Hot Rumors: Payton to Lakers/ Kidd for Nash...

[se7en]

I just heard these rumors being discussed on Fox Sports radio on my way home. They're probably completely without merit but I thought they were interesting. And rather frightening to consider.

First they said that Gary Payton has been visiting with the Lakers for the last couple of days.

Then they said that Cuban is trying desperately to get a sign and trade worked out with the Nets for a Kidd/Nash deal.

Both of those deals are scary as hell.

Imagine these teams with those additions:

Mavs
Lakers
and then you still have the Spurs getting stronger and the Kings healthy.

Not to mention young players on the Suns, Rockets, Twolves, Sonics and Warriors.

Plus the Blazers and Jazz will still be interesting.

If these deals happen the NBA better seriously consider out of conference playoff seeding. The best East teams are a joke compared to even the simplay average West teams.

But anyhow what do you think of these rumors. They sound legit. I could see Payton taking the mid level exception for a chance at a championship with the Lakers.

Kidd for Nash is intriguing. Cuban certainly has some talent to give back to the Nets. and I'm sure the Nets would bite rather than risk losing Kidd for nothing. and if Kidd has any honor at all he'll make sure not to leave them high and dry. The question is would Kidd want to play in Dallas again? I don't see a problem. All new ownership, coaches and players since he was there.

I don't know. These rumors seem realistic to me. Thoughts.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Front page of espn.com has the kidd to dallas stuff.

http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/stein_marc/1571651.html

http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0623/1571893.html



Ther eis a lot of talk that Payton wants more than the mid level, and may try and get a sign and trade. The lakers have nothing to offer however.

 

[elindholm]

I wouldn't be too surprised to see Payton land in Los Angeles, even if it's only for the mid-level. I think it's pretty unlikely that too many teams will offer him more than that, and most of those that do won't be contenders. If it's just a couple million dollars per year difference, I think he'll go where the title shot is.

My guess is that the Kidd-to-Dallas rumor is utter fantasy. I suppose it would be Nash and LaFrentz, and maybe a pick. I don't see how it would work with other players. It's just my hunch, but this seems to feel like something that one guy made up, and everyone thought it was such a cool idea that it instantly became a full-fledged rumor. I'd be pretty surprised if there's anything real behind it.

 

[Billythekid]

I also can see Payton going to LA for the Mid. I think the only shot he has of winning a title is in LA. Surely money wouldn't be a factor at this stage of his career. I wonder if the spurs would be interested in Payton? I think SA would stick with parker. they have a nice combo of he and Speedy Claxton and seem more in need of a tall player.

A Payton/Bryant backcourt would be very dangerous

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Originally posted by Billythekid
A Payton/Bryant backcourt would be very dangerous

Also: The Kidd rumor I've heard is Kidd to the Kings for Bibby and Turkoglu.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

I also think that Payton would take a paycut to go to the lakers and a chance for a title. He has made so much money so far anyways. However, take this for what it is worth:

Payton is said to be the No. 1 free-agent choice on the Los Angeles Lakers' list, but they can only offer about a $4.5 million starting salary. Payton continues to say he is in the prime of his career and should be paid more, though he'll be 35 when next season starts.

One place Payton might be able to get paid more and a chance to get back to the NBA Finals is Indiana. He would have to agree to a sign-and-trade deal to go to the Pacers for Al Harrington, a post-up player who could give the Bucks a nice young nucleus with the point guard they'll add in the draft.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-030622smithcolumn,1,3049523.column?coll=cs-home-headlines


Also: The Kidd rumor I've heard is Kidd to the Kings for Bibby and Turkoglu.

Geoff Petrie shot that down pretty good last week. However, GMs are known for trading players they claim have no possibility of being traded. See Drew Gooden last year.

 

[Goldfield]

I would be surprised if Gary Payton doesnt sign with the Lakers(Those bastards!)

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by thegrahamcrackr
Also: The Kidd rumor I've heard is Kidd to the Kings for Bibby and Turkoglu.

Geoff Petrie shot that down pretty good last week. However, GMs are known for trading players they claim have no possibility of being traded. See Drew Gooden last year.

I saw one of the Maloof Brothers on TV last night and he said there was absolutely no truth to that rumor. He said emphatically they would not trade Mike Bibby for Jason Kidd.

Joe Mama