NBA insider:trade rumours
Andre Miller just about everyone Feb. 6 - Coach Alvin Gentry feels his players have
given up on team basketball in order to pursue personal agendas to increase their
value on the free-agent market this summer. "Well, I would say we have now," Gentry
said. "Obviously, we've shown we can't win with this group [of starters]. The only
thing left is to try the other guys."
Genty's wrath has known no limits, but the focus of his frustration has centered on
Miller. After putting up all-star-caliber numbers in Cleveland last season, he has just
been awful since the New Year. Miller's ineffectivness, combined with the strong play
of rookie Marko Jaric and third-year guard Dooling, continues to fuel speculation that
Miller could be gone by the Feb. 20 trade deadline.
Several teams, including the Jazz and Nuggets plan on making a run at Miller this
summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. Will a capped out team like the
Knicks, Wizards or Magic try to beat them to the punch?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Hawks
Spurs?
Sonics
Lakers
Bulls
Heat
Nuggets Feb. 6 - Numerous GMs around the league now claim that everyone on the
Hawks' roster is available. And they mean everyone. Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff, Jason
Terry, Nazr Mohammed, rookie Dan Dickau and even the newly acquired Glenn Robinson
all have been attached to at least one trade rumor this week. Last week the hot rumor
had the Hawks talking to the Spurs about Abdur-Rahim for Steve Smith and Danny
Ferry.
However, Spurs coach Gregg Popovitch said the team doesn't want to make any deal
that would compromise the salary-cap space they have cleared to sign free agents
this summer. "We're not giving it up," Popovich told the San Antonio Express News on
Thursday. "We're not." Popovitch said the team is unwilling to take on his contract as
long as they believe they have a shot at landing free agent Jason Kidd this summer.
Of course other teams, without as much cap room this summer may still be interested.
The Lakers, who have roughly $11.3 million in salaries, could also make a deal. So could
the Sonics, who could send a package of Kenny Anderson and Vladimir Radmanovic.
The Sonics almost dealt Gary Payton for Abdur-Rahim two seasons ago. Could they get
him for much less now? The Bulls have been searching for veteran help and have
plenty of young players -- Jamal Crawford, Marcus Fizer -- to trade. If the Cavs really
want to start winning now, a combination of Tyrone Hill and Darius Miles from the
Cavaliers could jump start the process.
And don't forget the Heat and Nuggets. Abdur-Rahim is better than almost any free
agent those teams could land this summer. The Heat have Alonzo Mourning's salary
they could use to acquire Abdur-Rahim. The Nuggets have Juwan Howard's. If these
teams were willing to take on another unwieldly contract (like Henderson's or
Mohammed's) and throw in a prospect or a draft pick, would the Hawks do the deal?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Brian Grant
Heat
Sixers Feb. 6 - The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that in addition to Theo Ratliff
and Latrell Sprewell, the Sixers have at least internally shown interest in Heat forward
Brian Grant.
Coach Pat Riley is trying to find a new home for either Grant or Eddie Jones. The Heat
need to move one of the two players to get far enough under the cap to make a run
at a top tier free agent this summer. The Sixers could offer power forward Derrick
Coleman, who's in the last year of his contract. That would allow the Heat to clear an
additional $10 million in cap room next summer. If Riley can't make a move, the Heat
are looking at only $4 to $5 million in cap space next summer.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Austin Croshere
Pacers
Lakers
Warriors
Sonics
Sixers Feb. 6 - The Pacers are working the phones trying to find a home for Croshere
or Ron Mercer. They need to get at least one of those salaries off the books to have a
realistic shot at signing Jermaine O'Neal, Reggie Miller and Brad Miller this summer.
They'd prefer to move Croshere, who has struggled to get playing time because of the
team's depth at forward. O'Neal, Artest, Al Harrington and Bender are eating up all of
his minutes right now and the Pacers would love to clear that logjam. They'd also love
to dump the five years and $38 million remaining on his contract. If the Pacers could
move Croshere this fall, they'd clear an additional $7.6 million from the cap.
The Indianapolis Star, quoting an Eastern Conference GM, said the Pacers and Warriors
have been talking about a Croshere-for-Danny Fortson swap. That's surprising,
considering the Pacers have been trying to dump Croshere in return for a player with
an expiring contract.
The Lakers appear to be the other team most interested. Ideally, the Lakers would
love to add a young, athletic power forward and point guard to the roster. However,
Mitch Kupchak and company are fond of Croshere. Croshere has his real breakout
series against the Lakers in the 1999-2000 Finals. Since then he's gotten the rep as a
"Laker Killer." The Lakers are remiss to give up Robert Horry, but they probably don't
have to. While the Pacers would prefer to land Horry for their own playoff run, a combo
of Walker, Murray and Mark Madsen would be enough to get a deal done. That gives
the Pacers the cap relief they're looking for and adds another solid player to the Lakers
rotation. The Sixers, Rockets and Sonics have also shown some interest in the
forward.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Theo Ratliff
Hawks
Sixers
Raptors
Magic Feb. 6 - The Sixers are still trying to re-acquire Ratliff, but they may have run
into a snag. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Sixers ownership would allow the
team to acquire Ratliff and the remaining two years, $21 million on his contract only if
another major contract (read Keith Van Horn's) was subtracted.
That makes things much, much tougher. According to the Daily News, the Sixers did
have interest in swapping Van Horn for Knicks swingman Latrell Sprewell several weeks
ago, but nothing ever came of it. The Knicks, who are in lockdown mode concerning
taking on extra salaries, aren't in any position to swallow Van Horn's contract either.
That means the Sixers may play it safe and just let power forward Derrick Coleman's
salary come off the books this summer. Doing so would put the team out of the
luxury-tax threshold and give it a payroll of around $48 million, excluding draft picks,
next season.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Mike Miller
Magic
Grizzlies Feb. 4 - Two league sources told Insider Monday that the Grizzlies appear to
be resurrecting talks with the Magic about a Mike Miller-for-Stromile Swift swap. The
two teams have talked about this deal several times over the course of the last eight
months. However, the Magic have been reluctant to pull the trigger because of the
uncertainty surrounding Grant Hill.
So why are the Magic listening again when Hill's future has never been more hazy? The
Magic have been trying to pry away Gooden to no avail. However, the Grizzlies are
now apparently willing to include international sharp shooter Gordan Giricek to make
the Magic whole. While Giricek isn't as accomplished as Miller, he, along with Pat
Garrity, should be able to handle the workload at small forward in Hill's absence. Swift
would give the Magic the young, athletic low-post player they've coveted for a while.
While he isn't the star-caliber player they hoped to land, Swift is probably the best
young talent that's actually available.
The Grizzlies, who have a log jam at power forward with Gasol, Wright, Gooden and
Swift, have coveted Miller for a while. To make the deal work financially, the Magic
would have to throw in center Andrew DeClercq. That's great news for the Grizzlies.
DeClercq has a team option on his contract for next season. If the Grizzlies aren't
interested, they could clear over $3 million in cap space next summer by letting him go.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Latrell Sprewell
Knicks
Lakers
Sixers Feb. 3 - Just when you thought the Spree rumors were finally dead, the New
York Daily News reported Monday that the Lakers have shown interest in adding
Sprewell to the mix. The Lakers are looking for scoring and have a number of players
with expiring contracts who they could offer to the Knicks in return.
