Since Van Exel has been mentioned a few times, would you...

no.

I'd prefer Brent Barry, he'd be a lot cheaper, and we can trade Cato for someone else, preferably netting a better PF. It's probably a mute point, since I'll bet that Cato will be part of the T-Mac deal, if we somehow pull that off.

 

I don't think money's that big of an issue for NVE. Why would he want to stay in the pit of a team that is Golden State, when he knows he's got limited time to be a productive player in this league? I'd be shocked if he stays for whatever money he might be making. After Dallas lost that last game in the press conference, he knew he was gone and you could tell he hated it. The guy wants to win.

If Franchise is gone and we have a hole at point, I'd say we're more likely to pick up Van Exel than Barry or Ward. San Antonio has Parker and Dallas has Nash. He could actually have a large role here on a potentially championship team very soon. Why would he or we for that matter pass that up.

Does anyone still worry about his "character issues" that got so much attention in the past?

 

Van Exel is on record that he will not take MLE $ and will exercise the $11.8m player option for the 2004-05 season.

"Van Exel thus has only one season of guaranteed money left on his contract after this season. He has an option to terminate the contract this summer and become a free agent but admits that he probably can't afford to opt out, saying, "I gave up a lot of money already.""

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1726632

 

I think we should talk to Derrek Fisher's agent and see it he'll opt out. I'd rather have a young Fisher to hit the three's and dump it into Yao, than an old, very overpaid Van Exel. Or, since LA is desperate for shooters...

Houston trades: SF Eric Piatkowski (4.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.5 apg in 14.3 minutes)
Houston receives: PG Derek Fisher (7.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.3 apg in 21.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +3.0 ppg, +0.4 rpg, and +1.8 apg.

L.A. Lakers trades: PG Derek Fisher (7.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.3 apg in 21.6 minutes)
L.A. Lakers receives: SF Eric Piatkowski (4.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.5 apg in 49 games)
Change in team outlook: -3.0 ppg, -0.4 rpg, and -1.8 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

 

fisher is a tough defender and a great catch and shoot PG. he would also add vet leadership and playoff experiance.


but i still hate the guy

 

Wow... that's weak.

 

You know, I'd like to have Kareem Rush on this team. He is a pretty good shooter, although he hasn't shown it throughout his career.

He was considered a damn good shooter before being drafted, and lately has been knocking them down. He seems ti finally be getting a hold of it. He's got good size, a good shot, and a good mid-range shot.

Brian Cook is a nice player as well. He plays well in limited minutes. Would love to have these guys on the team, even if they both come off the bench. The fact that they've played wit hShaq and have been to the NBA Finals is just a bonus.

 

Weak? Giving up 6 mil or so is weak? Who'd want someone dumb enough to do that to run the team on the floor?