I would not rule out a trade of The Rocks pick (5-8) plus a cap compliant other player (like one of our recent draft picks) for another player who was drafted in the last three years. For 1999 and 1998 rookies, the trade would be straight up. For 1997 rookies, the trade would have to be a sign and trade, since those rookies are now (restricted?) free agents. I have listed players drafted below that were drafted in the last three years. I have excluded point guards (but left some 2s posing as 1s, like Billups) and most players outside of the top 10. From this list, I would not mind getting the following players (considering only realistic trades ie not for franchise players like Brand, Odom, Van Horn, Duncan): Paul Pierce Richard Hamilton The Rocks would to have to be convinced that these players will want eventually resign with them. Their current teams must also be convinced that they will likely not resign or that the players will not fit into their future plans (like Drew is to the Rocks). --- 1999 (3 years left of their rookie contracts) 1. Elton Brand 4. Lamar Odom 5. Jonathan Bender 6. Wally Szerbiak 7. Richard Hamilton 9. Shawn Marion 13. Corey Maggette 16. Ron Artest 18. James Posey 23. Devean George 25. Tim James 27. Jumaine Jones (29. Leon Smith) 1998 (2 years left on their rookie contracts) 1. Michael Olowokandi 3. Rael LaFrentz 4. Antawn Jamison 5. Vince Carter 6. Robert Traylor 8. Larry Hughes 9. Dirk Nowitzki 10. Paul Pierce 12. Michael Doleac 13. Keon Clark 14. Michael Dickerson 21. Ricky Davis 24. Felipe Lopez 25. Al Harrington 32. Rashard Lewis 1997 (rookie contracts are up) 1. Tim Duncan 2. Keith Van Horn 3. Chancy Billups 4. Antonio Daniels 5. Tony Battie 6. Ron Mercer 7. Tim Thomas 8. Adonal Foyle 9. Tracy McGrady 10. Danny Fortson 13. Derek Anderson 14. Maurice Taylor (15. Kelvin Cato - Dallas) ------------------
