DENVER -- The Denver Nuggets will trade future free agents Chauncey Billups, Ron Mercer and Johnny Taylor to the Orlando Magic for guard Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Chris Gatling, about $1 million and a first-round pick, the Denver Post is reporting on Monday night. ESPN's David Aldridge said the trade is being discussed but is not yet a done deal, although it could be completed by Tuesday. The Magic are still negotiating for a return pick from the Nuggets. WOW IF THIS DOES HAPPEN IT WILL BE AMAZING. The magic i thought liked wahad but i guess they are letting him go. The nuggets get something good because mercer was not going to sign anyway. But now the magic get stronger. Mercer is a very good player and will help alot. [This message has been edited by Francis3 (edited January 31, 2000).]
The thing is, Mercer is just an added bonus. From Orlando's standpoint, they lose Gatling's hefty salary, and now have even more space to sign a big name in the off-season. I am suprised with Wahad's departure though, he was fitting in, and was their only consistent offensive threat outside of Armstrong. I guess they needed him to balance the trade. Azim da Dream ------------------ No guts, no glory, no brain, same story.
I think this is a very good trade for Denver. I for one is not that impress with Mercer, I think Wahad is a better SG for Denver. Getting Gatling will be another fire power off the bench. If Orlando is not just swapping 1st round picks with Denver, I think Denver pulled off a great trade. Orlando got exactly what they want and I see no reason why they would want to resign Mercer. I don't think Mercer is the type of player that River likes. Does anyone think Billups still have a future in this league? I haven't seen him play much.
No Orlando pick this year for the rockets. No Orlando pick for Orlando this year. If FA doesn't help the Magic, the rockets get helped a lot by this trade.
