team, but also an 8th seed that was far too flawed to contend for a title. They needed to cut costs and give themselves a chance to retool while hanging onto their young talent. It’s also worth noting that the financial benefits of having Allen Iverson weren’t as big as initially thought and that the Nuggets lost money last season.
In trading Marcus Camby they cut $10mil of their salary bill both this season and the next season. This gives them some breathing room which should help them keep JR Smith and Kleiza in the future.
What effect will losing Camby have on the Nuggets?
Very little if any, in fact, I think Denver will be better next season.
The most important big man on the Nuggets roster is Nene. Denver are going to be better next season because he’s returning after missing nearly the entire previous season. Nene will be able to replace Camby’s void and add some to the roster.
With Nene and K-Mart they’ve kept two very good defenders, their two best interior defenders. Both are high quality one-on-one defenders, both play good post defense, both protect the rim, and both a good team defenders. Nene gives them a legit 6-11 260lb presence in the paint who can limit post scorers. Their interior D is going to be better without Camby.
Their perimeter defense is suspect. If Anthony Carter and Iverson are starting again next season it’ll be difficult for them to improve there. They need to move both players. Carmelo Anthony on the other hand is improving as a defensive player and became their best perimeter defender (not saying much, still below par but better and close to mediocre) late last season. He’s a guy who should improve more next season. Their perimeter defenders will take less chances without Camby hanging around which is a good thing because they’re (a) awful at making that decision (b) Camby was more concerned with his box sheet than stopping the play. Their perimeter defense will still be bad, very bad, but Camby’s presence wasn’t making much of a difference anyway.
Camby’s selfish defensive ways hurt Denver consistently last season. He regularly stepped back and allowed penetration so he could come over late and attempt to block the shot, instead of getting in the way and denying the easy path to the rim in the first place. That gave up extra easy baskets and extra easy follow up buckets. He’s also given up on boxing guys out and gives the opposition unnecessary extra possessions, especially considering how dominant a rebounder he can be when he’s head is glued on straight.
Camby is also a weak one-on-one defender who’s a poor post defender. Opposing big men score on him easily and often, especially post players who have a field day with Camby. Last season Camby was the Nuggets’ fourth best post defender and probably the fifth best if Steven Hunter ever played. That’s a combination of two things (a) Camby is a poor post defender (b) Denver have good post defenders on their roster in Nene, Kenyon, Najera. Camby’s opposing PER last season shows some of these flaws with opposing big men shooting 52.5% against him and putting up a PER of 17.9 which is very poor for a top defender. He’s a poor man-to-man defender and a poor post defender. What he is is an excellent weak side shot blocker and good help defender.
Camby has the ability to be a defensive beast in this league but his efforts have been half-hearted (selfish too) and they’ve created nearly as many problems as they solved limiting his overall value as a defender.
Camby’s offensive game has also become problematic. It’s not that he can’t contribute offensively, it’s that he doesn’t put enough effort in to give his team what they need. Last season was easily the most stagnant I’ve ever seen Camby offensively, he just stood around 17-20 feet from the rim and provided zero threat to the defense. He used to create problems with his activity and mobility which meant the defense had to keep someone near him. Nowadays they just back off and leave him alone out there. He’s coming off his lowest scoring year in four years (and under his career average) and his lowest FG% in 5 years (again under his career average). Things got even worse in the playoffs as he scored a pitiful 3 points a game where his lack of scoring/movement allowed the Lakers (Gasol) to send shot blockers down into the paint on all penetration limiting Camby’s teammates.
Camby doesn’t leave much of a void offensively. Nene is clearly a superior offensive player and will help the Nuggets there next season.
Denver is going to be better than they were last season.
Okay, so I shot down Camby’s defense there a bit, should a Clippers fan be worried?
Firstly, Camby is a grossly overrated defender and never should have been DpoY. His reputation is far greater than his actual impact. That needs to be said. He’s a weak one-on-one defender and poor post player, he’s not a top tier defender in this league because of those flaws. He is an excellent weak side shot blocker and a good help defender.
Also worth saying, I rate Chris Kaman as a better defensive player than Camby.
From there on you’re looking at two ways of looking at it – (1) Camby is still capable of being a game changing force through his defense. His use of his skills have been poor lately but he clearly can still be a dominant defender so a change of scenery good brighten him up and get him back to his merry best. (2) Camby is already slipping, he’s old, and he didn’t give his best in Denver. Why would he change? Not giving your best is a character issue …. it really depends on your persepective.
Conclusion
Awful trade for the Clippers because it robs them of better options. It will improve their squad significantly but it was nowhere near their best play.
Necessary trade for the Nuggets that they can survive.
Trade Details Once Again
Toronto gets: Jermaine O Neal and the #41 pick
Indiana gets: TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, #17 pick, Maceo Baston
Why did Indy make the move?
The Pacers wanted a fresh start and that meant moving Jermaine O Neal. There’s three parts to this deal in terms of the return for JO:
It’s a nice haul for Indiana that will help them move forward in the short term. There’s no star or major addition but they each possess nice value for the club.
What will the loss of Jermaine O Neal mean for Indiana?
