http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/321366_sonx27.html Sources: Sonics working on Ridnour trade By GARY WASHBURN P-I REPORTER The Sonics are eager to begin the restructuring of their roster and have offered the Atlanta Hawks point guard Luke Ridnour for the No. 11 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, according to three NBA sources. The Hawks have long coveted Ridnour and he could be the point guard they have sought for years. Atlanta passed on New Orleans' Chris Paul and Utah's Deron Williams in the 2005 draft in favor of Bremerton's Marvin Williams. The Hawks signed Charles "Speedy" Claxton as a free agent, but he played in just 42 games last season because of knee problems and shot 33 percent from the field. Ridnour, according to those close to him, has expected a trade since the conclusion of last season, a disappointing one for Ridnour. He averaged 11 points and 5.2 assists in 71 games and his numbers dropped considerably in the final four months of the season, when he lost playing time to Earl Watson. The deal would have to get done by the draft or the No. 11 pick turns into a salary slot and the two clubs would have to match salaries and players to complete the transaction. Atlanta also has another deal on the table from a third team for a point guard and is mulling that offer. If the Hawks accept Seattle's offer, the Sonics would own two of the first 11 picks and four of the first 35 and almost certainly would deal the No. 31 and 35 picks for perhaps another first-rounder or future picks. With the 11th pick, the Sonics could nab a point guard prospect such as Texas A&M's Acie Law, who worked out for the club earlier this month, or Georgia Tech's Javaris Crittenton, a freshman who would probably need a few years of seasoning before taking over the starting position. Either way, the trade would allow the Sonics to move in another direction at point guard. Ridnour was considered the team's point guard cornerstone when he became Gary Payton's eventual successor in 2004-05, but he had yet to reach his potential and the past two years have been plagued by bouts with confidence issues and maddening inconsistency. Atlanta is seeking a pure point guard who can serve as a distributor. The best-case scenario for the Hawks is that he turns into a Steve Nash-type who becomes a master of running their up-tempo offense. Atlanta wants to compete in the Eastern Conference immediately and taking Crittenton or freshman Mike Conley Jr. would be a pick for the future. Ridnour, 26, could be entering his prime and has proven to be a solid passer with a dependable jumper -- when he is at his best.
Let's give them Rafer... #11 pick + #26 pick + Battier could then get us quite a nice PF...or we could always just pick at #11. Ok, not so probable, but I'm bored. Can't wait for the draft to get here.
I could see this deal going down if Acie Law isn't available at #11. Considering Phoenix has their pick next year, they aren't really going to benefit from sucking again this year, so I could see wanting to improve a little quicker. The first step to making themselves respectable is resolving the point guard situation. Ridnour may not be the best point in the league, but for the short term he is better than anybody in this draft not named Mike Conley or Acie Law. Ridnour sucked a little last year, but he does have the ability to be good. With all that said, could we be that third team? Rafer had about as good a season as Ridnour. Something like Rafer, Sura and #26 for Claxton and the #11 would work. As much as we all dislike Rafer at the point, he may have some value out on the market. He did start and play major minutes for a team that had the 5th best record in the league.
I think, when it's all said and done, Ridnour will be a better PG than Law. I don't think they'll go after Conley (altho they should) because they're too far in love with Horford. I don't think it's a bad deal for ATL. It gives them a sure PG instead of allowing Billy Knight to make a decision.
The Rockets need to trade Head for Salim Stoudamire + Solomon Jones + #11. Hey, you are dealing with Billy Knight, if you dont rape him, he wont deal with you.
If i was an Atlanta fan i would want this trade. with the addition of Horford at 3, this makes them a playoff team if healthy for sure.
After last season, I'm not sold on Ridnour. I know the Sonics were team chaos with Bob Hill and a new owner, but I've soured on the guy.
Just when Atlanta looked like they might turn a corner, Knight finds a way to drag them back down. Amazing.
