I'm not too fond of the particular trade idea, but I have to go against the grain on a number of points. 1. It would be wise to trade Cato now. He finally earned his contract last season, but that doesn't mean the previous 2 years should be forgiven. I have my doubts that he can be as productive next season. He seems to have a mental frailty that keeps him from finding his niche. Now that he's finally found it in Rudy's system, the whole thing is turned upside down. Can he find his niche in Van Gundy's system? I'd rather not risk it. And, what better time to trade him than right after his best season, when you already have a starter at his position, and other teams are looking for defensive centers? Imo, he's a good commodity now that is a high-risk to keep. He should be traded. 2. Lafrentz is at the other end of the sine-curve from Cato. He's a guy that showed not just potential but actual promise in his first couple of years. He's been unable to find his niche in Dallas and has sucked as bad there as Cato had for us in previous years. He might suffer from the same issues as Cato, which make him a risky acquisition (especially at his price). But, we know he's a better player than he has shown in Dallas. A change of scenery would only do him good. I still don't like the trade because I don't want Lafrentz, but I don't think Lafrentz is as bad as he is described here, nor do I think Cato is as his rep currently finds him to be.
If Raef was just willing to get his nails dirty and play inside every night, he'd be one of the best centers in the league, and Dallas would be better for it. I wouldn't do the trade though. He could be a very good center, but instead he's just a tall, foul-prone, goofy looking white guy, which Dallas seems to have an abundance of.
No way do I trade Cato for Raef. I say Cato and Griffin for Ben Wallace. Wallace is perfect for us at starting PF and Backup C with MoT taking up the scoring when Ming is out. Just a thought.
when you are talking about ben wallace, realistically we'll have to trade either Stevie or Yao to get him. No way we can throw in our scrubs to get a Ben Wallace and that includes cat.
The first two...ok (not the best) But Mobley/Taylor for Grant? Wow....that's horrible Tell me, what is so special about Grant? He was a nice player 4 years ago, but come on!
I was waiting for someone to say that. Never, ever, do anything to help out the competition, especially the friggin Mavericks. If they need a center, then let's give 'em Moochie. That's the only help we should give the rivals.
I am no big fan of Raef, but I do like the Cato-Raef trade from both teams perspectives. Dallas is in most need of interior defense and a physical presence in a big man, Cato provides this much better than Raef. I agree with others Raef is soft and is foul proned--but because he can play the 4 and 5 he provides a lot of versitility for us. This is especially true because Yao is only going to consume more and more C minutes as he gets physically stronger. Having Cato at like 7-8-9 mil, who only can play Yao's 10-15 non-minutes, just isn't the best use of a high expense contract. Also, Raef is pretty good standing at the baseline 3 point line and hitting them, plus is good at getting up and down the floor for a big man--these skills could be well utilized with our team. I like the trade.
How is Raef's work ethic? If Van Gundy is the defensive guru everyone says he is, Raef might respond and be at least decent on man-defense and the boards. I'll let the coaching staff decide whether such a venture is worth trying. How long is Raef's contract for? If it's shorter than Cato's, I'd consider the trade.
It don't matter if we like the trade, or not........ 2 midwest teams will not trade with each other. PERIOD...... Especially teams in the same state, on the same highway(hwy 45)
Sac and the Spurs--who may be fighting for a title next year-- entered a trade that helped both teams. If the trade benefits you, you do it regardless of whether it benefits the Mavs or anyone else--there are 28 other teams to worry about.
if we trade Cato, it will be to the east. No way would they dare trade him to a team in the west, much less a division rival..... hmmmmm...maybe to the nets for motumbo.....that would suck....but it might be doable!!!!!!
I just wanted to remind you that Reaf signed a new contract last year that pays him more than Cato. Last year Reaf made 7.3 million for sucking on a team that desperately needed interior help. Further more, Reafs contract extends thru 07 and pays him about an average of 10 million a year. Once again I mention that Reaf could not offer the Mavs any significant interior help at either the power forward or center positions this year. As far as Reaf stepping out and hitting the three...he just could not do it last year. Don Nelson repeatedly said that he wanted to use Reafs shooting touch to pull other centers out of the paint but Reaf could not hit the open shot with any consistency. Reaf will average about 10 million a year through the course of his contract It is a 7 year deal worth 69,973,750 dollars.. With all the complaining about Moochie, Cato and MoT's contracts how could anybody even suggest bringing in someone that makes more than any of them.
Shawn Bradley only makes about 4 million a year and out performed LaFrentz last year. LaFrentz is worse than Bradley.
