[Bulls.com/Sam Smith] Trade talks as the NBA hits halfway mark

J.R. · Jan 19, 2010

tifwiw

The NBA hits the halfway point of the regular season this week with the All-Star starters being announced Thursday. It’s been a somewhat predictable first half with the Lakers leading the West and the Celtics and Cavs leading the East, though the Magic has stumbled of late and fallen behind the Hawks.

The stories of the first half have been off the court as much as on, with Gilbert Arenas’ plea to a gun felony, Allen Iverson’s short stay in Memphis and return to Philadelphia and season-ending injuries again to Greg Oden and now to No. 1 pick Blake Griffin.

There’s been the Tracy McGrady saga as he awaits a possible trade, the firings of Lawrence Frank with a record 0-18 start in New Jersey and Byron Scott in New Orleans. There’s been the rise of the Grizzlies, the Thunder and the Suns, though the latter is in decline now, and the fall of the Pistons with injuries throughout the roster, the Wizards and the 76ers.

The second half of the season promises to be more interesting with the Feb. 18 trading deadline.

The big question is whether any of the top free agents will be traded, and it seems unlikely regarding Chris Bosh or Joe Johnson. There have been questions about Amar’e Stoudemire for more than a year and now with the Suns stumbling, it may be possible. The larger issue is whether Stoudemire will commit to go where he is traded and whether the Suns can get much. They couldn’t last February and Stoudemire isn’t having a great season and clearly not the same in explosiveness. The odds are he isn’t traded.

McGrady is the big name, and the last I heard the Rockets believe the 76ers in falling out of it and 29th in attendance (Memphis is last) might break up their team and trade them Andre Iguodala. The general consensus, however, is the Rockets won’t get a big name and may cash in just before the trading deadline.

One GM I was talking to said he believes Houston will hang onto McGrady’s expiring deal and save the money and then extend Yao’s contract at a lower salary next season (Yao can opt out or make $16.38 million next season) and give him extra years. That way Houston would be far enough under the cap to go for a major free agent like the Texas native Bosh.

Most GMs say the most active team trying to deal has been the Cavs in offering Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ expiring contract of $11.5 million in trying to get another scorer to give them a chance to make the Finals and hang onto James. The Cavs have long had eyes for Washington’s Antawn Jamison. The Arenas imbroglio has left many believing the Wizards will break up their team and trade their stars, Jamison and Caron Butler.

But there’s an interesting angle to this. Several teams with big time free agents have questioned the league about Washington’s ability to void Arenas’ contract. Because if the Wizards can void it, they suddenly become a player in 2010 free agency and another team that can steal a free agent by getting well under the salary cap. In that case, you figure they’d keep their two best players and not risk going all the way to the bottom.

Here’s some of the names you hear coming up for potential deal:

Ray Allen: The Celtics may try to get younger and have a better transition.

Jose Calderon: Losing out at point guard as he’s been a reserve since returning from injury.

Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert: They’re trying to unload salaries without losing their young players.

Devin Harris’ name has been rumored, though I heard only if the Nets can get expected No. 1 pick John Wall.

Kirk Hinrich or John Salmons: The Bulls are considering whether to risk a setback this season to assure being far enough under the cap to pursue a max free agent next in the summer.

Andre Miller: The latest suggestion I heard was the Trail Blazers unhappy point guard for Miami’s Udonis Haslem. The Trail Blazers need size with their injuries, but having gotten Rafer Alston it seems unlikely and Miami has been telling teams calling they’re not giving up any cap space even though they should have enough for a max free agent and another player to pay almost half that.

Al Jefferson’s name has been rumored, and Minnesota has been out actively scouting players for trade. But the belief is they keep Jefferson and Kevin Love and trade one at draft time.

Kevin Martin is back playing and the Kings are losing, though on the road. Martin’s contract makes him likely to be traded and if you’d take Nocioni, I’d assume you could have him easily. Martin’s return is squeezing Omri Casspi, which probably is not worth it for the building Kings.

Marcus Camby’s expiring contract has huge appeal, and it depends on whether the Clippers are ready to punt on this season with Blake Griffin’s injury.

Corey Maggette is averaging 28 points the last seven games and the Warriors still cannot get any takers given Maggette’s contract.