This report comes on the heels of rumors earlier in the week that the Sixers had
offered to swap Keith Van Horn for Spree. Given GM Scott Layden's "let's rebuild the
state of Utah in Manhattan" rebuilding strategy, it's amazing they didn't grab Van Horn
and immediately offer him a lifetime extension.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Pau Gasol
Grizzlies
Everyone Feb. 3 - A few more GMs commented to Insider this weekend that the
Grizzlies are putting out word that they're willing to part with either Gasol or Drew
Gooden. Whichever player brings the more lucrative bounty could be gone in the next
couple of weeks, especially if a team is willing to agree to a package deal that rids the
Grizzlies of the long-term contracts of Lorenzen Wright and Jason Williams. Jerry West
is tired of being hamstrung by the salary cap and is apparently ready to pay a big, big
price to get some flexibility this year or the next.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Antonio Davis
Raptors
Blazers
Lakers?
Sixers?
Magic? Feb. 3 - The Raptors, along with the Hawks, Magic and Heat, are among the
most active teams as the trade deadline nears. GM Glen Grunwald already has made a
pitch for the Blazers' Rasheed Wallace and the Hawks' Theo Ratliff. It's clear he is
looking for a solid, young, athletic big man to take help share the scoring burden with
Carter. His bait? Veteran big man Antonio Davis.
According to the Toronto Sun, the Raptors have been willing to listen to offers for
Davis in recent weeks. While the team has not necessarily been shopping Davis, it has
not waved away any phone calls and is pondering its options as far as Davis is
concerned. A couple of obstacles stand in the Raptors' way. Davis is 34 years old,
makes $12 million a year and has three more seasons on his contract.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Marcus Fizer
Bulls
No one now Feb. 3 - The Bulls learned this weekend that they've lost Fizer for the rest
of the season. While GM Jerry Krause continues to deny that he's shopped Fizer at all,
numerous GMs have told Insider over the past few weeks that the Bulls were still trying
to work out a big package for another young stud that included Fizer and Jamal
Crawford.
Several teams in need of low-post muscle and scoring, including the Sonics, T-Wolves,
Raptors, Heat and Magic, were interested. But with Fizer out of the mix with a torn
ACL, Krause's dreams of a big deadline deal seem to be fading quickly. After Saturday's
news, Krause engaged in a little revisionist history. "We've got 15 players we like,"
Krause told the Chicago Tribune. "We weren't looking to trade Marcus. If we add
somebody, we'd have to waive somebody and there's not a lot out there that I'd
rather have."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Elden Campbell
Hornets
Spurs
Knicks Feb. 3 - Campbell is the latest player in the last year of his contract to hit the
rumor mill. Campbell, who has struggled through injuries all season, lost his starting job
to a younger and more athletic Jamaal Magloire. The Hornets aren't expected to
re-sign him this summer and several teams have called about his availability.
Among the interested teams? The New York Daily News reports that the Hornets called
the Sonics about a possible Kenny Anderson-for-Campbell swap but were turned away.
Instead, the Sonics are trying to parlay Anderson into a young player or draft picks.
Given the Sonics' desperate need for some low-post help, this is just more evidence
that the front office is resigned to rebuilding the team. The Daily News also mentions
the Spurs and Knicks as possible destinations for Campbell.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Terrell Brandon
T-Wolves
Heat?
Blazers?
Knicks?
Bucks? Feb. 3 - According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, several teams are interested
in trading for Brandon if there's an assurance that he's going to retire. If Brandon
retires and is deemed physically unable to perform by an independent NBA doctor, his
team could apply for and receive full salary-cap relief in February 2004 (two years from
the date he was injured). That's not the immediate relief that most teams would like,
but overall, it's not too shabby.
"If you're a [luxury] taxpayer, it could be significant savings, especially if you're a
taxpayer paying $11 million over," Rob Babcock, the Wolves' vice president of player
personnel, told the Pioneer Press "If you've got him, and that takes you below the tax
bracket, you're saving $11 million-plus in taxes, plus you're saving the 80 percent in
salary [which insurance is currently paying]. So next year, it could have an $18 million
significance to your overall costs, and that's a lot of money."
Trading Brandon could be a godsend to the T-Wolves. The team has been stripped of
most of its first-round draft picks and has struggled to lure top-tier free agents to
Minnesota. Brandon, who makes $10.1 million this year, could bring back an impact
player like Latrell Sprewell, Eddie Jones, Brian Grant, Damon Stoudamire or Tim Thomas
in return. Vice President Kevin McHale said it would be difficult, but he did concede
that trading Brandon is a possibility. "Ideally, you'd like to have him playing, or if he
can't play, you'd like to be able to replace him with an equal player," McHale told the
Pioneer Press. "No matter how you slice and dice it, I think everybody would agree
that he was probably a top-10 player at his position. You'd like to be able to replace
him with another top-10 player... whether it's a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. It's hard to do."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Keith Van Horn
Sixers
Knicks
Magic Jan. 30 - That didn't take long. Apparently, four months of Van Horn is all that
Larry Brown can take. Van Horn is the latest Sixer to have his name churned through
the rumor mill. Last week it was Eric Snow and Derrick Coleman. Now, according to the
Philadelphia Inquirer, Brown has several other moves up his sleeve. According to the
Inquirer, the Sixers have talked to the Knicks about trading Van Horn for Latrell
Sprewell and to Orlando about swapping Van Horn for the injured Grant Hill.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jason Terry
Hawks
Lakers
Heat?
Blazers? Jan. 30 - The latest rumor, courtesy of the O.C. Register, has the Lakers
talking to the Hawks about trading for Terry. Hawks GM Pete Babcock acknowledged
Tuesday that he's still looking to make a deal before the trading deadline. On his
shopping list? A true point guard and some defensive help. So where does that leave
Jason Terry? "[Terry] has improved and is doing a good job," Babcock told the Atlanta
Journal Constitution. "We're a team that has committed a lot of turnovers, but those
turnovers have come from our forwards, not our point guard. Jason has kept his
turnovers at [3.2] a game."
While no one in Atlanta wants to trade Terry, he may be their only asset that can
fetch an impact player in return. And for all of the praise, privately the team still does
not believe he's the long-term answer at point guard. Unless they find a way to land a
big, physical point guard that allows Terry to play at the two, he may have to go. The
challenge will be in getting equal value in return. Right now, the word around the
league is that Babcock is trying to package Terry with some dead weight -- someone
like Alan Henderson, Nazr Mohammed or Theo Ratliff. If the Hawks aren't going to win,
ownership wants them under the luxury-tax threshold. The Hawks likely would have to
move about $4 million in salaries off the books to escape paying the tax this season.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Rasheed Wallace
Blazers
Raptors Jan. 29 - Raptors GM Glen Grunwald has been talking to the Blazers about a
deal that would ship Rasheed Wallace off to Canada, the Toronto Star reported.
According to the report, Grunwald's offer was shot down by Blazers GM Bob Whitsitt. If
nothing else, it shows that Grunwald is prepared to take extreme measures to shake up
the lowly Raptors.
The problem the Raptors face is convincing someone to take one of their big contracts
off their hands. In many ways, that's why the Wallace deal makes some sense. The
Raptors could package Antonio Davis and someone like Hakeem Olajuwon, and the
Blazers wouldn't have a problem swallowing the contracts. Davis would give the Blazers
a solid citizen and low-post presence. Wallace is the type of star the Raptors need to
help alleviate some of the pressure off Vince Carter.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Cavs
Knicks
Blazers
Jazz Jan. 27 - Ilgauskas has teams licking their chops for one reason -- when he's
healthy, he's one of the two or three best offensive centers in the league. The big
question, though, is how much longer he can stay off crutches. After missing two full
seasons with foot injuries, Ilgauskas made a miraculous comeback midway through last
season. Is there a team out there willing to take the risk?
