Figured this would start up sooner or later with the offseason coming up. Plus, I wanted to hear your thoughts on this trade. Raptors send Amir Johnson and Andrea Bargnani to the Knicks, and Linas Kleiza, Demar Derozaen, and the 8th pick to Memphis. Toronto receives Rudy Gay and Amare. Why does Toronto do it? Toronto is looking for veteran players, and has had trouble in the past selling tickets. With these guys, they can have some hype and still have enough money to fill out their bench and bring in a shooting guard. Valanciuas Amare Gay Calderon Is a pretty decent team for the East. Why do the Grizzlies do it? As we saw this year, the Grizzlies with Rudy Gay were about the same as the Grizzlies without Rudy Gay. They dump a massive contract for what worked so well in 2010- surrronding their frontcourt with a defensive roleplayer (Kleizas) plus a replacement for OJ Mayo. Furthermore, that 8th pick could net them a player similar to Rudy for a fraction of the cost. Why does New York do it? Bargnani frees up the lane for Melo and Chandler and can space the floor. His versatillity can cause mismatches, and he might excel playing next to a real center and being the number 3 option. The Knicks can also trot out a small ball lineup of Bargs-Melo-Fields-Shumpert-Lin and run like hell. Amir Johnson, though a little costly, can play backup Center or have minutes at the PF. Neither guy has the injury history Amare has. What do you think?
