[philly.com] Some Trade Advice (HOU should try to talk Van Horn out of retirement)

The league's trade deadline is Thursday, representing the last real chance to pick up quality for the stretch drive and playoffs. Sometimes, though, the best trades are the ones you don't make, and the best moves are the ones no one notices much at all.

Here, then, in no particular order, are 10 things that 10 teams should do in the next 10 days. The trade scenarios are just that - scenarios, not facts - and are based on no kind of inside info. We're just trying to help.

The other L.A. team should push for Jason Kidd. While the Lakers have put an offer on the table, the Clippers have more assets and just as much reason to bring the veteran point guard back to the West Coast.

The Lakers, according to the New York Post, are offering a bunch of expiring contracts (Aaron McKie, Chris Mihm) and role-at-best players such as Kwame Brown and Jordan Farmar. The Clippers do better. How about Corey Maggette, Shaun Livingston, guard James Singleton, Zelko Rebraca's expiring contract and next year's No. 1 pick (lottery protected through 10, from Minnesota) for Kidd and a body such as Hassan Adams?

The Clips are desperate for some production at the point. Livingston has gotten a chance this season with Sam Cassell slowed by injuries, but his development has gone much slower than the Clips want.

The Bulls should not trade for Pau Gasol if it means giving up Luol Deng. Ben Gordon, yes. Deng, no.

No doubt that Gasol would solve Chicago's low-post problems and make the Bulls formidable in the East. But Deng looks like a superstar in the making, and Bulls general manager John Paxson is right to want to hold on to him.

You also get the feeling that the Grizzlies aren't especially desperate to get something done before Thursday's deadline. Chicago shouldn't be desperate, either. The Bulls will still have more pieces than anybody this summer to bring in the power forward they need, be it Gasol or maybe Portland's Zach Randolph.

The Wizards should hire former Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey as an assistant. The Wizards are still dreadful at getting stops (second to last in the league in points allowed, at 105.7; fifth-worst in field-goal percentage allowed, .473). Casey's specialty is at the defensive end; he shouldn't have a thing to do with Washington's high-octane offense.

No doubt a move would ruffle feathers and might make coach Eddie Jordan look over his shoulder at a potential replacement down the line. But if Washington is serious about winning, it has to get serious about defense. Now.

If Scottie Pippen is serious, the Lakers should oblige him. The 41-year-old Pippen told the Chicago Tribune on Friday that he would like to come out of retirement and play 15 minutes a night. If that's true, Phil Jackson should have the Pipster on the next thing smoking to the West Coast. They've been flirting with each other for years, but no one knows the nuances of the triangle better than Pippen, who would be a boon both to Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom. Don't know what he would have left at the defensive end, but he'd certainly be a different look for the likes of Manu Ginobili or Carmelo Anthony.

The Raptors should give Sam Mitchell a contract extension. General manager Bryan Colangelo was exactly right to want to evaluate Mitchell's performance this season before deciding whether to renew a deal. And last week, he said the time was still not right to make a final decision.

Maybe, but the uncertainty about Mitchell's future is not something that Toronto needs to deal with now that the Raptors look like they've finally jelled and turned the corner. They have a chance at a good run in the playoffs.

Mitchell should have peace of mind down the stretch, not worrying about whether Phoenix assistant Marc Iavaroni is going to get his job next year.

The Cavaliers should take a good look at Damon Stoudamire's knee. Mighty Mouse has been slowed by knee problems this season, and there is league-wide concern that the veteran point guard might be done. But Cleveland, desperate for some perimeter shooting to take pressure off of LeBron James, might need to gamble.

Cavs GM Danny Ferry has been dangling forward Drew Gooden, but the Grizzlies, obviously, have seen that movie. However, an offer of Ira Newble and former St. Joseph's forward Dwayne Jones has the correct combination of limited salary and years that might be more to the Logo's liking.

The Spurs need James Posey on that wall. San Antonio is still smart and tough and willing, but the Spurs need someone who can move if they're going to have any chance at beating Dallas and Phoenix in the playoffs. They need someone who can step out and guard Dirk Nowitzki or Shawn Marion. Posey is precisely that kind of all-around guy.

A Brent Barry-Beno Udrih offer would give Miami both three-point firepower and guard depth to bolster the injured Jason Williams and the fading Gary Payton.

The Rockets should try to talk Keith Van Horn out of retirement. No idea whether 31-year-old KVH has really hung the sneakers up for good after coming off the bench for Dallas last season, but Houston should find out. Unless he has forgotten how to shoot, he would be a perfect catch-and-release complement to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.

The Pistons should not trade Nazr Mohammed. Chris Webber has been great since coming to Detroit, but he has made no secret of his desire to play for the Lakers, which he will be able to do this summer. Dale Davis is at the end of the road. And Antonio McDyess is not a 40-minute man any more. Muhammad may not be playing now, but he's a valuable insurance policy to hold onto.

The Sixers should continue doing exactly what they're doing - playing hard. The Lottery, Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, all of that will take care of itself. Other than dealing on the periphery - the Rockets, for example, had an interest in Alan Henderson before picking up Jake Tsakalidis from Memphis last week - Billy King should ignore all calls
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URL: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/16722866.htm

Keith Van Horn??? Can someone tell me why?

 

You 're right Clutch! Thanks, dude!