When Jermaine O Neal was healthy last season the Pacers were a playoff quality team and a good defensive team. They had a diversified offense with his post presence, Tinsley’s playmaking and two scoring wings in Dunleavy and Granger as well as few interesting bigs (Foster, Murphy, Diogu) and a decent bench.
When Jermaine O Neal was not healthy last season the Pacers were a very poor team and a lottery team. They were awful defensively without their fail safe shotblocker jamming the paint. They’re offense took a big blow because they were predictable and lacked the ability to get easy baskets. In response they upped the pace and three pointers to an even higher level, often playing directly into the opposition’s hands.
Jermaine O Neal was clearly the franchise player for the Pacers and his loss sets them back in a huge way. He has to be replaced and that’ll be very difficult.
Short Term Future for Indiana
Well it’s pretty nasty and not in a good way.
TJ Ford will get the team playing at a high enough level to contend for a final playoff spot. With bad contracts and Granger’s extension the team has very limited cap mobility. The Pacers have a lack of promising youth and no good trade assets outside of Danny Granger. The Pacers being in that mid-level part of the league where they’re too bad to make noise and too good to get a high lottery pick will struggle to add talent through the draft. So basically they’re in a very position and are desperate for further movement, either adding talent or blowing up the team. Being stuck in a midlevel position is the worst possible scenario for an NBA franchise and that’s exactly what the Pacers face.
Replacing Jermaine O Neal
Name for me a 6-11 250lb PF/C who’s one of the best defenders in the league and a top shot blocker. A player who’s a 20ppg low post option. A quality rebounder. Think of that list. It’s a short list. Now tell me who’s available? Now tell me how their team’s acquired them initially (most through the draft)?
This is going to be incredibly difficult for Indiana to do
Conclusion
This is a trade to make a trade. It’s doing absolutely nothing important for their franchise and not positioning them for rebuilding or a title run anytime soon. It looks like Larry Bird has mired his club in mediocrity with this move.
The next move will define their direction and it’s very important. All eyes on Larry Bird tonight.
A one liner on the deal – It’s largely a lateral move with both teams taking small steps forward, the success of this trade will be defined by the next move
Trade Details Once Again
Toronto gets: Jermaine O Neal and the #41 pick
Indiana gets: TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, #17 pick, Maceo Baston
What’s the virtue for Toronto?
The Raptors just got cut up in the paint by Orlando in the playoffs. They were called soft. They lacked rebounding and interior defense. Bryan Colangelo clearly felt they needed reinforcements (they did) and not just a small move (say DeSagana Diop) but a franchise changing player. Step up Jermaine O Neal.
Jermaine has been one of the best interior defenders in the league ever since he arrived in Indiana. He’s a top shot blocker, he makes excellent rotations defensively, he defends the post well, he creates turnovers and he forces the opposition into low percentage shots. Jermaine was pretty much the difference between Indiana being a top 10 defense and bottom 10 defense. He’s a great defensive anchor.
Jermaine is a good rebounder but not a dominant rebounder. He pulled down almost 7 boards in 29 minutes which is just over one every four minutes. That’s quite good but not very good. During his healthiest stretch of the season he was taking down about 8 boards per 34 minutes again below the ideal mark but still good. In years past (recent years, last four) Jermaine has pulled down a board at the four minute mark or lower which was very good. Jermaine’s rebounding rate is 12.8 (same as Rasheed, Aldridge, Gasol, Yi) which ranks 58th which is a bit surprising. So I checked back the two previous years and his rebounding rate was around 15 which ranked about 30th. Jermaine isn’t the type who gives you a great box out. He’s always played best when alongside a beefy center who takes up space and shoves people out of the way. When Indiana tried playing him and Al Harrington together they got beaten up badly on the boards. Bosh similarly is best when he’s rebounding off a big bodied center. This past season the Toronto Raptors were the fourth best defensive rebounding squad, I’d expect that number to drop with Jermaine on board although I expect Jermaine/Bosh to be a solid combination. Just not a dominant one.
Offensively Jermaine O Neal brings a back-to-the basket game to Toronto. He’s at his best when his teams run a secondary break and get into the halfcourt offense inside of 4/5 seconds allowing Jermaine a quick post up before the opposition defense sets up. He does have a jump shot but it’s more along the lines of acceptable than good shooting. This season he hit only 36% of his jumpers, the season before 37%, the season before 38%. So it’s not a good option for Jermaine to be firing up jump shots outside of the paint. This season Jermaine took about 25% of his shots outside of 15 feet which I’m comfortable with. Jermaine can fall in love in with his jumper and become non-aggressive in the paint looking for easier shots. As they used to say with Charles Oakley – you hope he makes a jump shot early because he’ll stay out there for the rest of the game instead of doing the damage that kills you. His move of choice is a turnaround jumper on either block (prefers the right block) going over either shoulder. Jermaine has a very high release point which is difficult to block. Jermaine draws a decent number of fouls drawing about 13-15% fouls per field goal attempt which is a solid number but nothing special. He’s not a particularly good passer either so he doesn’t have much value in the high post (shot below par too, not a good penetrator either). Jermaine however is a solid passer out of the low post which is the most important part of his passing considering Bosh can take the high post. Jermaine sets good hard screens both on the ball and off the ball.
