ESPN Insider - Offseason Trades

[MikeB]

T-Mac, Carter big names on the blockBy Chad FordNBA InsiderSend an Email to Chad Ford Monday, April 19Updated: April 199:37 AM ET
Maybe it's time for David Stern to recruit Donald Trump. In the first season of the popular reality show The Apprentice, Trump took his interns to meet the venerable George Steinbrenner, who gave the kids tips on everything from buying a World Series to firing a manager. Trump was grinning like a Cheshire cat the entire time. Steinbrenner may know a thing or two about kicking people to the curb, but he has nothing on the Donald. The NBA could use some of the Donald's expertise. These days, it seems GMs are launching the soon-to-be-trademarked phrase, "You're fired!" on a weekly basis. Everyone knows coaches are the first to go in the NBA, and a record 18 have been run out of town over the past year. With as many as eight more poised to get the ax this summer, GMs are running out of heads to roll. Are the player's next? The signs are pointing to an emphatic yes. Already we've heard more trade rumors in April than we usually hear at the trade deadline. The kicker is that the names being bandied about aren't scrubs with little market value -- they are marquee players who stumbled badly on lottery teams this year. McGrady. Carter. Iverson. Brand. Abdur-Rahim. Allen. ... You're fired? The list is a who's-who of talented underachievers, and it doesn't stop with them. With the exception of the Utah Jazz, who have no real stars to trade, every lottery team is flirting with the idea of trading one of its biggest stars this summer. Who's on the block? Who's most likely to be traded? Where could they be heading? Insider has the answers ...

Tracy McGrady, SG, Magic
Tracy McGrady Shooting Guard
Orlando Magic
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
67 28.0 6.0 5.5 .417 .796


Magic GM John Weisbrod knows T-Mac can opt out of his contract after next season and likely will do so if Weisbrod can't seriously upgrade the team this summer. Without cap space, tradeable assets or a crystal ball to divine Grant Hill's health, it's becoming clearer by the day that the Magic may have no choice but to trade T-Mac now, while they can still get value back in return. McGrady says he doesn't want to leave Orlando, but right now winning is more important. If Weisbrod can't make some miracles happen this summer, look for the Magic to shift gears and attempt to get two or three young prospects (preferably a center and a point guard) in return for McGrady.Odds of trading T-Mac: 3-to-1

Vince Carter, SG, Raptors
Vince Carter Guard-Forward
Toronto Raptors
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
73 22.5 4.8 4.8 .417 .806


The Raptors' franchise is in rubble, and whomever comes in to replace ousted GM Glen Grunwald is going to have a big decision to make the minute he walks in -- should V.C. stay? Despite Carter's erratic performance and history of injuries, it's a tougher call than you'd think. Carter puts butts in the seats. He's an icon in Toronto. Could the franchise survive without him? The question on the other side of the coin is just as difficult. Can the Raptors win with him? Carter hasn't shown leadership comensurate with his salary and talent. The team is capped out, has a huge hole at center and is pretty weak at point guard. If trading Carter could help the team fill those holes, is it worth the risk? It should be the toughest call of the summer. Carter has value around the league because of his drawing power. It logically follows that you're not going to get equal star power in return.Odds of trading Carter: 5-to-1

Elton Brand, PF, Clippers
Elton Brand Power Forward
Los Angeles Clippers
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
69 20.0 10.3 3.3 .493 .773


One year after signing Brand to the biggest contract in franchise history, are the Clippers really considering trading him? The answer, according to sources around the league, is yes. L.A. was horrible down the stretch, finishing on a 3-22 run. Donald Sterling reportedly wants to add some star power to the roster this year. He's got the cap room to sign Kobe Bryant if he can lure him across the hall at the Staples Center. If he can't, expect the Clippers to make a run at a star like McGrady, Carter or Allen Iverson. Sterling understands the economics of such deals better than anyone. Guys like Iverson or Carter might not translate into more wins, but they will sell more tickets. That's all the Donald really cares about anyway.Odds of trading Brand: 3-to-1

Allen Iverson, SG, Sixers
Allen Iverson Shooting Guard
Philadelphia 76ers
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
48 26.4 3.7 6.8 .387 .745


