I would trade Yao, Stromile, and Head for Garnett and whatever else... they get a young and talented powerforward, a all-star center ( which has global appeal ) , and a future point who has confidence.
I could see Kevin McHale laughing so hard he ends up having a stroke. Wolves would FAR rather move Wally, Kandi, and the rest of the scrap heap first. The only way they move KG is if KG walks into their offices and demands to be moved and threatens to pull a TO. If that were to happen (and it hasn't happened yet), here's what they may look at: Priority 1: Prevent a mass exodus of season ticket holders by grabbing a marquee guy that sells tickets all by himself Priority 2: There's no way to get equal value, so grab as many draft picks as possible Priority 3: Send him to the East and not to a West rival Candidates: Allen Iverson, Philly - getting older, but would keep tickets moving Vince Carter, NJN - ditto Kobe Bryant, LAL - PJ may have the juice to toss him out this time Carmelo Anthony, DEN - Karl will sour on him and KG allows them to become instant contenders Yao Ming, HOU - young and marketable. But Rockets have to give up on first. Completely Out of Reach: LeBron James Dwayne Wade Not Worth It: Dirk Nowitzki - pseudo-franchise guy, still too many holes in his game Paul Pierce - step down in talent, may not be enough to keep fans Gilbert Arenas - limited marketability compared to KG Ray Allen - limited marketability compared to KG, age Ron Artest - hard sell to fans, not enough J O'Neal - clear step down Evan
Do you really believe the Heat would trade Wade for KG? That they'd even think about it? It's not always about who'd be an upgrade or not. In fact that's almost always just one of many factors. Evan
There have been persistent rumors that a Jermaine O'Neal- KG trade has been discussed. The Pacers would likely have to kick in another good player like Tinsley or Danny Granger to make Minny interested. The Pacers have the depth to do it if Minnesota will play. Not sure about KG's willingness to go to another samll market midwestern city, though he would contend. As a pacer fan I'd love it.
That deal probably will make both Yao a much better player and the Rockets a tad better team. Trade accepted. And the final result: Rockets makes the second round of the Western conference final two years in a row and bout to the the Spurs. Yao realized his potential in Minny and eventually asked to get traded to LA to pair with PJ and Kobe. PJ wins 3 more titles with Yao and Kobe.
I think your analysis is totally correct here. If KG were traded for anything less of a marketable star player than a Yao, T-Mac or LeBron there's going to be a riot here in MN. KG is the T-Wolves and T-Wolves fans are going to go apesh*t if KG isn't here as much as Rockets fans would've if the Rox traded Hakeem in the mid-90's. Also you're right that KG doesn't want to leave and is very loyal to the T-Wolves, McHale and the owner Glen Taylor.
talking about getting equal value and getting equal value are different things. what star thats been traded from one team to another has ever gotten equal value? shaq : odom, butler, brian grant tmac: francis, mobley, cato webber: kenny thomas, skinner, williamson you don't ever get equal value, no matter how much you'd like it. most of the time its the size of the contracts that preclude it from happening. if KG did get traded, it wouldn't be for equal value, it would be for expiring contracts to free up cap space and young talent that can be developed.
The trade would be too dificult to pull off since Wade has a rookie scale contract and KG makes something like $20 million. Miami would have to throw in enough additional to not make it worthwhile. If it could be Wade for Garnett straight-up, though, they'd be fools not to do it.
There are only a short list of players teams would hesitate to trade for KG: Duncan Lebron TMac If the TWolves asked for anyone else, the other team would just do it in a heartbeat.
If I'm Riles, I would only consider Shaq for Garnett, if anything. Wade is your future, and Shaq represents a (short) window for a title run. Switching Shaq for KG, you've still got a chance to grab a title. Maybe a better one since Shaq isn't the Diesel he was, even when he isn't wearing a suit. Switching Wade (and parts to make the numbers work) results in an overhaul. As you mentioned, trading Wade would mean adding other players to make up the minimum $15 you'd need to make the numbers match for the CBA. That likely means Walker, Person, Wright, and Doleac (combined $15.4). That gives the Heat a lineup of: J Williams J Posey K Garnett U Haslem S O'Neal And frankly, I don't think that's a real move up for the Heat. Wade is the engine on that squad, period. Moving Shaq for KG gives you: J Williams D Wade K Garnett U Haslem A Mourning with Walker, Posey, and Doleac off the bench. Plus, this nucleus is still all in its prime and can compete for the next several years. With Shaq, the Heat's time is rapidly running out. It's also more attractive for the Wolves. Shaq instantly puts them into the playoffs and can make everyone around him better. He'll also sell out every game at the Target Center. The poison pill for McHale is his contract, even if he does retire in two years. In the end, I stand by my original post. Offering KG to the Heat won't get Wade. Why trade a top 10 player who's 23 y/o for a top 10 player who's 6 years older and $15/yr million more expensive? Evan
KG will not be traded, unless the Wolves completely fold this year and he demands a trade. They may not be as talented as they used to be, but I still see them make the playoffs. A KG/TMac combo, IMHO, would work better for us than a TMac/Yao combo. I would trade Yao and fillers for KG if he became available. However, the chance for KG becoming available is slim at best.
Doesn't that borderline on the comments that Rush Limbaugh made about Donovan McNabb? That's a sensitive area that you just dove into, I'd be careful, could be labeled as a racist comment. Not saying it is, but some could see it as one.
