Post by redstorm177 on Aug 29, 2007 21:26:47 GMT
Ric Bucher
ESPN.com
The NBA trade deadline is now only a day away, and just about every name you can think of has been tossed around in media "rumors". Have no fear, your ESPN insider is here to sort out the latest talk surrounding the deadline. Along with the top 5 players rumored to be on the move, I have also listed the top 3 teams that that player is most likely to be headed, as well as the odds of that move taking place.
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PAU GASOL, Power forward, Memphis Grizzlies.
Yes, I'm just as surprised as you are, but over the last 48 hours, the Warriors have placed him on the trade block in an attempt to upgrade the point guard position.
Most Likely Destinations
1) New Jersey Nets. A trade for Jason Kidd seems almost too perfect to be true. The Warriors have long coveted the Oakland product, but they are expected to ask for more than just the aging floor general in return for Gasol. The question becomes: How much is New Jersey willing to give up to get one of the league's premier post players? Chance of Happening: 40%.
2) Denver Nuggets. For some strange reason, the Nuggets are still trying to radically overhaul their roster, despite the very successful season thusfar. Take it for what its worth, but I've heard a rumor that would send Jason Terry, Nene, and a draft pick or two, to the Warriors for Gasol and Ridnour. Chance of Happening: 20%.
3) Philadelphia 76'rs. A package consisting of Andre Miller, Renaldo Balkman, and Ike Diogu may seem enticing to a rebuilding team, but the Warriors have reportedly already shot down some variation of this proposal. It should be interesting to see what other assets, if any, the Sixers may be willing to pony up to land Gasol. Chance of Happening: 5%.
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JASON KIDD, Point guard, New Jersey Nets.
Most Likely Destinations
Despite conflicting internet reports, New Jersey's franchise player is indeed on the chopping block. The Nets are in the hunt for an all-star to place in the post, but they are not limiting their options as they are also considering deals that will bring more youth to the backcourt.
1) Golden State Warriors. See "PAU GASOL".
2) Utah Jazz. It has already been widely speculated that a Deron Williams for Jason Kidd swap would make tons of sense from an outsider's perspective. Utah has already rejected New Jersey's initial offer, but there is plenty of time for a counter offer to bring this trade back on the table. Chance of Happening: 25%.
3) Denver Nuggets. As already stated, the Nuggets believe they are still in dire need of a shake up. If they can pull off a trade for Kidd involving some sort of package excluding Iverson and Anthony, they should be considered legit title contenters this post-season. The problem is, outside of those two players, is there enough on that roster to fetch a true superstar like Jason Kidd? Chance of Happening: 10%.
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VINCE CARTER, Shooting guard, Charlotte Bobcats.
Most Likely Destinations
Management has decided that they would much rather trade Carter instead of Paul Pierce as they fear they could possibly lose Vince for nothing in return this offseason. With the clock ticking on the deadline, expect Carter to be wearing a different uniform in a few days.
1) Miami Heat. I can confirm that there is some truth to the internet rumor that had the Heat picking up Carter in a deadline blockbuster. The original article had Nocioni and Lamarcus Aldridge heading to Charlotte and those still appear to be the principle components. Charlotte will most likely wait until the last minutes of this trading period, as they hope to field better offers, but in my opinion, they won't get much better than this. From what I've heard, the deal is sitting on the table and the fine details have already been hammered out. Chance of Happening: 60%.
2) Dallas Mavericks. They are desperately shopping for a complement to Baron Davis in the backcourt and should be willing to part with Lamar Odom to acquire Carter. I'm not sure if these teams have even discussed this scenario, but I would be surprised if Dallas lets the deadline pass without making an impact. Chance of Happening: 5%.
3) Indiana Pacers. Jason Richardson has been the center of trade talks so far, but Charlotte has shown absolutely no interest in making the swap with the years remaining on his contract. The Pacers are indeed interested in Carter, but I just don't think they have what the Bobcats are looking for. As I write this, Danny Granger has seemingly just been traded, which leaves them with even less assets to acquire Vince. Chance of Happening: 1%.
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RAY ALLEN, Shooting Guard, Utah Jazz.
Most Likely Destinations
Much like Vince Carter, Allen has been dubbed as the odd man out and the most likely to be dealt from their roster. They are still searching for another post threat to pair with Jermaine O'Neal, preferably a center.
1) Denver Nuggets. Yes, the Nuggets are rumored to be picking up just about every big name out there, but this one is the most likely to happen. Denver would love to field a starting backcourt of Iverson and Allen, and they have the pieces to get a deal done. Utah is very interested in Nene, as well as J.R. Smith and Eduardo Najera's expiring contract. The problem, however, is that Utah is reluctant to deal within their own division, especially with the current division leader. Time will tell if Utah will put their worries aside and take the best deal available. Chance of Happening: 35%.