A tumultuous season spawned year-long speculation that Iverson and the Sixers were through. After a nice offseason chat with Iverson, however, GM Billy King claims the rift already has been healed and Iverson will be back next season. We'll see. Iverson hated coach Chris Ford and was a disruptive force all season. In addition, his body is breaking down, and his trade value figures to decrease with each passing season. If the Sixers can't find a way to bring Maurice Cheeks into the fold, they're better off shopping Iverson and trying to get another center and young player in return. Would an Iverson for Brand swap work for both teams?Odds of trading AI: 6-to-1

Shareef Abdur-Rahim, PF, Blazers
Shareef Abdur-Rahim Power Forward
Portland Trail Blazers
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
85 16.3 7.5 2.0 .475 .869


This is the worst-kept secret in the league. Abdur-Rahim said he left his exit interview on Thursday with a strong sense of where the Blazers envisioned him next season: "Somewhere else," he said. With Zach Randolph firmly embedded at the four and Darius Miles set to take over at the three, the Blazers don't need Rahim. Despite a terrible second half and a history of being a player who can't win, Abdur-Rahim is attractive for several reasons. One, he's one of the few proven low-post scorers available. Two, he's a nice guy who won't make waves. Three, he's only 26 years old. Finally, and most importantly, he's entering the last year of his contract, making the risk minimal. The most obvious fit would be a swap with Seattle for Ray Allen. The Sonics have coveted Abdur-Rahim in the past and made a play for him before the February deadline. The players make the same salary, and their contracts expire at the same time. The Blazers need help in the backcourt, and the Sonics are in desperate need of front-court scoring. But before you pencil the trade in, remember that a straight-up deal would be pretty lopsided in the Blazers' favor. Allen is a better, more-valuable player. Portland would have to add more to the trade (or take back a few bad contracts) to make it work. Alternatively, Seattle could put together a trade that included a re-signed Brent Barry, Vladimir Radmanovic, Jerome James and their No. 1 for Abdur-Rahim. Another team with interest will be the Warriors, who could offer a combo of Jason Richardson, Nick Van Exel (who is entering the last year of his deal) and their No. 1 for Abdur-Rahim.Odds of trading Abdur Rahim: 2-to-1

Ray Allen, SG, Sonics
Ray Allen Shooting Guard
Seattle SuperSonics
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
56 23.0 5.1 4.8 .440 .904


The Sonics might not be willing to swap Allen straight-up for Abdur-Rahim, but it does sound like he's no longer untouchable. Allen, once considered one of the NBA's best citizens, has openly complained about Nate McMillian and the Sonics' rebuilding efforts. McMillian shot back at Allen during his season-ending press conference, questioning Allen's attitude and shot selection. The chances of a contract extension this summer no longer look that promising. Rashard Lewis, Radmanovic, James and Barry also are on the hot seat in Seattle. It appears they're on the verge of another major shake-up, with the goal of landing some low-post scoring and defensive toughness.Odds of trading Allen: 4-to-1

Shawn Marion, SF, Suns
Shawn Marion Small Forward
Phoenix Suns
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
79 19.0 9.3 2.7 .440 .851


Now that the team has been sold, the rumors about cost-cutting may stop. But if the Suns find a way to lure a player like Kobe or T-Mac, they'll likely use Marion as bait. Marion is one of the best rebounding small forwards in the league, but the team is in love with Joe Johnson, who's cheaper and more versatile. If they do land a player like Kobe or T-Mac, they'd prefer to keep Johnson (who doesn't need 20 shots a game) and rid themselves of Marion's burdensome contract. It might be the type of trade that a team like the Lakers (in a sign-and-trade) just might go for.Odds of trading Marion: 5-to-1

Jerry Stackhouse, SG, Wizards
Jerry Stackhouse Guard-Forward
Washington Wizards
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
26 13.9 3.6 4.0 .399 .806


We were all scratching our heads this summer when the Wizards, despite a pledge to get serious about rebuilding, gave Stackhouse a three-year extension. Stackhouse promptly missed most of the season with an injury, and when he got back, he struggled to fit in. Stack wants to win, and the Wizards actually like the backcourt of Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes a little better. They'll try to dangle Stack to the Bobcats, but the Cats likely will pass. A Jamal Mashburn-for-Stackhouse swap might make some sense.Odds of trading Stackhouse: 3-to-1