He has been phenomenal for the Cavs through the first half, which is partly why
Cleveland wants to trade him -- his value has never been higher. Cavs GM Jim Paxson
is also concerned that the heavy minutes he logged under John Lucas's tutelage will
eventually catch up with him. Add three young centers -- DeSagana Diop, Chris Mihm
and Michael Stewart -- to the mix and you can understand the Cavs' motivation. They
need their young bigs to get more playing time and would love to be out from under
the remaining two years and $28 million of Ilgauskas's contract.
So, who is rumored to be interested? The Knicks could put together a package of
Charlie Ward, Travis Knight and Othella Harrington that would put them in the picture.
Ward only has $2 million worth of salary protection on his contract next season, Knight
has just one more year left on his deal, and Harrington's salary won't do any major cap
damage. The move would allow the Cavs to clear about $5 million in additional cap
room for next summer and $11 million of cap space for the summer of 2004.
The Jazz could also be interested, possibly shipping Greg Ostertag, John Amaechi,
Jason Collins and a No. 1 draft pick. And the Blazers, always willing to wheel and deal,
have looked at moving soon-to-be free agents Scottie Pippen and Antonio Daniels to
Cleveland for Ilguaskas, Tyrone Hill and Michael Stewart.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Drew Gooden
Grizzlies
Magic? Jan. 27 - It's hard to believe Grizzlies GM Jerry West, who proclaimed that
Gooden a legit candidate for Rookie of the Year, would pull the plug on his first draft
pick so quickly. However, the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Gooden is on the block.
The problem for the Griz right now is fit. Pau Gasol is their power forward of the future,
and Gooden has struggled to adapt to playing small forward. His struggles have led to
decreased playing time. Gooden's pouting over his role with the team hasn't helped
things. Smith suggests that the Grizzlies may be willing to rekindle talks with the
Magic. This summer, the Grizzlies were trying to get the Magic to agree to a Stromile
Swift for Mike Miller swap. Will they up the ante to Gooden for Miller?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Hidayet Turkoglu
Kings
Bulls? Jan. 27 - According to the Chicago Tribune, the Kings are looking for a
lottery-caliber draft pick in return for Turkoglu. Many in Sacramento thought Turkoglu
was poised to send Doug Christie to the bench after a solid off-season playing for the
Turkish national team, but lately Turkoglu has struggled to find minutes in a deep
rotation that includes Keon Clark and second-year guard Gerald Wallace. Turkoglu
becomes a restricted free agent after next season and according to Smith, the Kings
have spread the word that he's available.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Gary Payton
Sonics
Pacers
Blazers
Hawks
Bucks
T-Wolves
Warriors Jan. 27 - The Sonics are reeling and team president Wally Walker
acknowledged last week that the team is listening to trade offers, including ones for
veteran Gary Payton. "To say that we're listening, that means that there are people
out there that might have some interest in our players," GM Rick Sund told the Seattle
Times. "I told our players this: No one is untouchable. No one, and that's true."
Coach Nate McMillan gave even more evidence on Sunday why Payton's antics no
longer fit with the rebuilding program he's trying to put into place. McMillan feels that
his young players, especially Rashard Lewis, need to be taking control in the deciding
moments of games. Will he really get the opportunity with the ultra competitive Payton
on the floor? "If you're going to be a go-to kind of guy, the kind of guy Gary has been
for us for years, then you have to take those shots," McMillan said. "I want Rashard
taking those shots. That's what he wanted and that's what we want. You learn from
your defeats and he's no different. He'll be better the next game and the game after
that because he's taking those big shots."
Payton is in the final year of a seven-year deal and becomes an unrestricted free
agent after the season. Payton's agents made claims before the season about their
unwillingness to re-sign with Seattle after overtures for a contract extension were
denied. Even though team owner Howard Schultz has reiterated that he wants Payton
to retire a Sonic, the writing on the wall is becoming clear in Seattle -- the Sonics
aren't ready to compete right now for a championship. That means anyone not named
Rashard Lewis and Desmond Mason is expendable.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Eric Snow
Sixers
Warriors, Hawks, T-Wolves Jan. 27 - Several league sources told Insider the Sixers are
once again shopping their point guard in return for a post player. While Snow has been
a valuable piece of the Sixers puzzle, coach Larry Brown feels that he has enough
depth with Aaron McKie and rookie John Salmons to make Snow expendable. Snow's
salary ($4.1 million a year) and solid point guard play make him attractive trade bait.
Several teams are still looking for a point guard and are rumored to be interested in
Snow. The Warriors would swap Danny Fortson straight up in a heartbeat. The Hawks
likely would part with a combination of rookie Dan Dickau and Nazr Mohammed. And the
T-Wolves are ready to part ways with Joe Smith. However, whether any of those
players would help Larry Brown turn around his Sixers is questionable.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets
Sonics?
Lakers?
Bulls? Jan. 23 - Maybe Marcus Camby isn't going anywhere after all. After a month of
trade speculation swirling around the fragile center, the Denver Post is reporting that
the Nuggets have contacted Camby's agent about a potential three year extension.
"It's something I have to look into when the time is right," said Camby, whose status is
day to day after spraining his right ankle Friday in his Nuggets debut against Cleveland.
"They've definitely expressed interest to my representation. It's something I am
definitely interested in. It shows their commitment to me. They've been bending over
backward for me and trying to make sure that I'm all right. You want to be surrounded
by people like that. I haven't even played double digits in minutes yet they still think
so highly about me and my game. I like to be around people like that."
Why would the Nuggets trade him? They wouldn't mind getting his deal off their cap.
With teams like the Sonics, Bulls and Lakers looking for help down low, Camby, if he's
really healthy, would be a big coup. Not only is he a legit all-star when he isn't injured,
his contract is pretty reasonable. He has only two more years on his contract, and one
of those is a team option.
Despite his most recent comments, Camby sure acted like he was angling for a trade.
He admitted last week that he's unhappy in the current situation and wouldn't mind
being shipped off to a contender. "I'm an East Coast guy," Camby told the Denver
Post. "I grew up in Connecticut, went to school in Massachusetts and played the
majority of my pro career in New York. Coming out West in itself has been a big
adjustment for me. My whole life is on the East Coast. I'm basically out here by myself.
No family or nothing."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Tyrone Hill
Cavs
Magic
Sonics
Lakers Jan. 15 - Can Tyrone Hill help a contender? He's wondering the same thing right
now. Hill was recently benched by coach John Lucas to make way for younger players,
despite leading the team in rebounding at 9.1 rpg. "Who would be happy?" Hill told the
Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I've done everything [the organization] has wanted me to do
since training camp. If they want to put me on the bench, that's their choice. I'm not
a young guy anymore, and I wish they'd take that into consideration."