In recent days I’ve heard some discontent and concerns about how well Bosh and Jermaine O Neal are going to be able to play together. I think it’s a non-issue. Jermaine is primarily a low post scorer and Bosh is primarily a mid-to-high post player. Bosh likes to catch the ball at 14-17 feet and drive or shoot. Jermaine likes to catch the ball at 6-10 feet with his back to the basket. Both are comfortable going either inside or out which should allow them to switch it around to take advantage of the matchup they want which is very good.
Another issue worth exploring is the stand still shooters of Toronto. The Raptors have many great shooters with Calderon, Parker and Kapono. Delfino if kept is a very good three point shooter too. Having a low post option will open the game up for them and vice versa for Jermaine. He’ll have more time and space in the post like he had this past season in Indiana.
What did Toronto give up?
TJ Ford who was a top 12 point guard in the league although his value and loss is limited by the presence of Jose Calderon. Rasho Nesterovic who’s a good backup center and more importantly has an $8.4mil expiring contract.
Raptors Needs and Assets Pre and Post Trade
The Raptors had several needs. Here’s a short checklist of their needs and assets pre-trade
The single biggest hole was the lack of a wing who can create for himself and his teammates and that was by a huge margin. The second biggest hole was the perimeter defense.
The Raptors assets were:
Post trade their needs
So Jermaine has canceled out a couple of flaws in the Raptors makeup but neither of the two major flaws.
Assets
Health?
Well Jermaine has had an assortment of injuries over the past few seasons. Over the last four seasons he’s played 44, 51, 69 and 42 games which is abysmal. His most recent injury was the same as Gilbert Arenas, a meniscus tear in his knee. Like Gilbert he came back from injury too soon and suffered from some poor early play – 13ppg on 39% FG% 7rpg 33mpg while getting blocked regularly, blocked by guards, because he didn’t have enough lift in his legs. Then like Gilbert he had a setback and had to sit out. Jermaine also had a very bad bone bruise which was cited as the reason for sitting out. Like Gilbert, Jermaine tried to come back late in the season for a playoff charge and like Gilbert his play was a mixed bag and well below par. Like Gilbert he needed to rehab further this summer.
Okay so we don’t really know if he’ll get injured again but there’s another question we can ask and answer and one that is prevalent to the situation – What level of play can Jermaine O Neal play at if healthy? He’s been injured on and off for four seasons and is coming off his worst season since becoming a starter. So what does he have to offer?
I feel comfortable saying if healthy Jermaine O Neal can be remain a perennial All-Star and All-Defense player but probably not an All-Pro or MVP candidate that he once was. He has lost some athleticism, particularly lift. He had one good month of basketball in December this past season where he played 15 games. In those games he was at around 80-85% health I reckon and I think he said a similar number when asked at the time. He scored 19ppg, 8rpg, 3apg on 49% shooting from the field in 34 minutes per game. He was dominant. There was two games in particular that stood out for me during that stretch and they were Phoenix and Orlando. Two of the most exciting games of the season but more importantly home to two of the most athletic big men in the league in Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire. Jermaine O Neal proved in those two games that he was still able to compete against athletes and players of their caliber. During the Phoenix game he dominated on both ends of the court and kept Amare shooting jumpers, while getting 30 and 11 himself. Against Orlando he struggled personally scoring only 15 points on 33% shooting and grabbing only 6 rebounds but he was the centerpiece of an impressive win and his Pacers teammates played inside-out off of Jermaine all night long to great effect. He looked dangerous and capable. The ball just didn’t go in the hoop.
Salary Issues
Jermaine has $44mil over two seasons remaining on his contract. So basically the Raptors took on an extra year of a max contract on the risk of gaining a top big man. That works for me. The timing of the contract expiring suits me better also, I think it’s far more valuable for the Raptors to have the cap space in 2010 rather than 2009. So from a salary point of view I think it’s all good. Limited downside and big upside.
Eastern Standings
So how far does this push Toronto up in the Eastern Conference? Are they a title contender? Homecourt?
Well I don’t think it changes too much for the Raptors. They’re still far too weak on the perimeter both offensively and defensively and that will doom them. Overall I expect their defensive numbers to jump up and to enter (barely) the top 10 in defensive efficiency but I also expect their weak perimeter defense to be exposed to great effect by quality perimeter players in the Playoffs. Their lack of defense on the perimeter will cause problems against Boston (Ray, Rondo, Pierce), Cleveland (LeBron), Orlando (Hedo and Jameer), Detroit (Rip, Chauncey, Prince), Washington (Arenas, Butler). You could wonder about a few maybe playoff teams too but we’ll wait to see them later.
Basically I think Toronto are exactly where they were before the deal. A good regular season team capable of winning around 50 games but very vulnerable in the playoffs. Without further moves they’re only the fifth or sixth best team in the East. They are absolutely not a contender for a title.
What’s Next?
Right at the top I wrote a line – It’s largely a lateral move with both teams taking small steps forward, the success of this trade will be defined by the next move - So what’s the next move?