Jason Terry, G, Hawks
Jason Terry Point Guard
Atlanta Hawks
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
81 16.8 4.1 5.4 .417 .827


The Hawks will have just four players under contract going into the draft, and one of them, Terry, wants out in the worst way. Terry signed an offer sheet with the Jazz last summer, when he was a restricted free agent, but the Hawks matched it. Since then the relationship has been pretty rocky. The Hawks can't trade Terry without his permission until September, but securing Terry's approval shouldn't be a problem. The Pacers have interest, but the Hawks would want Al Harrington in return. That's too high a price. The Clippers may be a better fit.Odds of trading Terry: 2-to-1



Jason Richardson, SG, Warriors
Jason Richardson Shooting Guard
Golden State Warriors
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
78 18.7 6.7 2.9 .438 .684


The writing was on the wall the minute the Warriors drafted Mickael Pietrus last summer. Richardson is a big-time scorer and athlete, but he's below-average defender who can give up as many points as he scores. Pietrus isn't as polished offensively, but he's already one of the best on-the-ball defenders in the league. The fact the Warriors' front office was pushing Eric Musselman to play Pietrus down the stretch, at the expense of Richardson, is telling. It's also pretty stupid. Musselman stuck to his guns and played Richardson 40 minutes a night, and that probably salvaged Richardson's trade value. He ended up leading his team in scoring at 18.7 ppg. Someone will offer the Warriors something of value for him. With both Erick Dampier and Adonal Foyle packing their bags, a big man would be nice.Odds of trading Richardson: 4-to-1

Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Cavs
Zydrunas Ilgauskas Center
Cleveland Cavaliers
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
81 15.3 8.1 1.3 .483 .746


Before Cavs fans scream blasphemy, hear me out. Ilgauskas is heading into the last year of his contract, and GM Jim Paxson knows Z's trade value has never been higher. He's been healthy for two consecutive seasons, and his contract provides few risks at this point. Z isn't in the long-term future of the Cavs. If thy can turn him into draft picks, a veteran point guard, or just more young talent, now's the time to do it. Several Eastern Conference teams who believe they are one big man away from contending will jump at the chance to rent Ilgauskas for a season. Better to lose him now and get more building blocks for the future.Odds of trading Ilgauskas: 4-to-1

Tyson Chandler, F, Bulls
Tyson Chandler Power Forward
Chicago Bulls
Profile

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
35 6.1 7.7 0.7 .424 .669


Bulls GM John Paxson has to do something. On paper, the Bulls looked like a playoff team heading into this season, but they quickly proved to be as bad as ever. The young kids aren't panning out, the veterans have quit and head coach Scott Skiles is screaming at the wall. The Bulls will make at least one major move this summer, and all signs point to it being Chandler, the former No. 2 pick in the draft for whom the Bulls traded Brand. Chandler's bad back, inability to score and his lanky frame (he slipped below 230 pounds this season despite being 7-foot-2) will hurt his trade value. At this point, I don't think Paxson cares. If he can get a mid-level veteran who actually knows how to play, that may be enough for him. Ideally, the Bulls would love to get a veteran small forward or two guard in return, but basically they'll take anything at this point. Odds of trading Chandler: 2-to-1

[kingrex]

Well, if this guy's is a reliable source, then it seems that Chandler is tailor-made for the Mavs.

A close second would be the Z-man.

My wish list, however, would be have Elton Brand at the top.

[grbh]

A Walker plus fodder for Davis and Chandler might work for both teams.

Walker isn't really a 3, but I suspect you could give him a few minutes there. It frees up Antonio Davis' bad contract for them and lets them rent Walker for a year and see if they like him. If they do sign him to a more reasonable contract say starting at $8 a year. Even at this price the Bulls are sitting at about 32.5 in payroll. Assuming the cap grows a little to about 46 million next season that would enable them to max a player out if they wanted to.

Obviously they would still have some holes to plug, but everyone out of the playoffs in the East has holes to plug. It would give them a core of Curry, Hinrich, Walker, and a max out free agent, plus this years high draft pick.

