Post by redstorm177 on Aug 18, 2007 4:26:48 GMT
Chad Ford
ESPN.com
The NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away, but you could have fooled me with the lack of action around the league. The truth is, however, that most GM's are still sending out feelers and will most likely resist pulling the trigger on a deal until the final hours, if not minutes, of this trading period.
In the meantime, these are the top five trades that need to be made prior to this year's deadline. Keep in mind that these are not necessarily rumors of already discussed deals, and that the players involved may not even be available, but they are trades that would make the most sense from my perspective.
5) Maurice Evans FOR Malik Allen/2007 2nd round pick
Why for CHI?
Evans isn't the flashiest name out there to help out at shooting guard, but he should excel in Chicago. The Bulls are currently starting Andre Barrett, who has exceeded expectations so far, and should be looking to slightly tweak their roster before heading into the playoffs. Whether Maurice Evans starts or not, he should continue to be a great defender who will knock down the open three, something the Bulls desperately need right now. Losing Allen should mean very little to Chicago as they currently have Joe Smith and Jason Collins sharing minutes at the back-up power forward position.
Why for BOS?
Boston gets Evans' contract off the books a year early while also acquiring a 2nd round pick (PHI 2007), which is projected to be very high this year. Maurice Evans is clearly not in the Celtics' future since his name has come up time and time again on the trade front. Malik Allen would either ride out his final year in Boston or be released upon arrival, either way coming off the salary chart this offseason.
4) Larry Hughes/Drew Gooden FOR Stephon Marbury/Rashad McCants
Why for CLE?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have fallen from the top of the standings in the East to somewhere in the middle. They currently have Larry Hughes running the point, but upgrading to a natural point guard in Stephon Marbury, who just so happens to be having a monster season this year, will surely enhance their chances to dive deeper into the playoffs. They also add Rashad McCants, who when healthy, should help out Joey Grahm at the shooting guard position.
Why for NY?
Let's face it, the Knicks are set to lose Stephon Marbury this offseason to free agency with nothing to show for in return. It may be tough to sell the addition of two long-term salaries to management, but Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden would be great compensation for an aging "Starbury". McCants is reportedly already on the chopping block, so its unlikely he'll see the light of day next season anyway.
3) Zach Randolph/Kelenna Azubuike FOR Shane Battier/Jorge Garbajosa
Why for GS?
Even with the addition of Kobe, the Warriors are fighting for their lives just to hold on to that final playoff spot in the West. There are just too many guys in that starting lineup that need the ball to be effective. Shane Battier is a defense-first small forward as opposed to Martell Webster, who is currently playing out of his natural position. Webster would now back up Kobe, as he is taking the place of the departing Azubuike. Zach's void would be filled with Garbajosa, who should mesh well with Pau Gasol in the post.
Why for TOR?
Zach Randolph will take a huge load off of Chris Bosh on the offensive end. Bosh has basically carried the team on his back to first place in the Atlantic, but how much longer can he do it? They lose Battier, but Morris Peterson must be salivating at the opportunity to jump back into the starting lineup. Kelenna Azubuike adds a little more depth at the shooting guard position and would compete with Juan Dixon for back-up minutes.
2) Jason Williams/Greg Buckner FOR Ricky Davis/Kenny Thomas
Why for DAL?
If the Mavericks don't make the playoffs this season, management might as well just decide to blow the whole thing up in the offseason. With this trade, Dallas should make it in this year as they will be replacing Jason Williams, who is currently starting next to another point guard in Baron Davis, with a true shooting guard in Ricky Davis. The Davis and Davis backcourt has the potential to flourish in an uptempo game, as will Dirk. Buckner and Thomas are simply cap filler that favor the Kings. See below.
Why for SAC?
Ricky Davis is not wanted in Sacramento as Kevin Martin is their future so they might as well just get his contract off the books a year early by swapping for "White Chocolate". Williams has an expiring deal and should help draw some more fans to the home games as this season is basically a wash. By moving Kenny Thomas for Greg Buckner, the Kings save about $4 million per year for the next 3 years. Buckner's deal is a year longer, but he will be owed just over $4 million per year as opposed to the $8.5 million on Thomas's pact.
1) Deron Williams/Ruben Patterson/Gordan Giricek/Rafael Araujo FOR Jason Kidd/Josh Boone
Why for UTH?
According to those close to Jazz management, they are in complete "win-now" mode. With the addition of Jason Kidd, they are legit title contenders this year and next year. If they hold on to Deron Williams, they might have a shot at a title in two or three years when he develops. I know that trading a young stud in Williams is a tough pill to swallow, but the ultimate goal is to win a championship, and Kidd gives them that opportunity right now. As for the rest of the names being tossed in, they should be able to be easily replaced with free agent signings. Also, Josh Boone would most likely jump into a backup role as Utah is lacking depth at the power forward position.
Why for NJ?
From an outsider's standpoint, this team as constructed just won't be enough to take home the title in the near future. It may be the best time to sell Kidd, though, as his value is as high as it's ever going to be. The Nets are getting back one of the league's best prospects at point guard while also dumping quite a bit of salary. Of the contracts mentioned in the trade, only about $8 million will be on the books for next year, as opposed to the over $18 million promised to Jason Kidd. I'm aware that the Nets already have Felton in the wings, but Deron should achieve more success than Raymond down the road, according to NBA scouts. By the time Williams develops, the rest of the Net's core roster, including Wallace and Jefferson, will just be entering their primes.