Well there’s two things that need doing – Perimeter help and Andrea Bargnani.
Let’s start with Bargnani. It’s moving day. It’s time for Bargnani to leave. He’s not going to do his trade value any favours by playing the scraps behind Bosh and Jermaine in the frontcourt. The Raptors know he’s incapable of playing small forward and that that is not a legitimate option. Bargnani still has good trade value and can be dealt for some perimeter help. Add Bargnani to the list of assets to deal. It’ll be interesting to see if Colangelo will be willing to deal Bargnani … he has to be willing and he has to make it happen.
The perimeter is very weak. It’s the weakest of any possible playoff team and by a good margin the weakest around. There’s two areas to talk about – Defense and Offense
Defense is going to be a large problem for this set of players. Calderon is a very weak player who doesn’t deny dribble penetration at all. He’s easy to beat and is beat regularly. Kapono is a weak defender and struggles against all types of wings but particular pacy wings. Delfino likewise struggles against all types of wings, particularly speed and tall wings. Anthony Parker had a splendid first season defensively but he fell off in a serious way last season and the problem was likely age. It’ll be interesting to see whether Parker can regain some of his previous powers or not, if he can it will limit the problem significantly, if he can’t the Raps are in trouble. That leaves Jamario Moon who should be the sides best defender next season and he’s only slightly above average. He’s too small (height, length, bulk) to handle small forwards. He’ll be a victim of Paul Pierce, LeBron James and Hedo Turkoglu and those three teams are the three beasts of the East. The Raptors have no wing capable of defending tall perimeter players.
Offensively there are several difficulties. I said it earlier but I’ll reiterate it again – the single biggest need for the Raptors was the addition of a wing who can create for himself (scoring) and his teammates (assists) off the dribble. Someone dynamic who can attack defenses from difficult angles and avoid the Raptors becoming predictable and easy to stifle. By the way, the second biggest need was perimeter defense, so while Jermaine fills some holes it’s neither of the two big holes. Now on the kickouts from Bosh or Jermaine the perimeter players will either get a catch and shoot or will have to reset the offense. Nobody on the team can beat their man off the dribble outside of Calderon. Calderon was a reluctant scorer when he was the second best offensive talent with huge opportunities to take over, and with the team needing him to, scoring only 11 points. That simply isn’t a big enough threat. Nobody else on the perimeter can create their own shot and nobody else on the perimeter can create a shot for a teammate. They’re all stand-still shooters who provide no midrange scoring, no penetration, don’t draw fouls, so they don’t get to the free throw line, don’t score in the paint, don’t force the defense to react to them, don’t force the defense to offer help D, dont’ force the defense to collapse …. thus making them incredibly easy and predictable to defend.
Their flaws on the perimeter will destroy any postseason hopes if not cured. It’s their number one priority. The success of the Jermaine O Neal trade will be decided by whether or not the Raps add more perimeter help.
Conclusion
Again I said in the first line – It’s largely a lateral move with both teams taking small steps forward, the success of this trade will be defined by the next move
Adrian Wojnarowski has the scoop over at Yahoo.com
After on-and-off again negotiations, the Indiana Pacers have agreed in principle to send six-time All-Star Jermain O’Neal to the Toronto Raptors for point guard TJ Ford and the 17th pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, a league executive said Wednesday.
After nearly completing the deal earlier in the week, Pacers and Raptors officials needed to exchange more medical information on O’Neal’s left knee and Ford’s neck before finding a comfort level with the trade. It is believed both sides now are comfortable making the deal, though the trade won’t be complete until both O’Neal and Ford pass their physicals.
Summary of the deal
Indiana gets: TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic (expiring), #17 draft pick and Maceo Baston
Toronto gets: Jermaine O’Neal, #41
Here’s the link to ESPN’s news story and an evaluation of the move by Hollinger.
A one liner on the deal – It’s largely a lateral move with both teams taking small steps forward, the success of this trade will be defined by the next move.
The Sonics trade the number four pick and Chris Wilcox to Miami for the number two pick and Mark Blount
That would be an interesting deal but if I’m Miami there’s no way I’m doing it. Wilcox is a below average starting power forward being paid decent money. Beasley is one of only two potential players likely of becoming franchise players for their teams. There’s a big drop down to Mayo/Bayless no matter how much you like the guys.
If I’m Seattle I’d be delighted to do the deal even with taking the lousy whiny Mark Blount.
I have another suggestion ……
The Sonics trade the number four pick, number 24 pick and Jeff Green to Miami for the number two pick and Marcus Banks
I think this deal is harder to turn down although ultimately if I’m Miami my answer would be the same. Jeff Green is a promising rookie who’s a tough talented combo-forward. Himself and Marion would be a nice combination on the wings and leave Miami with two very talented guards. Green plus the lottery pick gives Riley two top youngsters to platoon around Wade, also the late first round pick gives him the chance to add a rotation player (hopefully a center).
