It helps. But Harrington is 24 year old PF who is coming off a pretty nice season (almost won the 6th man award). Indiana is not going to dump him off and not get a player in who will help them immediately (role player at least). Rumor has it that Indiana wants to find a SG to replace Miller. Again, why do they need the TE?? It won't put them under the cap. But Indiana thought it was great and their the ones that own Harrington's rights. So if they felt that a trade, with Harrington as a center piece on their end, could get them McGrady, why would they trade Al for nothing more than reduced payroll and a mid (at best) 1st rounder???
Its not about cap relief, its about owning a trade exception. It allows them a bit of flexibility in future dealings. As far as them not moving him for a lottery pick, well that could have been a by-product of Weisbrod's delaying tactics. Who knows?
So you really, honestly feel thats the best Indiana could do, is to get a TE, and a mid 1st round pick, for future dealings, for Harrington??? You really think theyd rather have this TE in their back pocket, rather than Harrington??? You really feel a TE is a more valueable trading commodity than a player like Harrington??? BTW, if the Pacers just wanted a TE, they they could just peddle Croshere (or Pollard or Foster) and a 1st rounder to a team thats under the cap. Thats what we did and thats what Sacramento did.
The MoT for Croshere is looking really good to me right now. I’m really not comfortable with Howard and Taylor at the 4. I hope the Rockets do every thing they can to make sure one of them is gone. I want to avoid the dilemma the Magic faced last season with Howard/Gooden at the 4. I think that they are redundant and that it’s a waste to have two players split minutes at one position to produce the same amount that one player can produce by themselves playing all the minutes. As for the Harrington trade. Very unlikely, but I could see MAYBE one scenario that could benefit Indiana. Indiana receives: resigned Erick Dampier (10 mil.) Houston receives: Al Harrington (5 mil.) Golden State receives: 5 mil. trade exception + Jeff Foster (5 mil.) Indiana has been rumored to be very interested in Dampier. Golden State’s owner is stingy, so he may pass on taking back 10 mil in salary and just get the replacement center for Damp. Plus, Harrington has said he needs to start and the Warriors seem happy with Murphy and Dunleavy at the forward spots. It’s a longshot, but that's one scenario where the TE would be beneficial to Indiana.
I'm not saying that is the best they could do. I'm just arguing against the impossibilty of such a thing. Also, I doubt that anyone would take on Croshere or Foster without dumping a contract of their own so I don't think its as simple as that.
Always one ass in every crowd. Thanks for taking time away from your chettos and p*rn to contribue so much positive discussion to BBS.
I never said it was impossible. I felt it didn't make sense. Trades happen from time to time that don't make sense. Teams under the cap and filling out a roster will. Look at the deals Utah made last season. Also, Indiana already has a $2 mil exception at their disposal. Harrington is a pretty sure bet to be dealt. I guess we shall see what the market is for him. I would bet that its a starting SG or another player of equal value, rather than a draft pick or a TE.