ESPN.com
The NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away, but you could have fooled me with the lack of action around the league. The truth is, however, that most GM's are still sending out feelers and will most likely resist pulling the trigger on a deal until the final hours, if not minutes, of this trading period.
In the meantime, these are the top five trades that need to be made prior to this year's deadline. Keep in mind that these are not necessarily rumors of already discussed deals, and that the players involved may not even be available, but they are trades that would make the most sense from my perspective.
5) Maurice Evans FOR Malik Allen/2007 2nd round pick
Why for CHI?
Evans isn't the flashiest name out there to help out at shooting guard, but he should excel in Chicago. The Bulls are currently starting Andre Barrett, who has exceeded expectations so far, and should be looking to slightly tweak their roster before heading into the playoffs. Whether Maurice Evans starts or not, he should continue to be a great defender who will knock down the open three, something the Bulls desperately need right now. Losing Allen should mean very little to Chicago as they currently have Joe Smith and Jason Collins sharing minutes at the back-up power forward position.
Why for BOS?
Boston gets Evans' contract off the books a year early while also acquiring a 2nd round pick (PHI 2007), which is projected to be very high this year. Maurice Evans is clearly not in the Celtics' future since his name has come up time and time again on the trade front. Malik Allen would either ride out his final year in Boston or be released upon arrival, either way coming off the salary chart this offseason.
4) Larry Hughes/Drew Gooden FOR Stephon Marbury/Rashad McCants
Why for CLE?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have fallen from the top of the standings in the East to somewhere in the middle. They currently have Larry Hughes running the point, but upgrading to a natural point guard in Stephon Marbury, who just so happens to be having a monster season this year, will surely enhance their chances to dive deeper into the playoffs. They also add Rashad McCants, who when healthy, should help out Joey Grahm at the shooting guard position.
Why for NY?
Let's face it, the Knicks are set to lose Stephon Marbury this offseason to free agency with nothing to show for in return. It may be tough to sell the addition of two long-term salaries to management, but Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden would be great compensation for an aging "Starbury". McCants is reportedly already on the chopping block, so its unlikely he'll see the light of day next season anyway.
3) Zach Randolph/Kelenna Azubuike FOR Shane Battier/Jorge Garbajosa
Why for GS?
Even with the addition of Kobe, the Warriors are fighting for their lives just to hold on to that final playoff spot in the West. There are just too many guys in that starting lineup that need the ball to be effective. Shane Battier is a defense-first small forward as opposed to Martell Webster, who is currently playing out of his natural position. Webster would now back up Kobe, as he is taking the place of the departing Azubuike. Zach's void would be filled with Garbajosa, who should mesh well with Pau Gasol in the post.
Why for TOR?
Zach Randolph will take a huge load off of Chris Bosh on the offensive end. Bosh has basically carried the team on his back to first place in the Atlantic, but how much longer can he do it? They lose Battier, but Morris Peterson must be salivating at the opportunity to jump back into the starting lineup. Kelenna Azubuike adds a little more depth at the shooting guard position and would compete with Juan Dixon for back-up minutes.
2) Jason Williams/Greg Buckner FOR Ricky Davis/Kenny Thomas
Why for DAL?
If the Mavericks don't make the playoffs this season, management might as well just decide to blow the whole thing up in the offseason. With this trade, Dallas should make it in this year as they will be replacing Jason Williams, who is currently starting next to another point guard in Baron Davis, with a true shooting guard in Ricky Davis. The Davis and Davis backcourt has the potential to flourish in an uptempo game, as will Dirk. Buckner and Thomas are simply cap filler that favor the Kings. See below.
Why for SAC?
Ricky Davis is not wanted in Sacramento as Kevin Martin is their future so they might as well just get his contract off the books a year early by swapping for "White Chocolate". Williams has an expiring deal and should help draw some more fans to the home games as this season is basically a wash. By moving Kenny Thomas for Greg Buckner, the Kings save about $4 million per year for the next 3 years. Buckner's deal is a year longer, but he will be owed just over $4 million per year as opposed to the $8.5 million on Thomas's pact.
1) Deron Williams/Ruben Patterson/Gordan Giricek/Rafael Araujo FOR Jason Kidd/Josh Boone
Why for UTH?
According to those close to Jazz management, they are in complete "win-now" mode. With the addition of Jason Kidd, they are legit title contenders this year and next year. If they hold on to Deron Williams, they might have a shot at a title in two or three years when he develops. I know that trading a young stud in Williams is a tough pill to swallow, but the ultimate goal is to win a championship, and Kidd gives them that opportunity right now. As for the rest of the names being tossed in, they should be able to be easily replaced with free agent signings. Also, Josh Boone would most likely jump into a backup role as Utah is lacking depth at the power forward position.
Why for NJ?
From an outsider's standpoint, this team as constructed just won't be enough to take home the title in the near future. It may be the best time to sell Kidd, though, as his value is as high as it's ever going to be. The Nets are getting back one of the league's best prospects at point guard while also dumping quite a bit of salary. Of the contracts mentioned in the trade, only about $8 million will be on the books for next year, as opposed to the over $18 million promised to Jason Kidd. I'm aware that the Nets already have Felton in the wings, but Deron should achieve more success than Raymond down the road, according to NBA scouts. By the time Williams develops, the rest of the Net's core roster, including Wallace and Jefferson, will just be entering their primes.