It still makes sense for Seattle. I don’t like Durant playing shooting guard and believe he’ll be best at small forward, while Beasley would play power forward, leaving no room for Jeff Green. It bears mentioning I’m not the biggest Jeff Green fan and consider him a support player rather than one of the team’s star guys and unlikely to become a star guy. I also believe Green’s best position is small forward and that he’ll have a much better career at that spot which is good for Miami.
Houston sends Tracy McGrady to the Detroit Pistons for Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace.
When you think about it it isn’t all that crazy. Tracy gives the Pistons that go-to scorer and creative player that they desperately need. The Rockets gain a 20ppg scorer in Rip Hamilton who’d be a brilliant fit in their offense and great playing off of Yao. They’d also get Rasheed Wallace giving them a second 7 footer who’s also one of the NBA’s best defenders and an excellent shooter so he can space the floor.
I wouldn’t do it if I’m Houston. If I’m Detroit I probably would depending on what other deals they could wrestle up.
The reason I wouldn’t do it for Houston are two fold
Good article in the Detroit Free Press saying that the Nuggets have rejected an offer of Tayshaun Prince and Chauncey Billups offer for Carmelo Anthony
The Pistons are in ongoing trade discussions with the Denver Nuggets, with two All-Stars as the potential centerpieces, a team source told the Free Press on Saturday.
The Nuggets want to bring point guard Chauncey Billups back to his hometown, and the Pistons are looking to make good on their botched 2003 draft and bring high-scoring forward Carmelo Anthony to Detroit, the person confirmed.
But while talks are ongoing, the Nuggets, at this point, are reluctant to include Anthony in any deal. The Pistons source said the sides are “not even close” to an agreement. It’s unclear what it might take to pry away Anthony.
ESPN.com reported, without citing a source, that the Pistons offered Billups and Tayshaun Prince for Anthony. But the Nuggets weren’t interested. Denver countered with an offer of Allen Iverson or a package featuring Marcus Camby, but the Pistons are only interested in Anthony.
ESPN reports
Representatives for Carmelo Anthony will meet with Denver Nuggets management on Monday to discuss the possibility of a trade, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
Anthony is expected to attend the meeting, though his presence is not a certainty. His agent, Calvin Andrews, could not be reached for comment.
The meeting is being initiated by Anthony, who has grown tired of hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors. His desire is to stay in Denver and he wants assurances from the Nuggets that they will not trade him. Anthony’s party expects to get those assurances on Monday, according to the sources. If the Nuggets don’t commit to building around Anthony — and instead demonstrate a willingness to trade him — he will ask to be moved. Believing he will remain with the Nuggets, Anthony has not put together a list of teams he wants to be traded to.
Well this is all very odd to me.
Let me put it plainly ….. trading Carmelo Anthony is very likely to cause the single most disastrous move in Nuggets History.
So why exactly is the Nuggets front office so non-committal over Melo? Why is this meeting even neccessary? Why didn’t they phone Melo and tell him we’re not moving you without getting a potential MVP candidate in return who has youth on his side? Why not tell him we’re not trading you?
How can the Nuggets front office screw this up so badly? How can they treat their franchise star like this? Owner Kroenke needs to get in there and sort out this awful front office which is ruining their franchise. He needs to do it right now.
Well worth reading, check the link here to read more, it covers some questions hanging over the heads of both Boston and Los Angeles.
Q: So are the Lakers really going to pursue Ron Artest as part of that rebound?
A: I believe so.
Let’s face it. The Lakers are suddenly answering to a “soft” label and have undeniable defensive and toughness issues on the perimeter that Pierce repeatedly exploited. Factor in Jackson’s proven ability to handle personalities like Artest, Artest’s friendship with Bryant and the Lakers’ known interest in acquiring him before Gasol’s arrival and the Sacramento swingman becomes a natural target.
Yeah I think it’s likely the Lakers resume their interest in Ron Artest too. It’s just a question of whether they land him, someone else or stick with Odom at small forward for next season. But they’ll definitely inquire and try to pry him away from the Kings.
Trade Proposal for Lamar Odom. New Jersey offering up RJ for Odom. Straight swap.
Richard Jefferson
Jefferson makes good sense without making great sense.
The drawback is his perimeter jump shot. It’s acceptable and competent but the Lakers need very good. They have two 7 foot interior scorers and a player who draws an automatic double team on the perimeter … it’s important that the next two players (SF and PG) can hit perimeter jump shots.
The reasons why he makes good sense:
Odom for Jersey
Cap space. That’s the only thing I’d be thinking about if I were Jersey. I wanted them to trade Kidd Carter together to cut their salaries. They need to cut salary badly. They have no present and no future. Time to start again and add top talent. Odom isn’t top talent, RJ isn’t top talent, Vince isn’t top talent, Harris isn’t top talent. Time to rebuild.
In terms of talent and b’ball performances. Different looking team, same end result. Lateral move. You are not going to get anything more than a lateral move for RJ. Improvement will have to come from elsewhere.
Jersey get to slash their salary, get rid of RJ and keep a similarly talented team. That’s a win in my book
Jared (NYC): John – this whole chat has been about free throw disparity! How bout a draft tidbit….what do you see the knicks doing at 6?