Hill will be an attractive commodity as we head toward the deadline. Hill's in the last
year of a contract worth $6 million. Coach John Lucas said Hill, a 13-year veteran, was
put into a tough situation because of the team's commitment to developing younger
players. "I'm playing the younger guys and obviously that's not going to go well [with
veterans]," Lucas told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Hill's in a contract year and I'm
sensitive to that. But Tyrone's been a professional throughout all of this."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kwame Brown
Wizards
Clippers
Magic
Bulls
Blazers Jan. 13 - Much was made last week about the Magic's offer of two first-round
draft picks for Kwame Brown. The Wizards shot the offer down. Apparently, the Magic
aren't taking no for an answer. The latest, according to the Orlando Sentinel, has the
Magic possibly throwing in Mike Miller to sweeten the deal. Gabriel believes that Brown
is a star in the making and just needs to be free of Jordan's stifling influence to
blossom. If they cannot get Brown, the Magic also like forward Etan Thomas -- at the
right price.
Brown said he is bothered by the recent wave of reports that have him mentioned in
trade talks. "I get phone calls from people who say. 'You're getting traded,' " Brown
told the Washington Post. "I get frustrated hearing it. To hear that, it's like 'They don't
want me?' " Brown said he has been assured that he won't be dealt. Coach Doug
Collins told the Washington Post last week that the team is not contemplating a
significant trade or roster move (read trading Kwame Brown) that would sacrifice the
development of its young nucleus for a potential playoff run or to appease Michael
Jordan in his last NBA season. "People are always going to speculate, but Kwame's
been better every game. We're not trading Kwame," Collins said. However a Wizards
told the Post that although they do not want to ship Kwame Brown, they would at
least think about a deal if they could acquire another young, big player, such as
Clippers forward Elton Brand.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Darius Miles
Cavs
Bulls
Raptors Jan. 13 - Coach John Lucas continues to fuel speculation that Darius Miles
may be gone. The play of Ricky Davis and rookie Dajuan Wagner continue to make
Miles look like a third wheel. "I'm not sold the three of them can play together," Lucas
said. So far, Davis and Wagner have been at their best with undrafted Smush Parker at
point guard. "I understand when Smush is on the court, the other two perform better,"
Lucas said of Davis and Wagner. "But I didn't trade my best player [Andre Miller] to
allow Smush to operate better."
While there's no truth to the rumor that he's heading to Toronto for Vince Carter, the
Bulls have been looking for a new home for Jamal Crawford ever since Jay Williams
landed in their laps. He'd be a great fit in Cleveland. With the 6-foot-2 Wagner playing
at the two, the Cavs need a big point guard to help out defensively. Crawford has the
skills and athleticism that Lucas has been looking for in his point guard. On the Chicago
side, GM Jerry Krause has coveted Miles since draft night. If the Bulls throw in a
protected No. 1 pick, would the Cavs pull the trigger?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jamal Crawford
Bulls
Cavs
Warriors
Magic
Sonics
Knicks
Wizards Jan. 13 - Crawford said he's prepared to head back to the bench, once Jay
Williams returns from injury, but he has a hard time figuring out how Williams has beat
him out for the job. "I know I can be a starter in this league," Crawford told the
Chicago Tribune. "I started last year and we were 4-2. I just have to keep playing and
accept my role. But I think we play well when I'm in the lineup." If nothing else,
Crawford's recent run is improving his trade value. However, GM Jerry Krause continues
to insist that Crawford's not going anywhere. "I've said it before and I'll say it again:
I'm not interested in trading him," Krause said.
Still, there should be plenty of interest. Crawford has been mentioned in rumors that
have him going to the Cavs as part of a Darius Miles package, to the Warriors in
exchange for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Magic, along with Marcus Fizer, for Mike Miller.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Todd MacCulloch
Sixers
Knicks
Sonics
Blazers Jan. 10 - According to the New York Daily News, the Sixers are shopping
MacCulloch around the league. The Knicks are one of several teams the Sixers have
contacted to see if there's an interest. MacCulloch, who makes $4.9 million this
season, has another four years left on his contract after this season. The Knicks have
been out searching for a legitimate big man for several years.
Other teams that have shown an interest in MacCulloch in the past may be more willing
to cut a deal. The Sonics have coveted him for some time and may be willing to do a
deal if the Sixers take one of their useless big men (Calvin Booth, Vitaly Potapenko) off
their hands. The Blazers have also been combing the catacombs for another big body
in the middle and pursued MacCulloch when he was a free agent two summer ago.
They might be willing to part with one of their extra point guards (Antonio Daniels or
Jeff McInnis) or even swingman Ruben Patterson.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kenny Anderson
Sonics
Heat
Pacers
Bucks
Raptors
Warriors
Grizzlies
Wizards Jan. 9 - Sonics coach Nate McMillan is getting sick of the Sonics lack of low
post play and the constant complaining for guard Kenny Anderson. "I've got two
free-agent point guards who want minutes," McMillan, speaking of Gary Payton and
Anderson told the Seattle Post Intelligencer, "and I've got five big men who all play
with a similar style. Until we make some moves, this is what we're going to have to
work with."
The Sonics have the silver bullet when it comes to trade talks. Anderson, who makes
$9 million a year, is in the last year of his contract. His trade value as high as just
about any all-star in the league. Teams like the Heat, Pacers, Bucks, Raptors,
T-Wolves, Warriors, Grizzlies and Wizards would bend over backwards to get their
hands on him. Not only does Anderson have the ability to help a team in the playoff
hunt right now, he almost guarantees that it'll be a player in the hot 2004 free-agent
market.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Damon Stoudamire
Blazers
Knicks?? Jan. 9 - Stoudamire, who's buried at the end of the bench in Portland, is
praying that the Knicks come and rescue him. "I would love to play here," Stoudamire
told the N.Y. Post. "New York has always been the Mecca of basketball to me, and if
that would happen, I would look forward to that." During a break in Sunday night's
Blazers-Knicks action, fans behind the Portland bench began begging for Stoudamire to
get traded to the Knicks. "I'll stay in your dog house to get here," Stoudamire
reportedly said. Stoudamire told the Oregonian this weekend that he believes his
benching is a directive from the office of team president Bob Whitsitt, not coach
Maurice Cheeks.
Don't expect the Knicks to bite. The emergence of second-round pick Milos Vujanic, a
6-foot-3 point guard from Yugoslavia, should give the team its point guard of the
future when he joins the Knicks next season. Vujanic is not only the best point guard
in Europe right now, he's Europe's best player period. Since the Knicks will be able to
sign him at a relative bargain, don't expect them to create more problems by adding
another point guard to the mix.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Robert Horry
Lakers
Grizzlies
Bucks
Heat
Pacers Jan. 8 - Over the past few seasons, the Lakers have been stubborn when it
comes to trade talk. "That's not the case this year," GM Mitch Kupchak told the L.A.
Times. Kupchak would not say he is shopping players, only that he is listening and
mulling the possibilities. "Yes, there have been conversations regarding personnel," he
said. "As we get closer to the February deadline, there will be more."
Despite all the commentary to the contrary, the Lakers do have assets. Robert Horry is
basically in the last year of his contract because of a team option on his final season.
Samaki Walker, Tracy Murray and Mark Madsen are also in the last year of their deals.
In the NBA, there is no better currency. Combine their salaries and the Lakers have
$11.3 million in very marketable assets.
If Kupchak can convince owner Jerry Buss to spend the money, and if he can talk
Jackson into shaking up the roster, the Lakers can be players. How great would Brian
Grant look in Laker gold? Or what about Tim Thomas? Or a combination of Toni Kukoc
and Anthony Mason? The Pacers would part with Austin Croshere and Ron Mercer. And
some combination of Stromile Swift and Lorenzen Wright may fit the bill in Memphis as
Jerry West tries to get his team under the cap.