As for the Mavs well that is prety obvious

PG: Nash/Daniels
SG: Fin/Daniels
SF: Jamison/Howard
PF: Dirk/Chandler/Davis
C: Davis/Chandler/Bradley

Now that isn't a bad 3 headed center, and Chandler has some upside. Personally I think the Bulls might be giving up on him too soon in spite of his health problems, and I think question of his work ethic. Regardless a lot of bigs take 4-5 years to develop. Particularly the real yung-uns. See Jermaine O'Neal for example. Don't get me wrong though I don't believe for a second Chandler is the next J Oneal

You have some guys who can score in Nash/Jamison/Fin and Dirk, and some who can defend in Daniels/Howard/Davis.

[kg_veteran]

The Walker/Delk for Davis/Chandler scenario is one I've been pushing for a while, and it looks more and more likely by the day.

If you do that, you might not have to make any other moves besides re-signing your own.

Nash, Fin, and Daniels in the backcourt.

Nowitzki, Howard, and Jamison at the forwards.

Davis, Chandler, and Bradley at center.

Fortson, Najera, and miscellaneous 5th guard TBD filling out the 12 man roster.

[ddh33]

Honestly, I'm holding out hope for Dampier and Nick to come to Dallas.

I think it could happen too if some things fall in to place.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
The Walker/Delk for Davis/Chandler scenario is one I've been pushing for a while, and it looks more and more likely by the day.

That's really rolling the dice - if Chandler is unable to overcome his injury woes then the Mavs have given away our best trading chip. I don't think Nellie would play Davis.

[jayC]

Wish list
1) Brand
2) Chandler
3)Big Z

Elton Brand is the one guy that can be a dominant post player on both sides of the ball not named Duncan or Shaq. Trade Walker, Daniels perhaps the fourth pick in the draft for Brand and Kenyon Dooling.

Brand/Bradley
Dirk/Fortson
Howard
Finley
Nash

Frees up players playing out of positon. And gets rid of two guys that don't play defense anyway. Two bigger players with contrasting styles then Dirk and Brand. One loves the post, the other thrives on the perimeter. Wow! Sign Nick Van Exel or GP to backup nash. We all know that nick loves it in Dallas.

[dirno2000]

That's really rolling the dice - if Chandler is unable to overcome his injury woes then the Mavs have given away our best trading chip. I don't think Nellie would play Davis.

Back problems always concern you. OTOH, how ofter do you get a shot at a 21 year old 7 foot 1 kid with a ton of talent? It's a roll of the dice, but the payoff could be huge.

[Dirkenstien]

Brand is the only name that strikes interest to me...he would fit in perfectly with this club.

[Stew3636]

If Chicago wants to take anything, give them veteran 2 in Tony Delk packaged with someone like Danny Forston. Both know how to play, and don't have bad contracts right. Then we can trade walker for someone even better, because it seems like Chicago doesn't really value Chandler at all.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: Max Power

That's really rolling the dice - if Chandler is unable to overcome his injury woes then the Mavs have given away our best trading chip. I don't think Nellie would play Davis.

If he wasn't a question mark, do you think you could get a 21 year old stud like Chandler? I don't.

If there's more out there to be had for Walker than a guy like Chandler, by all means let's do it.

As for Davis, I was kind of assuming Nellie wouldn't be here if that deal happens.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: Stew3636
If Chicago wants to take anything, give them veteran 2 in Tony Delk packaged with someone like Danny Forston. Both know how to play, and don't have bad contracts right. Then we can trade walker for someone even better, because it seems like Chicago doesn't really value Chandler at all.

I would be Savovic-shocked if Paxson was this dumb.

[kg_veteran]

Trade Walker, Daniels perhaps the fourth pick in the draft for Brand and Kenyon Dooling.

We don't have the fourth pick in the draft, so I assume you mean we trade Jamison to get it. So this is a trade of Jamison, Walker, and Daniels for Brand and Dooling? Hmmmm, the Donald MIGHT bite if the 4th pick were included, but it's doubtful Daniels is included simply because he'd have to be a sign-and-trade, which couldn't happen until after the 4th selection had been made, and then you'd most likely have BYC issues.

So what about Walker/No. 4 for Brand? Would Sterling bite? Still don't think so, because the idea of the article was that he'd use Brand as a trading chip to get a big name player like AI, Carter, or McGrady. Walker doesn't fit that bill.

