thegrahamcrackr
Registered User
Mavs owner Mark Cuban is tired of reading about Jason Kidd's bridesmaid complaints. At least Kidd was invited to the wedding.
Cuban, like too many of us, suffered through the painful NBA Finals wondering what things would've been like had the flashier more up-tempo Mavs been running with the Nets.
"It was painful to watch," Cuban told the Dallas Morning News. "The only thing I take away is that we let a golden opportunity slip away. Some things went our way, and went against us, during the playoffs, but it was inches away, and we let it slip away."
The Mavs have two of just about everything, but until they get a low-post bruiser to rebound, defend and draw a double-team in the post, Cuban might have to keep sitting at home watching the Finals on his giant HDTV.
So expect the Mavs to be among the most aggressive players in the free agent and trade markets. They need power, size and attitude, and they're willing to give up a player or two to get it.
But Cuban won't be the only one trying to shake things up this summer. The Spurs will be adding $14 million worth of top players to the roster. The Lakers have promised to be aggressive in the free-agent market. The Blazers are expected to blow things up. The Nuggets will add a top lottery pick and as many as two high-priced free agents. Jeff Van Gundy has some definite ideas of how to improve the Rockets. The Jazz might finally part ways with Karl Malone and spend some money on a few good men. Jerry West is determined to get his Grizzlies up to speed. The T-Wolves are anxiously trying to make a deal that will convince Kevin Garnett to stick around.
And that's just the Western Conference.
Of course, with a few exceptions, most teams aren't going to be able to get things done with free-agent dollars alone. Teams can't outbid each other with their mid-level exceptions. But they can offer more if they can convince a team to pull a sign-and-trade.
That's why, capped out or not, everyone has some hope going into the offseason.
"I think when we start the season, the West will be just as wide open as it was last year," Cuban said. "It will be interesting to see if the Spurs keep all their free agents, as well as who they bring in. Remember, most big-time free agents don't move with cap room, they move with sign-and-trades. So it will be a very interesting summer."
Sign-and-trades aren't the only things that make teams better. Last year a whopping 10 first-round draft picks were traded right before the draft or on draft night. In 2001, there were eight first-round draft picks traded, and don't forget the Jason Kidd-for-Stephon Marbury deal and the Mike Bibby-for-Jason Williams swap.
All of that means it may be time to sound the alarm -- the NBA trading season is once again open for business. Here's a look at who should keep their bags packed in the Western Conference. On Friday we'll break down the East.
Dallas Mavericks
On the Block: Raef LaFrentz
The Skinny: The Mavs have to do something about that gaping hole in the middle of their defense. No one available when they draft -- pick No. 29 -- is going to give them the immediate help they need. Teams will try to pry away one of the Big 3 (Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Michael Finley), but LaFrentz is probably as far as the Mavs will be willing to go. Rumors about a Raptors deal -- LaFrentz and Avery Johnson for Antonio Davis -- seems to be mostly speculation. The Raptors are trying to move Davis, but they're not thrilled about taking back a bad contract. Besides, nothing can happen on that front until July 31, because of base year issues with LaFrentz. Another possibility is a sign-and-trade that sends Heat free agent Alonzo Mourning to Dallas for LaFrentz.
Denver Nuggets
On the Block: Marcus Camby
The Skinny: They are in a rebuilding state of mind, and Camby isn't. Camby was the victim of a draft-night trade last year and could suffer the same fate again this year. The team will try to bring in two top-tier free agents this summer and mesh them with the their core of young players. If Michael Olowokandi makes it onto the list, Camby's gone for sure. One rumor to watch: Several league sources told Insider the Kings would be willing to part with Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson in return for Camby, Ryan Bowen and the No. 3 pick in the draft. That could be tempting to the Nuggets.
Golden State Warriors
On the Block: Danny Fortson, Erick Dampier, Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The Skinny: The Warriors tried to move Fortson all last season. Would they be able to package their No. 11 pick along with Fortson to get it done this year? They also have their eyes on Gary Payton this summer, if Gilbert Arenas leaves.
Houston Rockets
On the Block: Glen Rice, Cuttino Mobley
The Skinny: There's already been talk about a possible Rice-for-Glenn Robinson deal. Now that Rice is in the last year of his contract, he should be easy to move. The Rockets also will see what value Mobley can bring on the trade market. New coach Jeff Van Gundy wants to bring in a bigger, more experienced player to play alongside Francis. Would he go after Latrell Sprewell?