Andre Miller just about everyone Feb. 6 - Coach Alvin Gentry feels his players have
given up on team basketball in order to pursue personal agendas to increase their
value on the free-agent market this summer. "Well, I would say we have now," Gentry
said. "Obviously, we've shown we can't win with this group [of starters]. The only
thing left is to try the other guys."
Genty's wrath has known no limits, but the focus of his frustration has centered on
Miller. After putting up all-star-caliber numbers in Cleveland last season, he has just
been awful since the New Year. Miller's ineffectivness, combined with the strong play
of rookie Marko Jaric and third-year guard Dooling, continues to fuel speculation that
Miller could be gone by the Feb. 20 trade deadline.
Several teams, including the Jazz and Nuggets plan on making a run at Miller this
summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. Will a capped out team like the
Knicks, Wizards or Magic try to beat them to the punch?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Hawks
Spurs?
Sonics
Lakers
Bulls
Heat
Nuggets Feb. 6 - Numerous GMs around the league now claim that everyone on the
Hawks' roster is available. And they mean everyone. Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff, Jason
Terry, Nazr Mohammed, rookie Dan Dickau and even the newly acquired Glenn Robinson
all have been attached to at least one trade rumor this week. Last week the hot rumor
had the Hawks talking to the Spurs about Abdur-Rahim for Steve Smith and Danny
Ferry.
However, Spurs coach Gregg Popovitch said the team doesn't want to make any deal
that would compromise the salary-cap space they have cleared to sign free agents
this summer. "We're not giving it up," Popovich told the San Antonio Express News on
Thursday. "We're not." Popovitch said the team is unwilling to take on his contract as
long as they believe they have a shot at landing free agent Jason Kidd this summer.
Of course other teams, without as much cap room this summer may still be interested.
The Lakers, who have roughly $11.3 million in salaries, could also make a deal. So could
the Sonics, who could send a package of Kenny Anderson and Vladimir Radmanovic.
The Sonics almost dealt Gary Payton for Abdur-Rahim two seasons ago. Could they get
him for much less now? The Bulls have been searching for veteran help and have
plenty of young players -- Jamal Crawford, Marcus Fizer -- to trade. If the Cavs really
want to start winning now, a combination of Tyrone Hill and Darius Miles from the
Cavaliers could jump start the process.
And don't forget the Heat and Nuggets. Abdur-Rahim is better than almost any free
agent those teams could land this summer. The Heat have Alonzo Mourning's salary
they could use to acquire Abdur-Rahim. The Nuggets have Juwan Howard's. If these
teams were willing to take on another unwieldly contract (like Henderson's or
Mohammed's) and throw in a prospect or a draft pick, would the Hawks do the deal?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Brian Grant
Heat
Sixers Feb. 6 - The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that in addition to Theo Ratliff
and Latrell Sprewell, the Sixers have at least internally shown interest in Heat forward
Brian Grant.
Coach Pat Riley is trying to find a new home for either Grant or Eddie Jones. The Heat
need to move one of the two players to get far enough under the cap to make a run
at a top tier free agent this summer. The Sixers could offer power forward Derrick
Coleman, who's in the last year of his contract. That would allow the Heat to clear an
additional $10 million in cap room next summer. If Riley can't make a move, the Heat
are looking at only $4 to $5 million in cap space next summer.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Austin Croshere
Pacers
Lakers
Warriors
Sonics
Sixers Feb. 6 - The Pacers are working the phones trying to find a home for Croshere
or Ron Mercer. They need to get at least one of those salaries off the books to have a
realistic shot at signing Jermaine O'Neal, Reggie Miller and Brad Miller this summer.
They'd prefer to move Croshere, who has struggled to get playing time because of the
team's depth at forward. O'Neal, Artest, Al Harrington and Bender are eating up all of
his minutes right now and the Pacers would love to clear that logjam. They'd also love
to dump the five years and $38 million remaining on his contract. If the Pacers could
move Croshere this fall, they'd clear an additional $7.6 million from the cap.
The Indianapolis Star, quoting an Eastern Conference GM, said the Pacers and Warriors
have been talking about a Croshere-for-Danny Fortson swap. That's surprising,
considering the Pacers have been trying to dump Croshere in return for a player with
an expiring contract.
The Lakers appear to be the other team most interested. Ideally, the Lakers would
love to add a young, athletic power forward and point guard to the roster. However,
Mitch Kupchak and company are fond of Croshere. Croshere has his real breakout
series against the Lakers in the 1999-2000 Finals. Since then he's gotten the rep as a
"Laker Killer." The Lakers are remiss to give up Robert Horry, but they probably don't
have to. While the Pacers would prefer to land Horry for their own playoff run, a combo
of Walker, Murray and Mark Madsen would be enough to get a deal done. That gives
the Pacers the cap relief they're looking for and adds another solid player to the Lakers
rotation. The Sixers, Rockets and Sonics have also shown some interest in the
forward.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Theo Ratliff
Hawks
Sixers
Raptors
Magic Feb. 6 - The Sixers are still trying to re-acquire Ratliff, but they may have run
into a snag. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Sixers ownership would allow the
team to acquire Ratliff and the remaining two years, $21 million on his contract only if
another major contract (read Keith Van Horn's) was subtracted.
That makes things much, much tougher. According to the Daily News, the Sixers did
have interest in swapping Van Horn for Knicks swingman Latrell Sprewell several weeks
ago, but nothing ever came of it. The Knicks, who are in lockdown mode concerning
taking on extra salaries, aren't in any position to swallow Van Horn's contract either.
That means the Sixers may play it safe and just let power forward Derrick Coleman's
salary come off the books this summer. Doing so would put the team out of the
luxury-tax threshold and give it a payroll of around $48 million, excluding draft picks,
next season.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Mike Miller
Magic
Grizzlies Feb. 4 - Two league sources told Insider Monday that the Grizzlies appear to
be resurrecting talks with the Magic about a Mike Miller-for-Stromile Swift swap. The
two teams have talked about this deal several times over the course of the last eight
months. However, the Magic have been reluctant to pull the trigger because of the
uncertainty surrounding Grant Hill.
So why are the Magic listening again when Hill's future has never been more hazy? The
Magic have been trying to pry away Gooden to no avail. However, the Grizzlies are
now apparently willing to include international sharp shooter Gordan Giricek to make
the Magic whole. While Giricek isn't as accomplished as Miller, he, along with Pat
Garrity, should be able to handle the workload at small forward in Hill's absence. Swift
would give the Magic the young, athletic low-post player they've coveted for a while.
While he isn't the star-caliber player they hoped to land, Swift is probably the best
young talent that's actually available.
The Grizzlies, who have a log jam at power forward with Gasol, Wright, Gooden and
Swift, have coveted Miller for a while. To make the deal work financially, the Magic
would have to throw in center Andrew DeClercq. That's great news for the Grizzlies.
DeClercq has a team option on his contract for next season. If the Grizzlies aren't
interested, they could clear over $3 million in cap space next summer by letting him go.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Latrell Sprewell
Knicks
Lakers
Sixers Feb. 3 - Just when you thought the Spree rumors were finally dead, the New
York Daily News reported Monday that the Lakers have shown interest in adding
Sprewell to the mix. The Lakers are looking for scoring and have a number of players
with expiring contracts who they could offer to the Knicks in return.