Of course, if we could get Brand for Walker/Jamison, I'd be all over it.

Brand is a guy who CAN play center despite 6'9" stature, and he's a great defender, low post scorer, and rebounder.

Brand - Bradley
Nowitzki - Fortson
Howard
Finley - Daniels
Nash

Need a SF or PG to throw into the rotation and you'd be in business. Those can be found.

[MavKikiNYC]

Brand is 6.6. ... maybe 6.7.

[kg_veteran]

I just checked. Most sites have him down at 6'8", but I don't care how tall he is. All I know is that the guy puts up 20/10 and blocks over 2 shots a game. And he's incredibly efficient. He plays like a center, even if he's not as tall as one.

[Bayliss]

Not sure I would do all of that but I will say this about Brand that KG did not point out:

Besides the numbers and efficiency, he is a player that really doesn't want to be the number 1 scoring option. He plays a lot like Rasheed Wallace in that regard. He is content just "fitting in" and plugging him next to Dirk it would be a huge advantage on both ends. For they cover each other up so well. Dirk likes the mid-range to 3 point line. Brand likes down low. Brand gobbles up offensive boards while Dirk gobbles up defensive boards. Brand likes to bang defensively and Dirk likes to "help out" against guys. Dirk can take on guys on the perimeter at times and Brand can defend the post decent.

I'm not sure if it is a vertical move or a lateral move. But it would be interesting to see Dirk and Brand play off each other.

[MavKikiNYC]

KG, if they're listing Brand at 6.8, then the reports that he's 6.6 1/2 are probably correct. Brand is a very productive player, but the odds are against a team anchored by a player who's going to be outsized as Brand would be. When the wheels go, the lift will go, and the blocked shots will be a but a fleeting memory. As great as players like Cowens and Unseld were, the dominant undersized center is the NBA's dodo bird. (With defensive apologies to Ben Wallace.)

Bayliss, I think a Dirk/Brand combo would be pretty limited. While both are immensely talented players, neither is physically dominant enough to be a defensive anchor. Dirk is limited in mobility and vertical game, while Brand is simply undersized. I really can't see Brand defending O'Neal any better than Walker does or Dirk does.


Brand, if he's lucky, will probably end up like a Barkley--great individual performer, but not a champion.
In fact, I'm starting to think this may apply to Dirk as well.

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
The Walker/Delk for Davis/Chandler scenario is one I've been pushing for a while, and it looks more and more likely by the day.

.

More likely for such a trade to happen, or more likely for it to be talked about? Assuming you mean it looks more likely the trade will happen, what are the signs?

[Bayliss]

Bayliss, I think a Dirk/Brand combo would be pretty limited. While both are immensely talented players, neither is physically dominant enough to be a defensive anchor. Dirk is limited in mobility and vertical game, while Brand is simply undersized. I really can't see Brand defending O'Neal any better than Walker does or Dirk does.


Brand, if he's lucky, will probably end up like a Barkley--great individual performer, but not a champion.
In fact, I'm starting to think this may apply to Dirk as well.

But who can guard Shaq? Seriously? Perhaps Yao can but that's because he is perhaps the next generation center. And defending Shaq isn't the highest priority right now. He will be dimishing in under 2 years.

As for the great individual performer but not a champion.... it apears very likely if Nelson remains the coach.

[MavKikiNYC]

But who can guard Shaq? Seriously? Perhaps Yao can but that's because he is perhaps the next generation center. And defending Shaq isn't the highest priority right now. He will be dimishing in under 2 years.

I'd have been interested to see what a rotation of Bradley, Mutombo and Sabonis flanked by Dirk/Malone could've done against O'Neal. This was doable this year.

IMO, the most effective way to defend Shaq would be to platoon (muscle and height) against him--use 18 fouls and wear him down.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: Jeremiah

More likely for such a trade to happen, or more likely for it to be talked about? Assuming you mean it looks more likely the trade will happen, what are the signs?

The rumor was started by the Chicago papers (well, to be precise, the Walker part), and by more likely I mean that Chandler's stock appears to be dropping fast in Chicago. They know they can't get a McGrady or a Carter for Chandler; they do want to maximize his value. Walker might be it.