John Hollinger: (3:57 PM ET ) I still love the idea of Randolph and No. 6 to the Sixers for Reggie Evans and No. 16. They’d have to use the pick themselves and then make the trade July 1 when Philly’s cap space kicks in. Philly gets its power foward (Zach) and its shooter (Eric Gordon), and the Knicks get their cap space for LeBron and still can use a first this year.
Good idea for Philadelphia. So-so idea for the Knicks depending on who’s on the draft board at 6. Phily would become a contender (but not a frontrunner, they’d be playing catchup) out in the East. Knicks would fall off some more.
Thehoopsdoctors.com have a bunch of stories detailing some of the rumours floating around the league right now. One caught by eye, the Crawford-Ford trade, a very interesting trade. Let’s look at it from Toronto’s point of view, Raps only.
Jamal Crawford or Rip Hamilton to the Raptors
Ever since the New York Knicks hired Mike D’Antoni as their new head coach, the talk about town has been who will stay and who will go on the roster before the start of next season. There is no doubt that the new GM Donnie Walsh and new Head Coach Mike D’Antoni will want to put their stamp on this team immediately. I doubt this will mean a fire sale, but it will definitely mean they are working the phones to break up the old New York Knicks and create a new and hopefully much improved version.Some talk that is starting to pick up steam is the Knicks interest in one of the two starting point guards of the Toronto Raptors. It is fairly clear the Knicks are writing off Stephon Marbury as their point guard of the future. Everyone in the league is aware of the situation in Toronto where their experiment of holding two starting caliber point guards, TJ Ford and Jose Calderon, on the same roster this season failed miserably. With Bryan Colangelo at the helm you can be sure a deal for one of the two point guards will get done before next season. Although Mike D’Antoni would clearly rather Calderon, due to his similarities in playing style to Steve Nash who was the epitome of D’Antoni’s system, most analysts are leaning towards Toronto moving the high energy scoring point guard TJ Ford. Although most teams in the league are going to try to low-ball Toronto on their offers for Ford, their obvious need for a more high profile swingman may lead to a deal Ford. Word on the street is that the Knicks are looking to offer up shooting guard Jamal Crawford and possibly one of their rebounding big men, if the Raptors will send them TJ Ford and one or two expiring contracts. Apparently the Knicks are currently collecting expiring contracts wherever possible so they can make a run at Lebron James in 2010 when he becomes a free agent.
Assuming for now it’s a straight sway between Crawford-Ford.
Neither Crawford or Calderon are good enough to be the best perimeter player on a title winning side.
For the Raptors to contend for a title with one of those two as their best perimeter players Chris Bosh would need to become Shaquille O Neal Part Two. That ain’t going to happen. And still, even with Bosh rising to that level there would be huge doubts over their chances. Do LA win any of those rings without Kobe?
That means they’d (Crawford and Calderon) be the 3rd and 4th best players on the roster going forward. That also means that the Raptors would need enough trade assets to acquire a top notch small forward who can both score and create with the basketball in his hands. That means you have 8-10mil apiece tied up in Calderon and Crawford, another max contract in Bosh, and another contract likely between 12mil-max contract for the small forward. According to Hoopshype the Raps currently have 30mil on the books for 09-10 season, add in Calderons 8-10mil and Bargnani’s 6mil option being called and you’re up around 44-46mil leaving 10-13mil in cap space depending on whether the cap rises. That means the Raptors could not spend their mid level exception this summer and that they could not take back any long term contracts before they acquire that top perimeter player.
It’s also worth pointing out you’re not talking about a borderline all-star small forward like Peja Stojakovic or Richard Jefferson to fill that hole. Just imagine late in the fourth in the playoffs, who’s creating the offense when the team needs a bucket? Is that really going to beat a top title contender? The team will still need that All-Pro caliber wing who can create off the dribble for himself and his teammates. That’s a big ask.
Now add that top small forward with that cap space, now remember the interior that still needs re-inforcements, the bench that needs to be filled and Bargnani’s potential future contract … then you have a muddy picture. Lot of uncertainty.
So I don’t love it from the financial side but I could go along with it if I loved the basketball part. So let’s have a look at that.
From a pure basketball point of view …. How good a fit is Crawford?
He’s a below par defender. That would leave the starting backcourt with two below average defenders who frequently allow easy dribble penetration. That’ll put even more pressure on the Rap’s mediocre interior defense. I don’t think the defense can survive this. So now we’re talking about a below average perimeter defense, average interior defense, a perimeter group of players that have no flexibility (not like you can hide Crawford on a small forward to avoid Ray Allen killing him because of Crawford’s slight frame and weak D). Defensively I hate it.
Offensively Crawford is one of the most unreliable/unpredictable players in the league. You never know what he’s going to do when he touches the ball which makes him difficult to play alongside. His decision making is suspect. Crawford also likes to dominate the basketball which will be difficult between Calderon and Bosh, nevermind if the Raps acquire that neccessary creative top perimter player. I’ve always thought Crawford would work best in a Triangle offense where his potential movements are mapped out for him and the offense avoids him over-using the basketabll. Raptors don’t run that type of offense. Offensively I think Crawford is talented but not a great fit, at best he’d be an above average player offensively for the Raptors. I see Crawford being closer to the 16ppg mark for Toronto rather than the 21ppg mark he set last season in New York.
