Post by the original michael on May 11, 2020 6:46:12 GMT -8
Trade Frenzy Review
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest trade frenzy deals made thus far. We aren’t going to sit here and talk about the boring 1:1 swaps out there as we want to focus on the larger deals that will shape the league going forward. Let’s take a look…
Knicks Trade:
76ers 2001 1st Round Pick
Raef LaFrentz
Pacers Trade:
Robert Horry
Hakeem Olajuwon
Why it makes sense for the Knicks: The Knicks window for a title run is now. They have one of the oldest rosters in the league and had one major hole - a big man who can defend the paint. Who better to fill that hole than Hakeem Olajuwon. The 37 year old is second in the league in blocked shots and takes care of the ball, while shooting a great percentage from the field. He’s a missing piece to the championship run that the Knicks need and if the Knicks fall short this spring, it’ll be nothing but disappointment. The Knicks had to overpay a bit, dealing a potential lottery pick and Raef LaFrentz for the 37 year old, who may retire at seasons end, but it’ll all be worth it if they can take a title home to the MECCA.
Knicks Grade: B+
Why it makes sense for the Pacers: The Pacers realized they were likely not going to contend for a title this season and wanted to get some assets for the great Hakeem Olajuwon. The Pacers get a guy in Raef LaFrentz that can step up and play Center for the squad this season, however, many believe his future is at the Small Forward position with his B- C+ scoring ability and B B defense and rebounds. His future with the Pacers is definitely the small forward position. The 76ers pick is the prize of the deal, but could fall anywhere from 8-18 in the draft. The next few sims will paint a clearer picture of where the draft pick will fall and how this deal works out for the Indiana Pacers.
Pacers Grade: B+
Stephon Marbury
76ers Trade:
Jason Kidd
Why it makes sense for the 76ers: The 76ers recently traded their pick in a deal with the aforementioned New York Knicks for Jason Kidd. Last sim, Kidd went down with an injury for the rest of the season. The 76ers, sitting here without a healthy point guard and pick-less for this season, they had to make a move and they did just that, trading the injured Kidd for Stephon Marbury, who is healthy and can help them try and sneak into the playoffs. Even if Marbury and the 76ers fail to make the playoffs this year, Marbury is only 23 and will improve over the next few seasons. In the long haul, I think he’ll be better than Kidd, but time will tell.
76ers Grade: B+
Why it makes sense for the Heat: Shrewd move by kobe. He has been shopping Marbury for a few days now and finally got a deal he liked, and one that makes sense. After a recent bad sim, dropping the Heat down in the Eastern Conference Standings, the Heat decided to take a different approach. The approach? Let’s tank baby. Dealing Marbury for the injured Kidd, allows the team to continue to fall down the standings into the lottery, adding a lottery pick in 2001 to Mike Miller, Ricky Davis, and a healthy Jason Kidd in 2002. It’s a smart move. With that said, I do think Marbury is the better player in the long haul, but solid overall deal from Kobe who got a lot of shit about Marbury from the rest of the league - most of it unwarranted.
Heat Grade: B
Spurs Trade:
Kenyon Martin
Mavericks Trade:
Bonzi Wells
Mavericks 2002 1st Round Pick
Mavericks 2003 1st Round Pick
Why it makes sense for the Spurs: The San Antonio Spurs were actively shopping Keynon Martin after selecting him in the 2nd round of the creation draft. The pick drew some criticism due to Martin’s inability to rebound, but the Spurs sent him to a few camps and his rebounding his improved a bit. It still has a long way to go and he’ll never be that elite rebounder. Adding Bonzi Wells, who is a decent piece and the 2 future round picks is a decent haul. I don’t believe either of those Maverick’s picks will end up in the lottery as the Mavericks have a solid young core of Keynon Martin, Tracy McGrady, and Jermaine O’Neal. It’s tough to see those guys not developing and making the playoffs in the weak ass Western Conference over the next two years. Regardless, the Spurs cashed in and received 3 assets for 1. Rumors are there was another deal on the table with the Kings that I think would have been better, but this is a solid haul.