Kiki - I understand what you're saying about Brand, but I'd be willing to take my chances with him. He's 25, after all. Also, my recollection is that Shaq says that he's one of the best guys in the league defending against him.

[Bayliss]

But that assumes that

a) Sabonis would sign here (he said he wouldn't and never did)

b) Mutombo still has something left (apparently NY doesn't think so since he never plays)

c) Nelson starting a center/power forward together (he still hasn't done it and don't think he ever will)

[madape]

Would you trade Finley for Chandler? He seems to fit the mold of a "mid-level veteran small forward or two guard". Take on A. Davis and you get the athletic (if not somewhat decrepid) shotblocking center Nelson wants.

Does the emergence of Marquis Daniels allow you to do that trade? I kind of like the idea of playing an off-guard who can handle the rock, penetrate the lane, and post up smaller guards. Wtih J-Howard or Jamison playing big minues at the three, it's likely that we wouldn't miss Finley that much.

[kg_veteran]

I'd do it if the deal couldn't get done with Walker.

[dalmations202]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
I'd do it if the deal couldn't get done with Walker.

That would be a tough decision. Cutting the "heart" out of the Mavs might not be a good idea at all. Then again, it might finally make the team Dirks. I would have to think long and hard about that trade, and weigh whether I am sure Daniels is resigning, Chandlers back, etc. I am not sure if I would make that trade or not....just have to know more, I guess.

[MavsFanFinley]

Finley and Walker

for

Chandler, Williams, Robinson, and Davis works.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: MavsFanFinley
Finley and Walker

for

Chandler, Williams, Robinson, and Davis works.

That's a bit much for me. Now if it were Finley and Walker for those guys and their first rounder...

[grbh]

A bit much for me also. Robinson and Williams don't do a heck of a lot for me.

[MikeB]

Chicago trades: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 32.1 minutes)
PF Jerome Williams (6.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 24.1 minutes)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 22.4 minutes)
Chicago receives: SG Michael Finley (18.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 38.6 minutes)
PF Danny Fortson (3.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.1 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg in 15.4 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +7.4 ppg, -12.3 rpg, and +0.5 apg.

Dallas trades: SG Michael Finley (18.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 38.6 minutes)
PF Danny Fortson (3.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.1 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg in 15.4 minutes)
Dallas receives: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 80 games)
PF Jerome Williams (6.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 68 games)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 35 games)
Change in team outlook: -7.4 ppg, +12.3 rpg, and -0.5 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

Would you do it?

Then again this one is so much cleaner.

Chicago trades: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 32.1 minutes)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 22.4 minutes)
Chicago receives: PG Tony Delk (6.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg in 15.4 minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (14.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.5 apg in 34.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +5.1 ppg, -6.0 rpg, and +3.0 apg.

Dallas trades: PG Tony Delk (6.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg in 15.4 minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (14.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.5 apg in 34.6 minutes)
Dallas receives: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 80 games)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 35 games)
Change in team outlook: -5.1 ppg, +6.0 rpg, and -3.0 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

[MikeB]

I think I would have to do this one if we had the chance.

Chicago trades: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 32.1 minutes)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 22.4 minutes)
SG Jamal Crawford (17.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 35.1 minutes)
Chicago receives: SG Michael Finley (18.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 38.6 minutes)
SF Eduardo Najera (3.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 apg in 12.4 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg in 15.4 minutes)
Change in team outlook: -4.6 ppg, -10.6 rpg, and -3.3 apg.

Dallas trades: SG Michael Finley (18.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 38.6 minutes)
SF Eduardo Najera (3.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 apg in 12.4 minutes)
PG Tony Delk (6.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.9 apg in 15.4 minutes)
Dallas receives: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 80 games)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 35 games)
SG Jamal Crawford (17.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 80 games)
Change in team outlook: +4.6 ppg, +10.6 rpg, and +3.3 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

[kingrex]

I can't see Chicago giving away all that size.

I'd hate to lose Finley, but I'm afraid it might me necessary in this off-season in order to get a good bigman.

[dalmations202]

I don't see Finley going anywhere, unless we win the championship. If we "win it all", maybe he would want to go home to Chicago to play in front of his "home" town; but he is too old, and too close to "want" to move now to a young developing team. I don't see Mark moving him unless he wants to go.