This report comes on the heels of rumors earlier in the week that the Sixers had
offered to swap Keith Van Horn for Spree. Given GM Scott Layden's "let's rebuild the
state of Utah in Manhattan" rebuilding strategy, it's amazing they didn't grab Van Horn
and immediately offer him a lifetime extension.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Pau Gasol
Grizzlies
Everyone Feb. 3 - A few more GMs commented to Insider this weekend that the
Grizzlies are putting out word that they're willing to part with either Gasol or Drew
Gooden. Whichever player brings the more lucrative bounty could be gone in the next
couple of weeks, especially if a team is willing to agree to a package deal that rids the
Grizzlies of the long-term contracts of Lorenzen Wright and Jason Williams. Jerry West
is tired of being hamstrung by the salary cap and is apparently ready to pay a big, big
price to get some flexibility this year or the next.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Antonio Davis
Raptors
Blazers
Lakers?
Sixers?
Magic? Feb. 3 - The Raptors, along with the Hawks, Magic and Heat, are among the
most active teams as the trade deadline nears. GM Glen Grunwald already has made a
pitch for the Blazers' Rasheed Wallace and the Hawks' Theo Ratliff. It's clear he is
looking for a solid, young, athletic big man to take help share the scoring burden with
Carter. His bait? Veteran big man Antonio Davis.
According to the Toronto Sun, the Raptors have been willing to listen to offers for
Davis in recent weeks. While the team has not necessarily been shopping Davis, it has
not waved away any phone calls and is pondering its options as far as Davis is
concerned. A couple of obstacles stand in the Raptors' way. Davis is 34 years old,
makes $12 million a year and has three more seasons on his contract.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Marcus Fizer
Bulls
No one now Feb. 3 - The Bulls learned this weekend that they've lost Fizer for the rest
of the season. While GM Jerry Krause continues to deny that he's shopped Fizer at all,
numerous GMs have told Insider over the past few weeks that the Bulls were still trying
to work out a big package for another young stud that included Fizer and Jamal
Crawford.
Several teams in need of low-post muscle and scoring, including the Sonics, T-Wolves,
Raptors, Heat and Magic, were interested. But with Fizer out of the mix with a torn
ACL, Krause's dreams of a big deadline deal seem to be fading quickly. After Saturday's
news, Krause engaged in a little revisionist history. "We've got 15 players we like,"
Krause told the Chicago Tribune. "We weren't looking to trade Marcus. If we add
somebody, we'd have to waive somebody and there's not a lot out there that I'd
rather have."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Elden Campbell
Hornets
Spurs
Knicks Feb. 3 - Campbell is the latest player in the last year of his contract to hit the
rumor mill. Campbell, who has struggled through injuries all season, lost his starting job
to a younger and more athletic Jamaal Magloire. The Hornets aren't expected to
re-sign him this summer and several teams have called about his availability.
Among the interested teams? The New York Daily News reports that the Hornets called
the Sonics about a possible Kenny Anderson-for-Campbell swap but were turned away.
Instead, the Sonics are trying to parlay Anderson into a young player or draft picks.
Given the Sonics' desperate need for some low-post help, this is just more evidence
that the front office is resigned to rebuilding the team. The Daily News also mentions
the Spurs and Knicks as possible destinations for Campbell.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Terrell Brandon
T-Wolves
Heat?
Blazers?
Knicks?
Bucks? Feb. 3 - According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, several teams are interested
in trading for Brandon if there's an assurance that he's going to retire. If Brandon
retires and is deemed physically unable to perform by an independent NBA doctor, his
team could apply for and receive full salary-cap relief in February 2004 (two years from
the date he was injured). That's not the immediate relief that most teams would like,
but overall, it's not too shabby.
"If you're a [luxury] taxpayer, it could be significant savings, especially if you're a
taxpayer paying $11 million over," Rob Babcock, the Wolves' vice president of player
personnel, told the Pioneer Press "If you've got him, and that takes you below the tax
bracket, you're saving $11 million-plus in taxes, plus you're saving the 80 percent in
salary [which insurance is currently paying]. So next year, it could have an $18 million
significance to your overall costs, and that's a lot of money."
Trading Brandon could be a godsend to the T-Wolves. The team has been stripped of
most of its first-round draft picks and has struggled to lure top-tier free agents to
Minnesota. Brandon, who makes $10.1 million this year, could bring back an impact
player like Latrell Sprewell, Eddie Jones, Brian Grant, Damon Stoudamire or Tim Thomas
in return. Vice President Kevin McHale said it would be difficult, but he did concede
that trading Brandon is a possibility. "Ideally, you'd like to have him playing, or if he
can't play, you'd like to be able to replace him with an equal player," McHale told the
Pioneer Press. "No matter how you slice and dice it, I think everybody would agree
that he was probably a top-10 player at his position. You'd like to be able to replace
him with another top-10 player... whether it's a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. It's hard to do."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Keith Van Horn
Sixers
Knicks
Magic Jan. 30 - That didn't take long. Apparently, four months of Van Horn is all that
Larry Brown can take. Van Horn is the latest Sixer to have his name churned through
the rumor mill. Last week it was Eric Snow and Derrick Coleman. Now, according to the
Philadelphia Inquirer, Brown has several other moves up his sleeve. According to the
Inquirer, the Sixers have talked to the Knicks about trading Van Horn for Latrell
Sprewell and to Orlando about swapping Van Horn for the injured Grant Hill.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jason Terry
Hawks
Lakers
Heat?
Blazers? Jan. 30 - The latest rumor, courtesy of the O.C. Register, has the Lakers
talking to the Hawks about trading for Terry. Hawks GM Pete Babcock acknowledged
Tuesday that he's still looking to make a deal before the trading deadline. On his
shopping list? A true point guard and some defensive help. So where does that leave
Jason Terry? "[Terry] has improved and is doing a good job," Babcock told the Atlanta
Journal Constitution. "We're a team that has committed a lot of turnovers, but those
turnovers have come from our forwards, not our point guard. Jason has kept his
turnovers at [3.2] a game."
While no one in Atlanta wants to trade Terry, he may be their only asset that can
fetch an impact player in return. And for all of the praise, privately the team still does
not believe he's the long-term answer at point guard. Unless they find a way to land a
big, physical point guard that allows Terry to play at the two, he may have to go. The
challenge will be in getting equal value in return. Right now, the word around the
league is that Babcock is trying to package Terry with some dead weight -- someone
like Alan Henderson, Nazr Mohammed or Theo Ratliff. If the Hawks aren't going to win,
ownership wants them under the luxury-tax threshold. The Hawks likely would have to
move about $4 million in salaries off the books to escape paying the tax this season.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Rasheed Wallace
Blazers
Raptors Jan. 29 - Raptors GM Glen Grunwald has been talking to the Blazers about a
deal that would ship Rasheed Wallace off to Canada, the Toronto Star reported.
According to the report, Grunwald's offer was shot down by Blazers GM Bob Whitsitt. If
nothing else, it shows that Grunwald is prepared to take extreme measures to shake up
the lowly Raptors.
The problem the Raptors face is convincing someone to take one of their big contracts
off their hands. In many ways, that's why the Wallace deal makes some sense. The
Raptors could package Antonio Davis and someone like Hakeem Olajuwon, and the
Blazers wouldn't have a problem swallowing the contracts. Davis would give the Blazers
a solid citizen and low-post presence. Wallace is the type of star the Raptors need to
help alleviate some of the pressure off Vince Carter.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Cavs
Knicks
Blazers
Jazz Jan. 27 - Ilgauskas has teams licking their chops for one reason -- when he's
healthy, he's one of the two or three best offensive centers in the league. The big
question, though, is how much longer he can stay off crutches. After missing two full
seasons with foot injuries, Ilgauskas made a miraculous comeback midway through last
season. Is there a team out there willing to take the risk?