Los Angeles Clippers
On the Block: ???
The Skinny: They've pulled off big draft-day deals the last three years. Will they make it four? The problem is, they don't have much to trade. Eight of their top players are free agents this year. So ... can we start the bidding on Quentin Richardson before they lose him to free agency too?
Los Angeles Lakers
On the Block: Devean George, Derek Fisher
The Skinny: The Lakers want to shake things up this summer, but how? Unless they offer either Shaq or Kobe (they won't) the best they have to work with is George and Fisher. What could a guy like George get them on the trade market? The T-Wolves would swap Joe Smith for George in a heartbeat.
Memphis Grizzlies
On the Block: Wesley Person. Maybe Stromile Swift and Shane Battier.
The Skinny: The Grizzlies are trying to get better now. The most recent rumor, via the Chicago Tribune, has them dangling Wesley Person and the No. 13 pick in the draft for the Bulls' No. 7 pick. Tempting. But not only does it not work cap-wise, but the Grizzlies would be giving up an extra $7.7 million in cap room next summer (yes Person is making that much next season). Other reports have suggested Stromile Swift or Shane Battier could be had. The Grizzlies vehemently deny it. Of course, they also denied they would trade Drew Gooden, right up until the time they sent him to Disney World.
Minnesota Timberwolves
On the Block: Joe Smith
The Skinny: If the Lakers really are willing to take Smith off Minnesota's hands, the T-Wolves should jump at the chance. Smith and George need a change of scenery in the worst way. The trade would do both of them a big, big favor.
Phoenix Suns
On the Block: Ummm ...
The Skinny: For the first time in a long time, we're not hearing any Penny Hardaway rumors. What gives? The backcourt of Stephon Marbury and Hardaway clicked last season, when Hardaway was healthy. The Suns would like to get more playing time for Joe Johnson and Casey Jacobsen, but right now Hardaway's still holding them off.
Portland Trail Blazers
On the Block: Rasheed Wallace, Dale Davis, Ruben Patterson
The Skinny: The rumor that's been floating for weeks has the Blazers sending Wallace to the Raptors for Antonio Davis, Hakeem Olajuwon (expiring contract) and the No. 4 pick in the draft. Wallace's value is two-fold. Not only is he one of the top power forwards in the country when he's not serving suspensions, but his $17 million contract comes off the books next year. According to one source, the Heat also would be willing to play ball for Wallace. Their offer? Brian Grant, Anthony Carter and the No. 5 pick.
Sacramento Kings
On the Block: Hedo Turkoglu and Peja Stojakovic. Maybe Mike Bibby.
The Skinny: The rumors of Mike Bibby and Hedo Turkoglu going to the Nets in a sign-and-trade for Jason Kidd took on a life of their own this week. If you're Geoff Petrie, you pull the trigger on that in a heartbeat. However, the Kings appear to be active right now on a number of fronts. There's talk of a swap with Denver that would send Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson to the Nuggets for Marcus Camby, Ryan Bowen and the No. 3 pick. There's also talk of the Kings shipping Turkoglu to the Bulls for Dalibor Bagaric and the No. 7 pick. Something will happen in Sacramento. There's a lot of smoke there, and, at the very least, it looks like they're willing to move Turkoglu. The Pistons and Blazers have also shown interest.
San Antonio Spurs
On the Block: Tony Parker?
The Skinny: They only have five players under contract for next season, and the Spurs aren't inclined to trade any of them. Instead, expect the Spurs to stock up via free agency and the draft. Of course if Jason Kidd decides to come to town, that could change. Instead of playing Kidd and Tony Parker together in the backcourt, they'd be better off trading Parker and getting some more size in return.
Seattle SuperSonics
On the Block: Brent Barry, Vladimir Radmanovic, Calvin Booth
The Skinny: The Sonics need a power forward and point guard in the worst way. While their two first-round picks (No. 12 and No. 14) can help them address those issues, the team isn't sure they'll get starters. Packaging Brent Barry (in the last year of his deal) and Vladimir Radmanovic could land them a top flight point guard or veteran power forward. Among the deals the Sonics reportedly are pursuing? Barry, Radmanovic and their two picks for Jamal Crawford or Jay Williams and Marcus Fizer.