[kingrex]

Originally posted by: dalmations202
I don't see Finley going anywhere, unless we win the championship. If we "win it all", maybe he would want to go home to Chicago to play in front of his "home" town; but he is too old, and too close to "want" to move now to a young developing team. I don't see Mark moving him unless he wants to go.

Actually, I think the opposite would be true. I believe if the Mavs won the championship, Mark would allow Finley to retire as a Mav as a reward.

If we don't win this year, I can see Cuban wanting to get trade happy again. And, since he has shown a willingness to make any trade if the deal is right, I don't think Finley will be safe after this year.

[MavsFanFinley]

I don't see Finley going anywhere, unless we win the championship. If we "win it all", maybe he would want to go home to Chicago to play in front of his "home" town; but he is too old, and too close to "want" to move now to a young developing team. I don't see Mark moving him unless he wants to go.

If you're going to keep Howard and Daniels (which are no brainers), there is no reason to hang on to Finley at all. Especially if you're keeping Jamison.

I can't see Chicago giving away all that size.

I think they would because of the length of contracts going out and they can let Walker leave after next season if things don't work out. Plus, they need to change something there.

Chicago would be looking at a starting lineup of:

Curry
Walker (Fizer)
Finley
Crawford (Dupree)
Hinrich

The problem they'd run into is signing backup/role players. Would Finley and Walker be a big enough draw to get those types of players there? Say a Brent Barry for the backcourt? They could draft a center/pf type of guy if they couldn't sign a reasonable one. Plus they could dangle Crawford to other teams to help fill out some positions.

[kingrex]

That scenario is certainly possible MavsFanFin, afterall Chicago has proven that they are willing to blow-up a team that hasn't had time to really develop yet (see the Elton Brand-Ron Artest version of the Bulls). However, will just the issue of contracts be enough to just give up on the promise that Chandler has? Do they just give up on Curry? I can see them letting Davis go, but I'm not so sure about the young guys.

I guess we'll see this off-season.

[Dirkenstien]

If it came down to it I would definitely trade Walker for a chance at Chandler although Im sure there will be many options out there when the time comes around

[kingrex]

Originally posted by: Dirkenstien
If it came down to it I would definitely trade Walker for a chance at Chandler although Im sure there will be many options out there when the time comes around

I agree in fact here's a short list of guys I wish the Mavs to consider:

1) Elton Brand
2) Shareef Abdul-Rahim
3) Eric Dampier
4) Rasheed Wallace (depending on his performance in the rest of the Playoffs).

[dalmations202]

Originally posted by: kingrex

I agree in fact here's a short list of guys I wish the Mavs to consider:

1) Elton Brand
2) Shareef Abdul-Rahim
3) Eric Dampier
4) Rasheed Wallace (depending on his performance in the rest of the Playoffs).

I agree with 3 of the 4. But not in that order.

1) Rasheed Wallace - has the outside shot Nellie wants, and plays good D. Could be the athletic 5 we need. Devastating with Dirk.
2) Elton Brand - short, but plays D, can score, and rebounds really well.
3) Chandler - young, can D, can block
4) Eric Dampier - plays a little D, bangs, can score inside a little, rebound pretty well...just a solid pickup

Shareef Abdul-Rahim - why would we want another Jamison. We already have Jamison. He is a good scorer, but plays PF only and has very little D.

The four above would be the 5, and I want Dirk back at the 4, and the 4 only. I like the way Walker has played at the 5, but these 4 above would be an improvement over Walker at the 5 IMO.

[Five-ofan]

While I understand all of the negatives about Finley, I think that people lose sight of his positive attributes when they think about trading him. He is a very good spot up shooter(with the exception of last year he has always been above 36% which is pretty darn good) If you can get an equal player for him great get rid of him but a guy that isn't good enough to play well in the east and has injury concerns? He also has character concerns which is one thing I like about the mavs, they have none except maybe walker and he isnt bad. If you can get me a magloire or even dampier for finley fine he can be gone but anything less than that is disrepectful to a player that has done so much for the franchise and still has a good bit left in the tank.

[kingrex]

I think it is because of Finley's abilities that make him so marketable. If the offer is right, I think anyone on this team should be tradeable.