2) Orlando Magic. Although rather quiet as of late, the Magic have inquired into the availability of Ray Allen and have been told that any deal must include budding star Channing Frye. As of now, that is as far as trade talks have gone, but Orlando may revisit this trade as they are hoping to slide Steve Francis back over to the point guard position. Chance of Happening: 5%.
3) Toronto Raptors. Let me just thow this bit of information out there. The Raptors have held preliminary talks regarding Ray Allen, but it appears that they simply don't have enough to make Utah bite on a deal. If the Jazz were looking to dump some salary, then Toronto would seem like a perfect match, however, Utah is looking for help in the frontcourt, and the Raptors currently start Donyell Marshall at the power forward position. With that said, unless a third team gets involved, its hard to envision Ray Allen joining the newly acquired Tony Parker in the backcourt. Chance of Happening: 2%.
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MIKE BIBBY, Point guard, Minnesota Timberwolves.
I have talked to Mike's agent, and he would want nothing more than to be shipped off before the deadline. Furthermore, the belief surrounding the organization is that management has decided it is best to make a move now, while Bibby's value is still relatively high.
Most Likely Destinations
1) Golden State Warriors. We already know that a deal was virtually done until it fell apart in the final stages. Bibby has expressed interest in playing for the Warriors, and the Timberwolves are obviously interested in what Golden State has to offer. A few of my sources around the league are indicating that this deal is back on the table and should be completed before the deadline. Chance of Happening: 75%.
2) Atlanta Hawks. If the above deal falls through, look for the Hawks to snatch up Mike Bibby as they are prepared to offer a package consisting of Jamaal Tinsley and Marvin Williams. If those were the only components of the trade, Minnesota would probably have already made a deal, but the Hawks are asking for former Hawk Josh Childress as well. If Atlanta lets up on their demands, they may have finally solved their point guard problems. Chance of Happening: 25%.
3) Houston Rockets. Any package would have to include Andrea Bargnani, and it is unclear whether or not the Rockets are willing to give up that much. Outside or Bargnani and the untouchables of T-mac and Yao, Houston may be hard-pressed to offer enough to acquire Bibby. But, from what I've been told, they are currently looking to get a third team involved that has some assets that appeal to the Timberwolves. Chance of Happening: 2%.
ESPN.com
The NBA trade deadline is now only a day away, and just about every name you can think of has been tossed around in media "rumors". Have no fear, your ESPN insider is here to sort out the latest talk surrounding the deadline. Along with the top 5 players rumored to be on the move, I have also listed the top 3 teams that that player is most likely to be headed, as well as the odds of that move taking place.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAU GASOL, Power forward, Memphis Grizzlies.
Yes, I'm just as surprised as you are, but over the last 48 hours, the Warriors have placed him on the trade block in an attempt to upgrade the point guard position.
Most Likely Destinations
1) New Jersey Nets. A trade for Jason Kidd seems almost too perfect to be true. The Warriors have long coveted the Oakland product, but they are expected to ask for more than just the aging floor general in return for Gasol. The question becomes: How much is New Jersey willing to give up to get one of the league's premier post players? Chance of Happening: 40%.
2) Denver Nuggets. For some strange reason, the Nuggets are still trying to radically overhaul their roster, despite the very successful season thusfar. Take it for what its worth, but I've heard a rumor that would send Jason Terry, Nene, and a draft pick or two, to the Warriors for Gasol and Ridnour. Chance of Happening: 20%.
3) Philadelphia 76'rs. A package consisting of Andre Miller, Renaldo Balkman, and Ike Diogu may seem enticing to a rebuilding team, but the Warriors have reportedly already shot down some variation of this proposal. It should be interesting to see what other assets, if any, the Sixers may be willing to pony up to land Gasol. Chance of Happening: 5%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JASON KIDD, Point guard, New Jersey Nets.
Most Likely Destinations
Despite conflicting internet reports, New Jersey's franchise player is indeed on the chopping block. The Nets are in the hunt for an all-star to place in the post, but they are not limiting their options as they are also considering deals that will bring more youth to the backcourt.
1) Golden State Warriors. See "PAU GASOL".
2) Utah Jazz. It has already been widely speculated that a Deron Williams for Jason Kidd swap would make tons of sense from an outsider's perspective. Utah has already rejected New Jersey's initial offer, but there is plenty of time for a counter offer to bring this trade back on the table. Chance of Happening: 25%.