He has been phenomenal for the Cavs through the first half, which is partly why
Cleveland wants to trade him -- his value has never been higher. Cavs GM Jim Paxson
is also concerned that the heavy minutes he logged under John Lucas's tutelage will
eventually catch up with him. Add three young centers -- DeSagana Diop, Chris Mihm
and Michael Stewart -- to the mix and you can understand the Cavs' motivation. They
need their young bigs to get more playing time and would love to be out from under
the remaining two years and $28 million of Ilgauskas's contract.
So, who is rumored to be interested? The Knicks could put together a package of
Charlie Ward, Travis Knight and Othella Harrington that would put them in the picture.
Ward only has $2 million worth of salary protection on his contract next season, Knight
has just one more year left on his deal, and Harrington's salary won't do any major cap
damage. The move would allow the Cavs to clear about $5 million in additional cap
room for next summer and $11 million of cap space for the summer of 2004.
The Jazz could also be interested, possibly shipping Greg Ostertag, John Amaechi,
Jason Collins and a No. 1 draft pick. And the Blazers, always willing to wheel and deal,
have looked at moving soon-to-be free agents Scottie Pippen and Antonio Daniels to
Cleveland for Ilguaskas, Tyrone Hill and Michael Stewart.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Drew Gooden
Grizzlies
Magic? Jan. 27 - It's hard to believe Grizzlies GM Jerry West, who proclaimed that
Gooden a legit candidate for Rookie of the Year, would pull the plug on his first draft
pick so quickly. However, the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Gooden is on the block.
The problem for the Griz right now is fit. Pau Gasol is their power forward of the future,
and Gooden has struggled to adapt to playing small forward. His struggles have led to
decreased playing time. Gooden's pouting over his role with the team hasn't helped
things. Smith suggests that the Grizzlies may be willing to rekindle talks with the
Magic. This summer, the Grizzlies were trying to get the Magic to agree to a Stromile
Swift for Mike Miller swap. Will they up the ante to Gooden for Miller?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Hidayet Turkoglu
Kings
Bulls? Jan. 27 - According to the Chicago Tribune, the Kings are looking for a
lottery-caliber draft pick in return for Turkoglu. Many in Sacramento thought Turkoglu
was poised to send Doug Christie to the bench after a solid off-season playing for the
Turkish national team, but lately Turkoglu has struggled to find minutes in a deep
rotation that includes Keon Clark and second-year guard Gerald Wallace. Turkoglu
becomes a restricted free agent after next season and according to Smith, the Kings
have spread the word that he's available.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Gary Payton
Sonics
Pacers
Blazers
Hawks
Bucks
T-Wolves
Warriors Jan. 27 - The Sonics are reeling and team president Wally Walker
acknowledged last week that the team is listening to trade offers, including ones for
veteran Gary Payton. "To say that we're listening, that means that there are people
out there that might have some interest in our players," GM Rick Sund told the Seattle
Times. "I told our players this: No one is untouchable. No one, and that's true."
Coach Nate McMillan gave even more evidence on Sunday why Payton's antics no
longer fit with the rebuilding program he's trying to put into place. McMillan feels that
his young players, especially Rashard Lewis, need to be taking control in the deciding
moments of games. Will he really get the opportunity with the ultra competitive Payton
on the floor? "If you're going to be a go-to kind of guy, the kind of guy Gary has been
for us for years, then you have to take those shots," McMillan said. "I want Rashard
taking those shots. That's what he wanted and that's what we want. You learn from
your defeats and he's no different. He'll be better the next game and the game after
that because he's taking those big shots."
Payton is in the final year of a seven-year deal and becomes an unrestricted free
agent after the season. Payton's agents made claims before the season about their
unwillingness to re-sign with Seattle after overtures for a contract extension were
denied. Even though team owner Howard Schultz has reiterated that he wants Payton
to retire a Sonic, the writing on the wall is becoming clear in Seattle -- the Sonics
aren't ready to compete right now for a championship. That means anyone not named
Rashard Lewis and Desmond Mason is expendable.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Eric Snow
Sixers
Warriors, Hawks, T-Wolves Jan. 27 - Several league sources told Insider the Sixers are
once again shopping their point guard in return for a post player. While Snow has been
a valuable piece of the Sixers puzzle, coach Larry Brown feels that he has enough
depth with Aaron McKie and rookie John Salmons to make Snow expendable. Snow's
salary ($4.1 million a year) and solid point guard play make him attractive trade bait.
Several teams are still looking for a point guard and are rumored to be interested in
Snow. The Warriors would swap Danny Fortson straight up in a heartbeat. The Hawks
likely would part with a combination of rookie Dan Dickau and Nazr Mohammed. And the
T-Wolves are ready to part ways with Joe Smith. However, whether any of those
players would help Larry Brown turn around his Sixers is questionable.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets
Sonics?
Lakers?
Bulls? Jan. 23 - Maybe Marcus Camby isn't going anywhere after all. After a month of
trade speculation swirling around the fragile center, the Denver Post is reporting that
the Nuggets have contacted Camby's agent about a potential three year extension.
"It's something I have to look into when the time is right," said Camby, whose status is
day to day after spraining his right ankle Friday in his Nuggets debut against Cleveland.
"They've definitely expressed interest to my representation. It's something I am
definitely interested in. It shows their commitment to me. They've been bending over
backward for me and trying to make sure that I'm all right. You want to be surrounded
by people like that. I haven't even played double digits in minutes yet they still think
so highly about me and my game. I like to be around people like that."
Why would the Nuggets trade him? They wouldn't mind getting his deal off their cap.
With teams like the Sonics, Bulls and Lakers looking for help down low, Camby, if he's
really healthy, would be a big coup. Not only is he a legit all-star when he isn't injured,
his contract is pretty reasonable. He has only two more years on his contract, and one
of those is a team option.
Despite his most recent comments, Camby sure acted like he was angling for a trade.
He admitted last week that he's unhappy in the current situation and wouldn't mind
being shipped off to a contender. "I'm an East Coast guy," Camby told the Denver
Post. "I grew up in Connecticut, went to school in Massachusetts and played the
majority of my pro career in New York. Coming out West in itself has been a big
adjustment for me. My whole life is on the East Coast. I'm basically out here by myself.
No family or nothing."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Tyrone Hill
Cavs
Magic
Sonics
Lakers Jan. 15 - Can Tyrone Hill help a contender? He's wondering the same thing right
now. Hill was recently benched by coach John Lucas to make way for younger players,
despite leading the team in rebounding at 9.1 rpg. "Who would be happy?" Hill told the
Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I've done everything [the organization] has wanted me to do
since training camp. If they want to put me on the bench, that's their choice. I'm not
a young guy anymore, and I wish they'd take that into consideration."
