Jun. 18 - The Blazers are in desperate need of a center to battle the other Goliaths out West. Could Mutombo be in their future? The Miami Herald reported that the Blazers and Sixers are talking about a trade that would send Dale Davis and Bonzi Wells (in a sign-and-trade) to the Sixers for Mutombo. The trade would give the Blazers the shot-blocking big man they covet and the Sixers a serviceable center for the height-challenged Eastern Conference along with another explosive scorer to complement Allen Iverson.
Also from ESPN Insider: Several league sources told Insider late Tuesday that the Blazers and Clippers have worked out a deal in principle that would send the No. 12 pick in the draft to Portland for Zach Randolph and $3 million. The Blazers will use the pick to draft high school phenom Amare Stoudemire, if he's still on the board. If he's gone at No. 12, they feel that another big man, either Nene Hilario or Curtis Borchardt, will still be available. The Clippers plan to use the money to help defray the cost of bringing in their 2000 second-round pick, Marko Jaric. Jaric is reportedly seeking a contract starting at between $3 and $4 million a season.
In my opinion BOTH deals are great for Portland and not so great for the other teams. I think Philly should be asking for more than just Wells and Davis. Chris
Rocket River- Nobody is questioning whether or not having a center is important. There is however a big difference between us and Ming and Portland and Deke. Portland is trying to win it all now and Mutombo can help them next season. We are looking two to three years down the road before EG develops and adding Ming is a much bigger gamble then Mutombo (defensive POY, 10+ YEAR VET)
I think that would be a great deal for Philly. They get another legitimate scoring threat in Wells, and they get a back a center that is not all that big of a drop off from what Mutombo gives them.
Dale Davis back east can become a force again. As for Bonzi Wells he's a rising star that has a complete game and gives time for Aaron McKie to come back slowily from his shoulder surgery and come off the bench for vet leadership. 1. Stoudamire 2. Anderson 3. Pippen 4. Wallace 5. Mutombo Pretty nice starting lineup here.
The deal would be great for the Sixers. Mutombo is overrated. He is overrated on the defensive end, and he is a terrible offensive player. The Sixers would like to get rid of Mutombo's high salary, because they are well over the cap.