Utah Jazz
On the Block: Karl Malone, John Amaechi
The Skinny: If Karl Malone decides it's time to leave Utah, the Jazz will pursue a sign-and-trade to get value in return. That probably won't work if Malone chooses San Antonio or the Lakers, because those teams don't have anything Utah wants. But a deal with Dallas that brings back Raef LaFrentz might be something the Jazz would be interested in.
Cuban, like too many of us, suffered through the painful NBA Finals wondering what things would've been like had the flashier more up-tempo Mavs been running with the Nets.
"It was painful to watch," Cuban told the Dallas Morning News. "The only thing I take away is that we let a golden opportunity slip away. Some things went our way, and went against us, during the playoffs, but it was inches away, and we let it slip away."
The Mavs have two of just about everything, but until they get a low-post bruiser to rebound, defend and draw a double-team in the post, Cuban might have to keep sitting at home watching the Finals on his giant HDTV.
So expect the Mavs to be among the most aggressive players in the free agent and trade markets. They need power, size and attitude, and they're willing to give up a player or two to get it.
But Cuban won't be the only one trying to shake things up this summer. The Spurs will be adding $14 million worth of top players to the roster. The Lakers have promised to be aggressive in the free-agent market. The Blazers are expected to blow things up. The Nuggets will add a top lottery pick and as many as two high-priced free agents. Jeff Van Gundy has some definite ideas of how to improve the Rockets. The Jazz might finally part ways with Karl Malone and spend some money on a few good men. Jerry West is determined to get his Grizzlies up to speed. The T-Wolves are anxiously trying to make a deal that will convince Kevin Garnett to stick around.
And that's just the Western Conference.
Of course, with a few exceptions, most teams aren't going to be able to get things done with free-agent dollars alone. Teams can't outbid each other with their mid-level exceptions. But they can offer more if they can convince a team to pull a sign-and-trade.
That's why, capped out or not, everyone has some hope going into the offseason.
"I think when we start the season, the West will be just as wide open as it was last year," Cuban said. "It will be interesting to see if the Spurs keep all their free agents, as well as who they bring in. Remember, most big-time free agents don't move with cap room, they move with sign-and-trades. So it will be a very interesting summer."
Sign-and-trades aren't the only things that make teams better. Last year a whopping 10 first-round draft picks were traded right before the draft or on draft night. In 2001, there were eight first-round draft picks traded, and don't forget the Jason Kidd-for-Stephon Marbury deal and the Mike Bibby-for-Jason Williams swap.
All of that means it may be time to sound the alarm -- the NBA trading season is once again open for business. Here's a look at who should keep their bags packed in the Western Conference. On Friday we'll break down the East.
Dallas Mavericks
On the Block: Raef LaFrentz
The Skinny: The Mavs have to do something about that gaping hole in the middle of their defense. No one available when they draft -- pick No. 29 -- is going to give them the immediate help they need. Teams will try to pry away one of the Big 3 (Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Michael Finley), but LaFrentz is probably as far as the Mavs will be willing to go. Rumors about a Raptors deal -- LaFrentz and Avery Johnson for Antonio Davis -- seems to be mostly speculation. The Raptors are trying to move Davis, but they're not thrilled about taking back a bad contract. Besides, nothing can happen on that front until July 31, because of base year issues with LaFrentz. Another possibility is a sign-and-trade that sends Heat free agent Alonzo Mourning to Dallas for LaFrentz.
Denver Nuggets
On the Block: Marcus Camby
The Skinny: They are in a rebuilding state of mind, and Camby isn't. Camby was the victim of a draft-night trade last year and could suffer the same fate again this year. The team will try to bring in two top-tier free agents this summer and mesh them with the their core of young players. If Michael Olowokandi makes it onto the list, Camby's gone for sure. One rumor to watch: Several league sources told Insider the Kings would be willing to part with Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson in return for Camby, Ryan Bowen and the No. 3 pick in the draft. That could be tempting to the Nuggets.
Golden State Warriors
On the Block: Danny Fortson, Erick Dampier, Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The Skinny: The Warriors tried to move Fortson all last season. Would they be able to package their No. 11 pick along with Fortson to get it done this year? They also have their eyes on Gary Payton this summer, if Gilbert Arenas leaves.
Houston Rockets
On the Block: Glen Rice, Cuttino Mobley
The Skinny: There's already been talk about a possible Rice-for-Glenn Robinson deal. Now that Rice is in the last year of his contract, he should be easy to move. The Rockets also will see what value Mobley can bring on the trade market. New coach Jeff Van Gundy wants to bring in a bigger, more experienced player to play alongside Francis. Would he go after Latrell Sprewell?