Spurs Grade: B
Why it makes sense for the Mavericks: The Dallas Mavericks have their cornerstone piece in Tracy McGrady and his robin in Jermaine O’Neal already. They won’t be in the lottery if these guys are camped properly and developed through training camp. It made sense for them to go out and get a piece that is more ready to help them contend in 2002 and on, and Keynon Martin is just that for the Mavericks. Add Martin with McGrady, O’Neal and their 2001 lottery pick and the Mavericks are in business. I like the move for Dallas. If Jermaine busts and doesn’t develop to be that legit 1B type player and the Western Conference improves drastically, this move could hurt the Mavericks, but I doubt that happens. A team with TMac after his camps and a few TCs should dominate. Good move.
Mavericks Grade: B+
Knicks Trade:
Mahmoud Abdul Rauf
Darvin Ham
Jazz Trade:
John Starks
Jazz 2003 2nd Round Pick
Why it makes sense for the Knicks: John Starks returns home where he belongs, New York City. For that reason alone, the Knicks get a solid grade on this deal. While I believe Chris Jackson is slightly better, the Knicks also add a 2003 2nd round pick and get an RC out of the deal. Darvin Ham is just a JAG.
Knicks Grade: B+
Why is makes sense for the Jazz: Chris Jackson, aka MAR, is an upgrade over John Starks as that first guard off the bench. MAR has elite shooting percentages and is a guy who can come off the bench and put up 20 points for you. He’s a pure volume guy, but I like Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf as he backup point guard, shooting guard for the Utah Jazz going forward.
Jazz Grade: A-
THE DRAFT PICK DEALS
Nets Trade:
Hornets 2002 1st Round Pick
Celtics Trade:
Celtics 2002 1st Round Pick
Why it makes sense for the Nets: This is a no brainer for the New Jersey Nets and Greeme. In a high risk, high reward straight swap like this, the Nets really are not risking anything. They are sending the Hornets 2002 1st, who have Alonzo Mourning, Karl Malone, and Jerry Stackhouse. Mourning should be all you need in order to make the playoffs. Even if Malone were to retire, I would think the Hornets have a great shot at still making the playoffs with Jerry Stackhouse, Alonzo Mourning and role players.
Nets Grade: A
Why it makes sense for the Celtics: The East is so fucking hard. The Celtics have a solid core of Bibby, Iverson, and Joe Smith. Add their lottery pick this year and they are in decent shape. However, will they be better than the Hornets? That’s the question right now and it’s tough to tell. Mike Bibby will need to have a great training camp and Karl Malone will need to retire to put the Celtics over the Hornets. Regardless, I don’t see Boston being that bad where they are gifting a top 5 pick here or anything like that. Worst case scenario, the Celtics sit over .500 and barely miss the playoffs. It’s a risky move, but one that could pay off for the Boston Celtics.
Celtics Grade: B
Spurs Trade:
2001 Hornets 1st
Kings Trade:
2003 Kings 1st
Why it makes sense for the Spurs: No risk, high reward for the Spurs. The 2001 Charlotte Hornets currently sit in the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference with no sign of slowing down, so it’s likely this pick will be around the end of round #1. On the flip side, the Sacramento Kings pick in 2003 likely won’t be anything special. A team with Kobe Bryant and the league surprise in Jamal Crawford, I don’t see this team falling into the lottery after this season. Those two young players are just too good at this point.
Spurs Grade: B
Why it makes sense for the Kings: The Kings are betting on themselves and I respect the fuck out of it. By trading their 2003 1st for a later pick this season, they are banking on them being elite in 2003, which I could see happening. The 2001 draft is deeper than the top heavy 2003 draft, so it makes sense. I like this deal for both parties.
Kings Grade: B