Another thing about Crawford’s offense that worries me is how inefficient he is. He shots 41% this past season and is on 40% for his career. He’s a streak shooter from the perimeter. He’s never shot above 36% from three for a full season yet he jacks up 6 threes a night last season in NY, one season he took 7 three pointers a night.
It’s also worth pointing out that’s he’s unguardable off the dribble and can beat his man to rim any time he wants. Yet he only shoots 3.5 FTs a game. It’s because he falls in love with long contested jump shots and forgets about driving. It also shows how unintelligent he is and how suspect his decision making is. Then you add in those 2+ turnovers a night.
He’s in the Antoine Walker mold of inefficient scoring.
Crawford does also possess a very nice passing game, I have a lot of respect for that part of his game.
Oddly enough, I actually really like Jamal Crawford. He loves basketball and wants to be a good player. He’s very coachable and improves every year. He has some nice skills and there’s a lot of untapped potential in his game. There are many good things about him. I just don’t like his fit here in Toronto. I think he needs to go into a low-pressure environment to seriously work out the kinks in his game. I don’t think he’d be able to do that here in this type of an offense and while being asked to be shoulder a large scoring burden. That potential improvement … I can’t see him achieving that with the Raptors.
I wouldn’t make a Crawford trade. I think his presence will cost the Raptors as many points defensively as he creates offensively, not just because of his weak defense but because the Raptors don’t have enough top notch defenders around him so he compounds an already present weak point for the team.
I also think his contract adds pressure to Colangelo finding an immediate top notch swingman over the next 12 months and if he fails during those 12 months, the Raptors will be in a scary position of mediocrity pinning all their hopes on Bargnani becoming a star to bail them out.
The Philadelphia 76ers today traded Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz for Gordon Giricek and a protected 1st round pick which will materialize no earlier than 2009.
This is a huge trade for the Utah Jazz …. at least offensively. They sorely lack shooters and Kyle Korver is one of the league’s finest. Utah have three big problems; (1) Lack of perimeter shooting, (2) AK47 and floor balance especially when Booz or Brewer is on the court, (3) Defense. So they nailed one with Korver and will help improve the second also. Not so much the defense.
It also solidifies Utah’s bench, their bench was a strength last season but with the loss of Derek Fisher they have been left with tough to crack rotations. Jerry Sloan has been mixing and matching all season because he can’t find lineups that will work or rotations that offer consistency for the players. Korver gives them a 6th man, Harpring stands back to 7th and Millsap becomes arguably the best 8th man in league with a few interesting and useful bodies behind them … Jason Hart, Ronnie Price, CJ Miles, Collins …. with Almond and Fesenko interesting developing youngsters.
Korver will be paid 15m over the next 3 years.
For Phily …. I just can’t help but be disappointed in this trade. Only a first round pick for Korver, Korver is a strong 6th man in this league and one of the league’s best shooters. Their is a lack of supply over demand for shooters, just look at Kapono this summer. Oh and Korver is paid less than Kapono. Less than the mid-level. That’s a solid contract for a guy who’s going to be your first body off the bench. His contract was criticized at the time but Korver has grown into it. Add that with the large amount of reported interest over Kyle Korver and you can’t help but wonder why they got so little?
Let’s deal with Giricek first. I like the guy when he’s playing well unfortunately you never know when that is. He’s irritatingly inconsistent and unreliable, for a rotation player that is maddening. If a coach doesn’t know what you’re going to bring it makes it real difficult to put you on the floor. He shouldn’t play much, Phily need to open more minutes for Carney and Young to see what they got there. Giricek is more in the way than anything else. His contract (4m) expires come the end of the year.
The first round is (ESPN wire):
The draft pick won’t immediately help the Sixers. The first year the Sixers could make the selection is in 2009 and Stefanski said Philadelphia has through 2014 to make the pick. There are different protections for each year, also.
The Jazz are going to be winning 50+games likely for the duration of that period. It’s not going to be a high pick and unlikely to be a useful pick. It’s worth noting that the Jazz wouldn’t even give up their pick for this year, in what is shaping up to be a very deep draft.
They should have been able to get more for Korver.
Stefanski jump the gun? Aim to low? Care too much about rebuilding the ugly way – through the draft and 60 loss seasons?
Okay I’m going to keep tabs on each trade and the results of them as the season progresses. There have been two main deals, the Pistons-Bobcats and the Lakers-Magic. I’ll check back on the other one later.
So early returns are:
On the Detroit side of the coin ….. Well as you’d expect with a contending team, Detroit have been slow to work either into the rotation. In fact, Hermann has only played one game, while Brezec has played five but limited minutes in each of them (6.8 minutes a night). At this point in time Afflalo and Hayes are clearly above Hermann in the depth chart. Brezec is the interesting one to watch – will he take minutes away from Amir Johnson? And yes he’s taken a little away already. Flip has to develop this kid. He can be a really good player in this league and he does things on the court which no other Pistons big can do and very few across the league can.