3) Denver Nuggets. As already stated, the Nuggets believe they are still in dire need of a shake up. If they can pull off a trade for Kidd involving some sort of package excluding Iverson and Anthony, they should be considered legit title contenters this post-season. The problem is, outside of those two players, is there enough on that roster to fetch a true superstar like Jason Kidd? Chance of Happening: 10%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VINCE CARTER, Shooting guard, Charlotte Bobcats.
Most Likely Destinations
Management has decided that they would much rather trade Carter instead of Paul Pierce as they fear they could possibly lose Vince for nothing in return this offseason. With the clock ticking on the deadline, expect Carter to be wearing a different uniform in a few days.
1) Miami Heat. I can confirm that there is some truth to the internet rumor that had the Heat picking up Carter in a deadline blockbuster. The original article had Nocioni and Lamarcus Aldridge heading to Charlotte and those still appear to be the principle components. Charlotte will most likely wait until the last minutes of this trading period, as they hope to field better offers, but in my opinion, they won't get much better than this. From what I've heard, the deal is sitting on the table and the fine details have already been hammered out. Chance of Happening: 60%.
2) Dallas Mavericks. They are desperately shopping for a complement to Baron Davis in the backcourt and should be willing to part with Lamar Odom to acquire Carter. I'm not sure if these teams have even discussed this scenario, but I would be surprised if Dallas lets the deadline pass without making an impact. Chance of Happening: 5%.
3) Indiana Pacers. Jason Richardson has been the center of trade talks so far, but Charlotte has shown absolutely no interest in making the swap with the years remaining on his contract. The Pacers are indeed interested in Carter, but I just don't think they have what the Bobcats are looking for. As I write this, Danny Granger has seemingly just been traded, which leaves them with even less assets to acquire Vince. Chance of Happening: 1%.
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RAY ALLEN, Shooting Guard, Utah Jazz.
Most Likely Destinations
Much like Vince Carter, Allen has been dubbed as the odd man out and the most likely to be dealt from their roster. They are still searching for another post threat to pair with Jermaine O'Neal, preferably a center.
1) Denver Nuggets. Yes, the Nuggets are rumored to be picking up just about every big name out there, but this one is the most likely to happen. Denver would love to field a starting backcourt of Iverson and Allen, and they have the pieces to get a deal done. Utah is very interested in Nene, as well as J.R. Smith and Eduardo Najera's expiring contract. The problem, however, is that Utah is reluctant to deal within their own division, especially with the current division leader. Time will tell if Utah will put their worries aside and take the best deal available. Chance of Happening: 35%.
2) Orlando Magic. Although rather quiet as of late, the Magic have inquired into the availability of Ray Allen and have been told that any deal must include budding star Channing Frye. As of now, that is as far as trade talks have gone, but Orlando may revisit this trade as they are hoping to slide Steve Francis back over to the point guard position. Chance of Happening: 5%.
3) Toronto Raptors. Let me just thow this bit of information out there. The Raptors have held preliminary talks regarding Ray Allen, but it appears that they simply don't have enough to make Utah bite on a deal. If the Jazz were looking to dump some salary, then Toronto would seem like a perfect match, however, Utah is looking for help in the frontcourt, and the Raptors currently start Donyell Marshall at the power forward position. With that said, unless a third team gets involved, its hard to envision Ray Allen joining the newly acquired Tony Parker in the backcourt. Chance of Happening: 2%.
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MIKE BIBBY, Point guard, Minnesota Timberwolves.
I have talked to Mike's agent, and he would want nothing more than to be shipped off before the deadline. Furthermore, the belief surrounding the organization is that management has decided it is best to make a move now, while Bibby's value is still relatively high.
Most Likely Destinations
1) Golden State Warriors. We already know that a deal was virtually done until it fell apart in the final stages. Bibby has expressed interest in playing for the Warriors, and the Timberwolves are obviously interested in what Golden State has to offer. A few of my sources around the league are indicating that this deal is back on the table and should be completed before the deadline. Chance of Happening: 75%.
2) Atlanta Hawks. If the above deal falls through, look for the Hawks to snatch up Mike Bibby as they are prepared to offer a package consisting of Jamaal Tinsley and Marvin Williams. If those were the only components of the trade, Minnesota would probably have already made a deal, but the Hawks are asking for former Hawk Josh Childress as well. If Atlanta lets up on their demands, they may have finally solved their point guard problems. Chance of Happening: 25%.
3) Houston Rockets. Any package would have to include Andrea Bargnani, and it is unclear whether or not the Rockets are willing to give up that much. Outside or Bargnani and the untouchables of T-mac and Yao, Houston may be hard-pressed to offer enough to acquire Bibby. But, from what I've been told, they are currently looking to get a third team involved that has some assets that appeal to the Timberwolves. Chance of Happening: 2%.