Duncan is still young and a known quantity. The #1 pick will be an unknown and a work in progress. Cato and Taylor are moved because they are deemed as expendable and add nothing of real value to the trade package. KT and the #1 are the only things of value from the Houston side and that is not near enough to land Duncan. A similar scenario (disregard CBA rules for this example): <i> Golden State lands the #1 pick and offers the #1 + Dampier + Hughes (new contract) + choice of Foyle/Fortson for Steve Francis with a Max contract. </i> Is that a fair offer for Francis? Mango
The only way the Spurs even think about trading Duncan is if he specifically tells the team he wants out. I dont think he will do that. But if he does #1 pick (Rockets win the lottery) # 15 Eddie Griffin Kenny Thomas Kelvin Cato and lots and lots of beer for the Spurs fans!
Well, I hope for the Spurs' sake they learn from other teams and keep their draft picks. Granted, they'll be drafting pretty low for a while, but they can still find quality players in the bottom half of the draft, particularly with all the foreign players making themselves available now (i.e. Tony Parker). Just look at this year's draft, (assuming they have a 1st rounder) they could possibly add a Vincent Yarborough or Tayshaun Prince to their roster. Not bad.
I'd take that deal in a heartbeat. Dampier is a solid center, Hughes could be an all-star (though not a PG (something he has in common with Francis )), Fortson is an excellent POWER forward, and the #1 may land you another all-star in Jay Williams or Ming. Nevertheless, Francis is not a top 3 player like Duncan, so I agree with you that the #1 pick + KT + crap for Duncan would be laughed at by San Antonio.
Looking back into the Hakeem to the raptors proposition a few yrs ago, was it that oneside? The number 5, christie and willis for hakeem. Right now it seems we would have been better off trading him while he had value instead of waiting , but hindsight is 20/20. That number 5 plus christie,and willis sure looks good now.
I think the Spurs are in an excellent position. Don't forget there is another guy out there that will be a free agent ... J. O'Neal ... Duncan may have to move to center but the Spurs would have a younger version of the Twin Towers. Not to mention Parker, and Ginobili. I'm pretty anxious to see what that Ginobili kid has. From what I've heard he has amazing hops and may compete in the Dunk Contest once he comes to the states. I don't think they should go after Kidd. Instead get O'Neal, and add a shooter or two like Piakowski, or even Reggie Miller who will also be a free agent. As stated the Spurs will have a ton of cap room after signing Duncan to the max. Should be fun watching all the Texas teams battle it out for next 10 years or so.
