Post by redstorm177 on Oct 10, 2007 1:35:46 GMT
ESPN.com
Marc Stein
So the NBA playoffs are well underway, and there are many great storylines to follow, with the most talked about being Minnesota's fairytale story. As of now, 3 of the 4 semi-final series are tied at 2 games a piece and wouldn't surprise anyone if they all go to a seventh and deciding game. So while everyone else is focused on the remaining 8 teams, ESPN.com's very own Marc Stein has been working behind the scenes to give you a headsup on what to expect this offseason.
Warriors to trade top pick?
Acquired in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors currently hold Seattle's pick, which is slated to have the fourth most amount of ping-pong balls in the upcoming draft lottery. Let me remind you that the Sonics originally traded that pick away along with Luke Ridnour for...(get ready for this)...Ben Gordon! So while Seattle cries away their pain, Golden State has made it known to the press that they are going to trade that pick no matter what. However, sources close to Warriors' management maintain that if they do indeed land a top two pick in the lottery, then either Kevin Durant or Greg Oden will be residing in the bay area next season. If the balls don't bounce the right way, the Warriors may revisit trade talks with the Washington Wizards regarding Caron Butler, as they are looking to move Martell Webster back to the bench.
McGrady on the move?
Frustrated by yet another first round playoff exit, Rocket's star guard/forward Tracy McGrady has reiterated to management his desire to remain in Houston. So we know that Tracy wants to return to the Rockets, but do they want him back? The answer to this question remains to be seen. From what I'm told, expect Tracy's name to actually pop up in trade talks, especially as we approach the draft. Houston still seems to be focused on winning a championship sometime within the next decade, so they will most likely be looking at making a star for star trade. As of now, there have been absolutely no trade talks regarding McGrady, but that will most likely come to an end very soon.
Spurs already on the phone
Several league sources have told me that the Spurs' GM was working the phone lines just days after his team's stunning upset loss to the Wolves. This should come as no surprise as this is the same man that pulled off 5 trades within the final week leading up to the trade deadline. For the record, Tim Duncan will still be on the Spurs next season, but the rest of the roster is questionable. Free agent-to-be Andre Miller has been mentioned in trade talks as their GM is guaging interest in possible sign-and-trade scenarios. It is believed that Jason Kidd is on their wishlist, but pulling off such a deal would be virtually impossible. A more likely target is Baron Davis as the Mavericks and Spurs have indeed held preliminary discussions regarding a potential Ginobili and Miller for Davis and future draft picks. Aside from Ginobili and Miller, the rest of the role players on the roster are also fair game for an offseason deal.
Hawks seek revenge of Pistons
Well...not really, but Atlanta is looking to pry away the heart and soul of the Detroit Pistons by offering upcoming free agent guard Chauncey Billups a huge contract. The Hawks are expected to have over $10 million in cap space and are currently looking to erase the contract of Jamal Tinsley off the books via trade. Despite being a surprising eighth seed this postseason, the Hawks should be perennial playoff contenders for years to come with a core of Artest, Joe Johnson, and Al Jefferson. Management plans to make signing Billups to a long-term deal their number one priority this offseason. If that fails, the Hawks will most likely set their sights on a cheaper option in Stephon Marbury, who they almost acquired at this past year's deadline.
KG wants Chicago; Wallace on the outside looking in?
Currently in a dead heat with the Toronto Raptors (I bet the Spurs wish they held on to Tony Parker now), the Chicago Bulls are confident that they can retain the premier free agent in this year's class in Kevin Garnett. Kevin himself has stated earlier this season that his top option would be to resign with his hometown team, and it would appear that the Bulls are willing to put out a maximum contract to satisfy their franchise player's demand. The rumblings out of Chicago are that management is reluctant to have over half of their teams' salary space tied up between two players, with the other being Ben Wallace. Ideally, the Bulls would like to move Big Ben to a team under the cap for a much cheaper option at center. Perhaps the Sixers would consider a Wallace for Diogu swap after they realize their most prized free agent target will be off the market and back in Chi-town.
