Hornets: Davis trade rumors persist http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=fanball-hornetsdavistraderum&prov=fanball&type=lgns Hornets: Davis trade rumors persist by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com Tuesday, January 4, 2005 News The trade rumors surrounding Hornets point guard Baron Davis continue to swirl, this time with the Memphis Commercial Appeal reporting that New Orleans and Memphis are discussing a deal that would send Davis to the Griz in exchange for guard Jason Williams and forward Shane Battier. Views Apparently, the Griz refuse to part with Battier, who seems plenty replaceable, but who are we to dispute Jerry West? Davis in Memphis would be an interesting fantasy conundrum, given the current offensive focus on Pau Gasol. Baron is of course a shoot-first point guard, and that approach hasn't worked out too well for Williams in Memphis. In any case, expect the Davis rumors to continue due to New Orleans' disastrous season.
Let's trade a painful back for a pain in the back...side. NO could do better than this. Much better. (How about a 'simple' three-way: BD - Houston for TE + JW + #1, unprotected - / - BD to Clips for Brand.)
Terrible trade for N.O. No way do they make that move. Memphis balking on that deal because they dont want to give up Battier? LOL whatever! NO WAY is he a deal breaker. Dont they have Wells, Miller, Posey, Cardinal to step in if Battier is moved? That's BS. West would do that deal in a heartbeat. It is N.O. that would balk at such a crappy trade. Give West credit, he keeps trying to turn water into wine, but for some reason he keeps striking out. I think GMs are leery of dealing with him, not wanting to get the short end of the stick.
Battier is a nice role player. Solid. But not someone that is a deal breaker in terms of getting a star player added to a team. West knows this.
NO should turn down trades of this caliber, but need to be extremely wary of Davis' back. They're running a very real risk of him pulling an LJ. If that happens, they'll be holding the bag. Evan
I think it would serve both teams well to make this trade. Gasol is a really nice player, but he hasn't emerged as a go to guy. Davis would give them that. As far as New Orleans, it serves no purpose to hold on to Davis unless they have major cap room to bring in a superstar free agent next season. If they don't, they might as well get two quality players for one star who hardly plays.
You guys truly underestimate the value to the franchise of Shane Battier. Not only is he a beast of a role player but he can play 4 positions competently. He is stellar in the community, plays hard every game, plays hurt, doesn't complain about his role, and makes big shots. Posey or Wells before Battier.
I dont think anyone is saying Battier isnt a good player on or off the court. I agree that Battier > than Posey or Wells. No question. But I dont doubt for a second that West wouldnt hesitate to include him in a package deal to get a star player. As good as Battier is, he still is just a role player with a much lower ceiling.
When the f*ck did Baron Davis become a franchise level player? He would be our second best player and yes J Will+Bonzi is fair deal for him and his back problems.
