From ESPN Insider: Joe Dumars has pulled the plug on hometown hero Mateen Cleaves just one year into his career. The Detroit News is reporting that the Pistons have traded Cleaves to the Kings in return for backup guard Jon Barry. The trade comes as no surprise to Cleaves, as Dumars has been shopping him all summer. What is surprising is that the Pistons didn't net that starting caliber point guard they were looking for. Barry can play some point guard, but is expected to primarily back up Jerry Stackhouse. The Pistons also came to terms with backup point-guard Dana Barros Thursday. Dumars said earlier this summer that he was disappointed with the play of both Cleaves and Chucky Atkins. At one point he made a serious attempt to get Howard Eisley from the Knicks. Because of salary disparities, the the Kings will pick up a $1.9-million trade exception they can use for the next year. The move is even more surprising for the Kings. Barry has been a key contributor off the bench the last few seasons. Also, they already have three point guards: Mike Bibby, Bobby Jackson and Brent Price. The move will open up more playing time for Hidayet Turkoglu and new rookie Gerald Wallace, both of whom looked very solid in summer league play. However, with a surplus of point guards and with several teams, including the Heat and Cavs, seeking help at the point, don't be surprised to see the Kings make one more move that gets them a legitimate big man to back up Chris Webber. With free agents like Marc Jackson, Anthony Mason and Chris Gatling still available at bargain prices, don't be surprised to see the Kings dangle Bobby Jackson in a sign-and-trade. Bobby Jackson is better trade bait than anything the Rockets could offer in hopes of acquiring another big man to play the 4/5. It would seem that the Kings would be interested in the same guys that the Rockets have a chance at getting: White, Jackson, McCoy, etc. If the above report is true, then the Rockets search for an additional big man just became more difficult.
That is very interesting. Barry was a great player for that team. I don't think that a $1.9 million exception will be entising for a team to take it however. I just think that one of those three will be on the Rockets next year.
I don't think that Bobby Jackson is that much more then the Rockets could offer. Jackson is the only guy the Kings could offer, the Rockets could offer some packages, maybe a pick. STUPID trade for the Kings. Barry was the heart, soul and fire of that team off the bench. He could play both positions in the backcourt, was a leader, was instant offense and was an energy player. I'm not saying losing him will cripple them, but he brings a lot to the table physically and mentally.
That was 2 years ago. Barry got hurt last year, and Jackson pretty much took his spot in the rotation. Kings now have Hedo waiting in the wings as a backup SG, so Jackson may end up on the block too. Sactown got 2 things out of this deal- Cleeves and reduced team salary. Mateen is insurance against Bibby leaving the team next year when his rookie deal is up. Team salary was slightly over $56M- above most of the projections I've seen for the cap penalty threshold. Now they are closer to $54M- gives 'em room to bring back Jabari Smith if they can't pull down a bigger name.
