The Blazers and Clippers agreed this morning to swap 35-year old Marcus Camby (still one of the better defenders in the league) for Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw and cash. With Portland in dyer need of a presence at center following the season ending injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, this deal will solidify the Blazers as a solid 5-7 seed in the west.
The Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson for Josh Howard and Drew Gooden deal is going to be a huge help for the Mavericks down the stretch. Butler gives the team a more cut-throat shooter with a better all-around game, as well as some much needed help inside with Haywood. The Wizards unload some money and continue their path toward completely renovating the franchise.
The biggest name right now continues to be Amar'e Stoudemire and his possible relocation to Cleveland or Miami. Most people around the league think that if he moves it will be to the Cavs for a package that would include J.J. Hickson, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and maybe the Cavs' first round pick in the coming draft. However, Phoenix is not completely sold on a deal surrounding Hickson's potential, knowing Ilgauskas will likely be bought out and return to Cleveland. Pat Riley has also become very intrigued with the thoughts of pairing his superstar with the Suns' power forward, but understand it would likely cost Mike Beasley. All the rumors become overwhelming as the free agent deadline approaches, but Stoudemire moving appears inevitable. The fact is, Phoenix doesn't want to get nothing for Stoudemire if/when he leaves after this season. Bringing in a young guy like Hickson or Beasley is better than starting from scratch.
Why is the Cleveland package better, how is it better? Beasley is better than Hickson. Miami has better draft picks to offer, why would Phoenix even listen to the Cavs knowing with Riley has on the table? Plus, if you are Stoudemire doesn't Wade and South Beach look better than James and Cleveland...just sayin'.
If Amar'e doesn't end up on the Cleveland LeBrons expect the Cavs to look elsewhere. Possible Antawn Jameson, Troy Murphy or Corey Maggette. James needs a little more to get eye-to-eye with the L.A. Lakers, he wants Stoudemire, but acquiring any of those three would provide the boost the Cavs need.
Another possible trade exchanges Andre Iguodala for Stoudemire. Iggy gets to play along side Steve Nash, receive his perfect passes and doesn't have to lead the offense. Stoudemire becomes the face of a franchise, showcases his skills against eastern conference teams in preparation for a big pay day, but doesn't compete in playoffs. Works for Suns, I don't know if it works for STAT.
A deal gaining legs as the deadline approaches includes the Knicks and Rockets. Houston appears to be ready to cut ties with Tracy McGrady and the Knicks see the value in his expiring contract. A possible deal could swap Jarred Jeffries (6.9 million expiring) and maybe Nate Robinson for McGrady (22.5 million expiring). Robinson or Danilo Gallinari or Jordan Hill would have to be involved for this deal to happen, because the Rockets aren't going to simply give away all that money. That is the type of money that could pair Chris Bosh with Yao Ming next year. Plus, the Philadelphia 76'ers are also interested in T-Mac and have considered sending Iguodala to Houston. It would be nice if Donnie Walsh could pair Jeffries or Ed Curry with Robinson to get the McGrady expiring contract. That would all but sure up a big-time acquisition this summer for the Knicks.
By the way, everyone wants the Knicks to get James or Dwayne Wade. So do I. However, I think there is something to be said about taking another angle during this off-season. Try to get 2-3 really good players. Or one star and a great role player. A Knicks team with James, David Lee, Chandler, Gallinari and Point Guard X is better. Isn't a team with Joe Johnson, Tony Parker, David West, Lee, Chandler, etc. a better team overall? I am not sure. But there needs to be some depth in the future, we can't compete with a starting five and no bench. I would absolutely love one of the top three guys in New York next year, I just wonder how much it will really change things.
No comments:
Post a Comment