Artest for Barry?

[MavsFanFinley]

Take it for what you will.

Artest For Barry In The Works

By PETER VECSEY

September 9, 2003 -- Energized from deporting and importing his first head coaches as president of the Pacers, Larry Bird now is eagerly in the hunt to signiture his first trade. According to someone very much in the know, serious conversation is taking place between Indiana and Seattle regarding the swap of Ron Artest (about to jump-start a 6-year, $42.7 million extension) for Brent Barry, who's in the final year (5.4M) of his contract.
Clearly, Bird and Isiah Thomas' replacement, Rick Carlisle, don't plan to allow Artest to become their problem. Keep in mind Jermaine O'Neal told teammates prior to re-signing he wouldn't return to Indy unless Ron Mercer (dealt to San Antonio), Artest and Jamaal Tinsley (in the lock and unload position) were moved.

[Big Boy Laroux]

that would be great for the pacers... not sure why seattle does this...

[Evilmav2]

This makes so much sense for Indy it hurts. Bird saying good riddance to the bad rubbish of Artest, would be more great news for the Pacer Nation...

[Big Boy Laroux]

it would make o'neal happy, it would get rid of the bad image surrounding the pacers, and would bring in a playmaker.

[madape]

Good lord. That would be insane. Barry would blow UP in Indy. Do you think Bird/Carlisle would let Barry run point? I don't know if the world is ready for that.

[dirno2000]

I think Seattle does it because Artest is more talented than Barry. They are probably desperate to add talent and give their fans hope. Despite having a great player in Ray Allen, and a good player in Lewis, I don't think they'll make the playoffs in the west. Plus it's not like they are loaded with young talent and thus hope for the future.

[jayC]

Thats a great deal for seattle the second place defensive player of the year. A guy that is a young swingman that can score as well as shut people down. Artest needs out of Indy and seattle could be the perfect place for him.

For Indiana no matter what you have to make superstars feel special, wanted. Exactly what cuban did for the mavs take away all excuses of discomfort thats what they pacers need to do. Everyone knows how much bird loves Austin Croshere after all he did sign that big contract under birds watch. As far as barry at the point i think hes better then tinsley so that works for them. The pacers could try to grab hunter or atkins from the pistons.

[Big Boy Laroux]

i find that artest is overrated due to the publicity he received from his many antics. yeah, sure, he can shut people down, by flagrant fouling them.

obviously he's good. he's an nba-caliber player. but for many reasons, this trade would be a coup for the pacers. it's not completely one-sided, but the sonics will rue the day they replaced barry with artest...