I find it hard to believe the deal is strictly the Pacer's TE and a pick. Why would Atlanta need a TE with as much cap as they have? If it was just for the TE, this deal would have been done a long time ago and not dragged out like it has.
Indy basically traded Peja for Harrington. I like that trade and think Harrington is better than JH was. On the other hand, the Hornets way overpaid Peja and will regret it. They will also regret bringing on Tyson Chandler and his fat contract. Thirdly, they gave Byron Scott an extension. Three very bad off-season moves.
Agree about the Hornets. Peja is not that bad, but not good enough for $64 millio. Chandler, too, hasn't shown he's worth his contract. 100+ million dollars for two guys and you can't even guarantee making the playoffs next season.. now that's just crazy money. If the Hornets struggle, I'm looking for a mid-season firesale. Maybe CD should tuck the 4.2 mil TE away in case that happens.
But is there anyone left on that team making less than 4.2 mil that's worth aquiring. Butler? (wouldn't be so bad I guess) West? (their GM would need to get freaking committed if he drops off West in a salary dump) Pretty slim pickings after shipping out Smith and Snyder.
True... now that I looked at their salaries. However, there could be other teams in the same boat. Betting on it is probably not the thing to do, though. If CD sees a good deal now, he should make it. If nothing else, the player acquired now can be chips for future trades. One thing I wouldn't mind doing is trading Juwan for only scrap guys with expiring contracts (say, McInnis+Boki from NJ.. if they need a big man now that Boone is injured). Expiring deals and trade exceptions are handy when it comes to firesales. About the Hornets, I actually think Chandler would have been a good on this team-- he's like Chuck Hayes, only much taller-- if they figure out away to afford his salary (dumping Juwan's deal would be a start, but Les will have to be willing to pay the tax in any case).