Hill will be an attractive commodity as we head toward the deadline. Hill's in the last
year of a contract worth $6 million. Coach John Lucas said Hill, a 13-year veteran, was
put into a tough situation because of the team's commitment to developing younger
players. "I'm playing the younger guys and obviously that's not going to go well [with
veterans]," Lucas told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Hill's in a contract year and I'm
sensitive to that. But Tyrone's been a professional throughout all of this."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kwame Brown
Wizards
Clippers
Magic
Bulls
Blazers Jan. 13 - Much was made last week about the Magic's offer of two first-round
draft picks for Kwame Brown. The Wizards shot the offer down. Apparently, the Magic
aren't taking no for an answer. The latest, according to the Orlando Sentinel, has the
Magic possibly throwing in Mike Miller to sweeten the deal. Gabriel believes that Brown
is a star in the making and just needs to be free of Jordan's stifling influence to
blossom. If they cannot get Brown, the Magic also like forward Etan Thomas -- at the
right price.
Brown said he is bothered by the recent wave of reports that have him mentioned in
trade talks. "I get phone calls from people who say. 'You're getting traded,' " Brown
told the Washington Post. "I get frustrated hearing it. To hear that, it's like 'They don't
want me?' " Brown said he has been assured that he won't be dealt. Coach Doug
Collins told the Washington Post last week that the team is not contemplating a
significant trade or roster move (read trading Kwame Brown) that would sacrifice the
development of its young nucleus for a potential playoff run or to appease Michael
Jordan in his last NBA season. "People are always going to speculate, but Kwame's
been better every game. We're not trading Kwame," Collins said. However a Wizards
told the Post that although they do not want to ship Kwame Brown, they would at
least think about a deal if they could acquire another young, big player, such as
Clippers forward Elton Brand.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Darius Miles
Cavs
Bulls
Raptors Jan. 13 - Coach John Lucas continues to fuel speculation that Darius Miles
may be gone. The play of Ricky Davis and rookie Dajuan Wagner continue to make
Miles look like a third wheel. "I'm not sold the three of them can play together," Lucas
said. So far, Davis and Wagner have been at their best with undrafted Smush Parker at
point guard. "I understand when Smush is on the court, the other two perform better,"
Lucas said of Davis and Wagner. "But I didn't trade my best player [Andre Miller] to
allow Smush to operate better."
While there's no truth to the rumor that he's heading to Toronto for Vince Carter, the
Bulls have been looking for a new home for Jamal Crawford ever since Jay Williams
landed in their laps. He'd be a great fit in Cleveland. With the 6-foot-2 Wagner playing
at the two, the Cavs need a big point guard to help out defensively. Crawford has the
skills and athleticism that Lucas has been looking for in his point guard. On the Chicago
side, GM Jerry Krause has coveted Miles since draft night. If the Bulls throw in a
protected No. 1 pick, would the Cavs pull the trigger?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jamal Crawford
Bulls
Cavs
Warriors
Magic
Sonics
Knicks
Wizards Jan. 13 - Crawford said he's prepared to head back to the bench, once Jay
Williams returns from injury, but he has a hard time figuring out how Williams has beat
him out for the job. "I know I can be a starter in this league," Crawford told the
Chicago Tribune. "I started last year and we were 4-2. I just have to keep playing and
accept my role. But I think we play well when I'm in the lineup." If nothing else,
Crawford's recent run is improving his trade value. However, GM Jerry Krause continues
to insist that Crawford's not going anywhere. "I've said it before and I'll say it again:
I'm not interested in trading him," Krause said.
Still, there should be plenty of interest. Crawford has been mentioned in rumors that
have him going to the Cavs as part of a Darius Miles package, to the Warriors in
exchange for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Magic, along with Marcus Fizer, for Mike Miller.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Todd MacCulloch
Sixers
Knicks
Sonics
Blazers Jan. 10 - According to the New York Daily News, the Sixers are shopping
MacCulloch around the league. The Knicks are one of several teams the Sixers have
contacted to see if there's an interest. MacCulloch, who makes $4.9 million this
season, has another four years left on his contract after this season. The Knicks have
been out searching for a legitimate big man for several years.
Other teams that have shown an interest in MacCulloch in the past may be more willing
to cut a deal. The Sonics have coveted him for some time and may be willing to do a
deal if the Sixers take one of their useless big men (Calvin Booth, Vitaly Potapenko) off
their hands. The Blazers have also been combing the catacombs for another big body
in the middle and pursued MacCulloch when he was a free agent two summer ago.
They might be willing to part with one of their extra point guards (Antonio Daniels or
Jeff McInnis) or even swingman Ruben Patterson.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kenny Anderson
Sonics
Heat
Pacers
Bucks
Raptors
Warriors
Grizzlies
Wizards Jan. 9 - Sonics coach Nate McMillan is getting sick of the Sonics lack of low
post play and the constant complaining for guard Kenny Anderson. "I've got two
free-agent point guards who want minutes," McMillan, speaking of Gary Payton and
Anderson told the Seattle Post Intelligencer, "and I've got five big men who all play
with a similar style. Until we make some moves, this is what we're going to have to
work with."
The Sonics have the silver bullet when it comes to trade talks. Anderson, who makes
$9 million a year, is in the last year of his contract. His trade value as high as just
about any all-star in the league. Teams like the Heat, Pacers, Bucks, Raptors,
T-Wolves, Warriors, Grizzlies and Wizards would bend over backwards to get their
hands on him. Not only does Anderson have the ability to help a team in the playoff
hunt right now, he almost guarantees that it'll be a player in the hot 2004 free-agent
market.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Damon Stoudamire
Blazers
Knicks?? Jan. 9 - Stoudamire, who's buried at the end of the bench in Portland, is
praying that the Knicks come and rescue him. "I would love to play here," Stoudamire
told the N.Y. Post. "New York has always been the Mecca of basketball to me, and if
that would happen, I would look forward to that." During a break in Sunday night's
Blazers-Knicks action, fans behind the Portland bench began begging for Stoudamire to
get traded to the Knicks. "I'll stay in your dog house to get here," Stoudamire
reportedly said. Stoudamire told the Oregonian this weekend that he believes his
benching is a directive from the office of team president Bob Whitsitt, not coach
Maurice Cheeks.
Don't expect the Knicks to bite. The emergence of second-round pick Milos Vujanic, a
6-foot-3 point guard from Yugoslavia, should give the team its point guard of the
future when he joins the Knicks next season. Vujanic is not only the best point guard
in Europe right now, he's Europe's best player period. Since the Knicks will be able to
sign him at a relative bargain, don't expect them to create more problems by adding
another point guard to the mix.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Robert Horry
Lakers
Grizzlies
Bucks
Heat
Pacers Jan. 8 - Over the past few seasons, the Lakers have been stubborn when it
comes to trade talk. "That's not the case this year," GM Mitch Kupchak told the L.A.
Times. Kupchak would not say he is shopping players, only that he is listening and
mulling the possibilities. "Yes, there have been conversations regarding personnel," he
said. "As we get closer to the February deadline, there will be more."
Despite all the commentary to the contrary, the Lakers do have assets. Robert Horry is
basically in the last year of his contract because of a team option on his final season.
Samaki Walker, Tracy Murray and Mark Madsen are also in the last year of their deals.
In the NBA, there is no better currency. Combine their salaries and the Lakers have
$11.3 million in very marketable assets.
If Kupchak can convince owner Jerry Buss to spend the money, and if he can talk
Jackson into shaking up the roster, the Lakers can be players. How great would Brian
Grant look in Laker gold? Or what about Tim Thomas? Or a combination of Toni Kukoc
and Anthony Mason? The Pacers would part with Austin Croshere and Ron Mercer. And
some combination of Stromile Swift and Lorenzen Wright may fit the bill in Memphis as
Jerry West tries to get his team under the cap.
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