Josh Howard’s name comes up as the Mavs always are talking. GMs say they’re like fantasy players, always coming up with wild combination deals for various teams without mentioning their guys much. The other assumption, as always, is Erick Dampier is available and some GM’s are saying the Mavs believe they’ll move one because they see the West more open again.

Carlos Boozer has long been the object of speculation and he’s hoping to get to Miami, though the Jazz continue to rebuff offers for him.

Otherwise, the Lakers are looking to get off some salary with luxury tax issues, the Nuggets are looking for a big man, the Spurs have talked about moving Roger Mason, the Magic seems likely to deal Brandon Bass and perhaps Marcin Gortat, the Pistons would love to move Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, the Pacers can’t get rid of T.J. Ford and the Knicks will move anyone for cap space because they believe if they have room for two they will get James and Dwyane Wade or James and Bosh.
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http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/smith_100118.html

Carl Herrera · Jan 19, 2010

One GM I was talking to said he believes Houston will hang onto McGrady’s expiring deal and save the money and then extend Yao’s contract at a lower salary next season (Yao can opt out or make $16.38 million next season) and give him extra years. That way Houston would be far enough under the cap to go for a major free agent like the Texas native Bosh.
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Interesting...

desi tmac91 · Jan 19, 2010

Snip from the article.

McGrady is the big name, and the last I heard the Rockets believe the 76ers in falling out of it and 29th in attendance (Memphis is last) might break up their team and trade them Andre Iguodala. The general consensus, however, is the Rockets won’t get a big name and may cash in just before the trading deadline.

One GM I was talking to said he believes Houston will hang onto McGrady’s expiring deal and save the money and then extend Yao’s contract at a lower salary next season (Yao can opt out or make $16.38 million next season) and give him extra years. That way Houston would be far enough under the cap to go for a major free agent like the Texas native Bosh.
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Probably won't happen but interesting nonetheless.

baller4life315 · Jan 19, 2010

Why is Sam Smith so obsessed with McGrady?

peleincubus · Jan 19, 2010

desi tmac91 said:

Snip from the article.

Probably won't happen but interesting nonetheless.
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im not sure if thats what i hope happens or not. im not sure its worth keeping yao ming at any salary. i may be wrong and hope i am if he comes back.

FLASH21 · Jan 19, 2010

So hoping Washington doesn't find a way to void Arenas' contract.

The more dealers we have the better offers we'll get for Tracy & bunch.... I'm thinking he won't be the only guy traded when we make a move.

We have from what shows above more than 7 possible trade teams, as the writer (being from Chicago) didn't even mention the Bulls unloading for 2010 Free Agency.

Should bring an interesting All Star week, just for the trade watch.

desi tmac91 · Jan 19, 2010

peleincubus said:

im not sure if thats what i hope happens or not. im not sure its worth keeping yao ming at any salary. i may be wrong and hope i am if he comes back.

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If it means getting a top tier free agent then I'm all for it.

I can understand why you are worried though but I think it will be a good move.

Besides I am sure Morey won't commit to anything more than 2-3 more years with Yao and if he's coming back cheap, why not?

meh · Jan 19, 2010

Well, if Morey's really thinking that, then he's certainly not going to dump T-Mac for just any offer that comes along. And instead will weigh the cost/benefit with respect to the offseason.

And quite frankly, giving Yao extra years won't matter jack in terms of future cap room. Because we ain't gonna have any for the next few years if our new FA gets a hefty deal. This is, of course, assuming Les continues his willingness to spend money.

Pete Chilcutt · Jan 19, 2010

baller4life315 said:

Why is Sam Smith so obsessed with McGrady?
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saleem · Jan 19, 2010

Carl Herrera said:

Interesting...
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In order for that to happen,management may choose to give up Scola and Lowry. Sam Smith also hasn't factored in a possible Landry extension.Even if Yao and Bosh come together,another backup center will be needed. Yao will have a long time integrating with the team and Chuck can't handle the defensive load by himself.
We saw how easily Wade got to the rim just a few days ago. Ariza or Battier/Andersen may need to be moved in order to get one.

Depressio · Jan 20, 2010

Carl Herrera said:

Interesting...
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Said it before, sayin' it again: Never. Gonna. Happen.

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[Bulls.com/Sam Smith] Trade talks as the NBA hits halfway mark

J.R. Member

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desi tmac91 Member

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FLASH21 Heart O' Champs

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