On the Bobcats side of things …. well it’s working great. As I’d expected Nazr has resumed the form of his NY/Hawks days. He’s averaging 13 and 10 in just under 30 minutes. That’s over a board every 3 minutes which is a fantastic rate. He’s also given that Bobcats offense another reliable scorer in the paint. The added shot blocking presence of Nazr has also helped shore up their D somewhat. Bobcats are still struggling so it hasn’t turned into wins but Nazr is helping them. His nasty beat you up ways and his telling experience will help this team more and more which each passing day. Bobcats don’t look like a playoff team.
Vince Carter for Lamar Odom
One downside – Vince has 4 years to run on that deal so it will be tough to trade him if they need to restructure.
Best part? Well his contract is up at the end of next season along with Kidd’s deal (and Collins’ contract too) which means they can roll the dice and try to win now and rebuild at a moments notice if Kidd ages or it doesn’t work out.
NJ would still have a need for more defensive pieces but Antoine Wright’s inclusion in the starting unit could the perimeter D. Plus young Sean Williams and Josh Boone both are doing a good job lately. They’ll help give, somewhat, of an interior presence. Hopefully Krstic makes it back later this season. It will also be easier to live with Collins’ lack of production if Odom is playing well, especially on the glass.
ESPN is reporting Detroit sending Nazr Mohammod to Charlotte for Walter Hermann and Primo Brezec
The Salary Cap Fall-Out
Nazr has 4 years and 25m remaining on his deal.
Brezec and Hermann are expiring contracts at 2.75m and 2m respectively.
On the salary cap side this is a huge coup for Joe D. Nazr hadn’t been a great fit and his deal wasn’t paying it’s way. It will give Joe D a huge amount of flexibility for any future deals he may be thinking about. Their salary is down to 60m for next year, but the trade will give Joe a lot of extra flexibility for the next three years. Joe D didn’t like the thought of adding another MLE player last offseason due to the cap (too many long midlevel contracts would hurt his flexibility and consequently overall talent of the squad he said) so this deal frees that money up. Just at a quick look at their salary … Sheed is up in two years so he’s very tradeable if this team doesn’t go where Joe wants it to go.
I think Nazr will be a great help to Charlotte on the court this year but is deal is problematic down the road. The Bobcats already have big money tied up in Richardson, Wallace and Carroll. Emeka will recieve a huge extension this summer (rumour he turned down 65m this summer). That pretty much is the salary cap between those five guys and that’s probably not even a playoff team. Add Felton and his upcoming extension and you wonder how Charlotte will ever get better. Nazr’s deal will likely hurt them down the road but for now he’ll be a great help to their roster.
On the playing side of things
Clearly shows the desperation of MJ and the rest of the Charlotte Bobcats to get to the playoffs. Nazr will add a post presence … he’s a very good rebounder and defensive player. He also has an underrated low post game (the 10-12ppg variety). Charlotte were short of big bodies before Sean May went down and they’ve been downright desperate recently. Nazr will really help them out. I like the idea of Nazr and Emeka closing down the paint. They still need another big though since they gave up Primo. Good deal on the playing side of things this year.
Detroit …. I’m flip-flopping around on how this will affect Detroit on the court.
I was really concerned about their interior D, Rebounding and shot blocking before the year. Nazr had given them a nice lift there. They will start McDyess and Sheed, both are solid rebounders and Sheed can block a few shots. Neither are deterents in the paint or impressive off the ball defenders. Next comes Jason Maxiell, I love Max but the reason he’s coming off the bench is because he doesn’t box out. The coaching staff have been on him all last year, all off season and for most of this season for ball watching on rebounds instead of blocking guys out. He’s their most ferocious interior player and a surprisingly effective shot blocker but at 6-7 he isn’t much a deterent to penetrating players either. Then you have Amir Johnson, Amir started the year injured but since coming back he has played a tiny role in Detroit. He’s a very skinny but incredibly athletic player. He is a shot blocker and extremely quick. But he doesn’t posess much bulk and it hurts him regularly. He’s also prone to lots of rookie mistakes (he’s in effect a rookie after two years in NBDL). It’s an interesting group but there are definitely doubts about them.
The reason I’m so concerned about that for Detroit is that they have an incredible record when they win the battle on the boards and a very mediocre record when they lose out. Rebounding was a huge issue for them against Detroit.
Primo is a below par rebounder who is soft and doesn’t get many blocks. He’s a SF in a centre’s body so he gives the offense some versatility in what Flip wants to run. I’m hoping he doesn’t play much so that Amir gets more minutes to balance out Detroit’s bigs, it might be difficult for Primo to be anything more than a situational player here.
Walter Herrmann is a serious player albeit a tad inconsistent. He’s a quality defender, a combo forward (capable of matching up with some two guards too), an excellent outside shooter and a very steady hand. He has lots of experience abroad and internationally. He plays well under pressure and can really help. I’m looking at Detroit’s wings here …. and I’m thinking Jarvis Hayes is the odd man out if they want Walter in the rotation – I really like Afflalo, great defensive player.
So questionable benefits for Detroit this year but great salary cap move. Great move for the Bobcats to get to the playoffs this year but horrible salary cap move.
