Not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if Memphis explores what it can get for Darrell Arthur (a competent, "Patterson-level"(?) big man on a somewhat reasonable multi-year deal). Also, I think Prince (a great wing defender) is good insurance for Memphis in the event that another team overpays for Tony Allen this summer.
I actually think this is a 'meh' trade for Memphis. They get better defensively on the wings, they reclaim their backup big man. But if they don't score in the post now, they won't score. I know in theory Day and Prince provide good spacing. But Prince has never been a volume chucker (2.6 attempts per game is his career high); and while Daye IS a volume chucker, they lose a LOT defensively wherever he plays (3 or 4). I know Rudy Gay heaved a lot of shots up and is seriously over-rated as a consequence; but one must ask oneself WHY he attempted so many shots? Is it because there's a lack of other offence out there for the Grizz? I think this makes them much worse offensively by taking away their one perimeter threat who could create his own shot off the dribble. Even if he wasn't a great threat, he was a threat in that way. Memphis Grizzlies, bringing back the 74-72 scorelines....
I don't know if the trade is so great for memphis. Ok the are now under the tax, but they blow a championchip team to a very good team with some flexibility. Will see they next moves Memphis trade Gay, Haddadi, speights, Shelby and a 1st for Prince, Davis, Dave and cap space And nobody likes the trade for Toronto but the starting line up for the next year is: Lowry Derozan / Ross Gay / Fields Bargani / Amir Johnson / Kleiza Valanciunas / gray / Haddadi and Ross and Valanciunas has rookie contract for 3 more years And Derozan is a great asset
Or Ed Davis. Arthur already is familiar with the team and has proven that he fits well with Gasol & Randolph. Davis is a bit younger and probably has more upside than Arthur. I would think that Davis has a bit more value on the open market and Memphis probably could swap Davis for a pretty decent 3&D wing, which still could be a need going forward. We'll see. I like this trade for Pistons the most. Memphis probably did as well as they could. I actually think it could work out for the Raptors, depending on how they follow this deal up (I'd like to see them trade DeRozen & Bargnani and end up with Lowry/Ross/Gay/???/JonasV). Obviously the trade could also end up setting back the Raptors even more. Still I don't think it's as bad as some people make it out to be. The Grizzlies offense was a mess and I think Gay, much like Mayo, was anything but put in a position to succeed.
If Toronto can move Derozan for something of value then this works out well for them. Alan Anderson has been pretty good for them of late, he's a capable backup GF. Given that they are stuck with Fields, it might be time for them to get him in shape and have him and Anderson as their backup 2/3 combo. Start Ross, move DeRozan and Bargnani for something of value. Would give them Amir Johnson as that 'frontcourt bodyguard' type to help Valanciunus adjust.
Here's the secret that people don't realize about Bargnani: People like to bash Bargnani for his defense and rebounding...but he's actually not a very good offensive player either. He would easily be a worst rotation player in the league if Rivers hadn't already ran away with that honor.
Even though this may be bias cuz im persian, rockets should go after him. Trade aldrich and pfs for a star pf. Haddadi is a taller aldrich.
Memphis made out extremely well in this. Tayshaun Prince is almost as good as Gay, and a lot cheaper. Gay provides a lot more sizzle, but Prince is just as good a shooter and better on D. Toronto has no clue what they are doing.
Lowry must be elated. Not only does he get his job back, he is reunited with his best friend from the Grizzlies. Biggest winner of this trade is Lowry.
Meh, all the way around. Memphis: They did not get the bounty they expected. Ed Davis is a good NBA big man but his contract will be up soon and his minutes will be limited behind Randolph and Gasol. Prince is a good defender/glue guy that will fit with Hollins well. However they take on Prince's contract. This move seals their fate, they will not score enough to come out of the West. Toronto: Well Colangelo saved his job for the rest of this season, but sealed his own fate long term. The Raptors are starting to look like the Knicks of 5-6 years ago. Gay may marginally improve in an offense that will allow him to run and get easy baskets, but his defense will suffer and his poor decision making only will be more obvious. Pistons: in theory they did well in this deal. They get out of Prince's contract and get a huge expiring deal. The Pistons will be flush with capspace to add wings to their very talented trio of Drummond, Monroe and Knight. The problem is Dumars didn't do well last time.
Prince can't get his own shot. That's why Gay shot so much, because he could create his own shot in halfcourt sets. Sure, he's not real good at it, but he's at least twice as good as Prince in that regard. Grizzlies offence will stink.
I disagree if there's a follow up move. The reason Gay shoots so much is because Tony Allen is a horrible offensive player. Since Prince can take the role of the elite wing defender, Allen's minutes can go down and they don't actually have to play 4 on 5 all the time. But yes, they would have to add a competent wing player though. Could've been OJ Mayo if they never overpaid for Gay in the first place.