Marc Stein
So the NBA playoffs are well underway, and there are many great storylines to follow, with the most talked about being Minnesota's fairytale story. As of now, 3 of the 4 semi-final series are tied at 2 games a piece and wouldn't surprise anyone if they all go to a seventh and deciding game. So while everyone else is focused on the remaining 8 teams, ESPN.com's very own Marc Stein has been working behind the scenes to give you a headsup on what to expect this offseason.
Warriors to trade top pick?
Acquired in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors currently hold Seattle's pick, which is slated to have the fourth most amount of ping-pong balls in the upcoming draft lottery. Let me remind you that the Sonics originally traded that pick away along with Luke Ridnour for...(get ready for this)...Ben Gordon! So while Seattle cries away their pain, Golden State has made it known to the press that they are going to trade that pick no matter what. However, sources close to Warriors' management maintain that if they do indeed land a top two pick in the lottery, then either Kevin Durant or Greg Oden will be residing in the bay area next season. If the balls don't bounce the right way, the Warriors may revisit trade talks with the Washington Wizards regarding Caron Butler, as they are looking to move Martell Webster back to the bench.
McGrady on the move?
Frustrated by yet another first round playoff exit, Rocket's star guard/forward Tracy McGrady has reiterated to management his desire to remain in Houston. So we know that Tracy wants to return to the Rockets, but do they want him back? The answer to this question remains to be seen. From what I'm told, expect Tracy's name to actually pop up in trade talks, especially as we approach the draft. Houston still seems to be focused on winning a championship sometime within the next decade, so they will most likely be looking at making a star for star trade. As of now, there have been absolutely no trade talks regarding McGrady, but that will most likely come to an end very soon.
Spurs already on the phone
Several league sources have told me that the Spurs' GM was working the phone lines just days after his team's stunning upset loss to the Wolves. This should come as no surprise as this is the same man that pulled off 5 trades within the final week leading up to the trade deadline. For the record, Tim Duncan will still be on the Spurs next season, but the rest of the roster is questionable. Free agent-to-be Andre Miller has been mentioned in trade talks as their GM is guaging interest in possible sign-and-trade scenarios. It is believed that Jason Kidd is on their wishlist, but pulling off such a deal would be virtually impossible. A more likely target is Baron Davis as the Mavericks and Spurs have indeed held preliminary discussions regarding a potential Ginobili and Miller for Davis and future draft picks. Aside from Ginobili and Miller, the rest of the role players on the roster are also fair game for an offseason deal.
Hawks seek revenge of Pistons
Well...not really, but Atlanta is looking to pry away the heart and soul of the Detroit Pistons by offering upcoming free agent guard Chauncey Billups a huge contract. The Hawks are expected to have over $10 million in cap space and are currently looking to erase the contract of Jamal Tinsley off the books via trade. Despite being a surprising eighth seed this postseason, the Hawks should be perennial playoff contenders for years to come with a core of Artest, Joe Johnson, and Al Jefferson. Management plans to make signing Billups to a long-term deal their number one priority this offseason. If that fails, the Hawks will most likely set their sights on a cheaper option in Stephon Marbury, who they almost acquired at this past year's deadline.
KG wants Chicago; Wallace on the outside looking in?
Currently in a dead heat with the Toronto Raptors (I bet the Spurs wish they held on to Tony Parker now), the Chicago Bulls are confident that they can retain the premier free agent in this year's class in Kevin Garnett. Kevin himself has stated earlier this season that his top option would be to resign with his hometown team, and it would appear that the Bulls are willing to put out a maximum contract to satisfy their franchise player's demand. The rumblings out of Chicago are that management is reluctant to have over half of their teams' salary space tied up between two players, with the other being Ben Wallace. Ideally, the Bulls would like to move Big Ben to a team under the cap for a much cheaper option at center. Perhaps the Sixers would consider a Wallace for Diogu swap after they realize their most prized free agent target will be off the market and back in Chi-town.