Los Angeles Clippers
On the Block: ???
The Skinny: They've pulled off big draft-day deals the last three years. Will they make it four? The problem is, they don't have much to trade. Eight of their top players are free agents this year. So ... can we start the bidding on Quentin Richardson before they lose him to free agency too?
Los Angeles Lakers
On the Block: Devean George, Derek Fisher
The Skinny: The Lakers want to shake things up this summer, but how? Unless they offer either Shaq or Kobe (they won't) the best they have to work with is George and Fisher. What could a guy like George get them on the trade market? The T-Wolves would swap Joe Smith for George in a heartbeat.
Memphis Grizzlies
On the Block: Wesley Person. Maybe Stromile Swift and Shane Battier.
The Skinny: The Grizzlies are trying to get better now. The most recent rumor, via the Chicago Tribune, has them dangling Wesley Person and the No. 13 pick in the draft for the Bulls' No. 7 pick. Tempting. But not only does it not work cap-wise, but the Grizzlies would be giving up an extra $7.7 million in cap room next summer (yes Person is making that much next season). Other reports have suggested Stromile Swift or Shane Battier could be had. The Grizzlies vehemently deny it. Of course, they also denied they would trade Drew Gooden, right up until the time they sent him to Disney World.
Minnesota Timberwolves
On the Block: Joe Smith
The Skinny: If the Lakers really are willing to take Smith off Minnesota's hands, the T-Wolves should jump at the chance. Smith and George need a change of scenery in the worst way. The trade would do both of them a big, big favor.
Phoenix Suns
On the Block: Ummm ...
The Skinny: For the first time in a long time, we're not hearing any Penny Hardaway rumors. What gives? The backcourt of Stephon Marbury and Hardaway clicked last season, when Hardaway was healthy. The Suns would like to get more playing time for Joe Johnson and Casey Jacobsen, but right now Hardaway's still holding them off.
Portland Trail Blazers
On the Block: Rasheed Wallace, Dale Davis, Ruben Patterson
The Skinny: The rumor that's been floating for weeks has the Blazers sending Wallace to the Raptors for Antonio Davis, Hakeem Olajuwon (expiring contract) and the No. 4 pick in the draft. Wallace's value is two-fold. Not only is he one of the top power forwards in the country when he's not serving suspensions, but his $17 million contract comes off the books next year. According to one source, the Heat also would be willing to play ball for Wallace. Their offer? Brian Grant, Anthony Carter and the No. 5 pick.
Sacramento Kings
On the Block: Hedo Turkoglu and Peja Stojakovic. Maybe Mike Bibby.
The Skinny: The rumors of Mike Bibby and Hedo Turkoglu going to the Nets in a sign-and-trade for Jason Kidd took on a life of their own this week. If you're Geoff Petrie, you pull the trigger on that in a heartbeat. However, the Kings appear to be active right now on a number of fronts. There's talk of a swap with Denver that would send Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson to the Nuggets for Marcus Camby, Ryan Bowen and the No. 3 pick. There's also talk of the Kings shipping Turkoglu to the Bulls for Dalibor Bagaric and the No. 7 pick. Something will happen in Sacramento. There's a lot of smoke there, and, at the very least, it looks like they're willing to move Turkoglu. The Pistons and Blazers have also shown interest.
San Antonio Spurs
On the Block: Tony Parker?
The Skinny: They only have five players under contract for next season, and the Spurs aren't inclined to trade any of them. Instead, expect the Spurs to stock up via free agency and the draft. Of course if Jason Kidd decides to come to town, that could change. Instead of playing Kidd and Tony Parker together in the backcourt, they'd be better off trading Parker and getting some more size in return.
Seattle SuperSonics
On the Block: Brent Barry, Vladimir Radmanovic, Calvin Booth
The Skinny: The Sonics need a power forward and point guard in the worst way. While their two first-round picks (No. 12 and No. 14) can help them address those issues, the team isn't sure they'll get starters. Packaging Brent Barry (in the last year of his deal) and Vladimir Radmanovic could land them a top flight point guard or veteran power forward. Among the deals the Sonics reportedly are pursuing? Barry, Radmanovic and their two picks for Jamal Crawford or Jay Williams and Marcus Fizer.
Utah Jazz
On the Block: Karl Malone, John Amaechi
The Skinny: If Karl Malone decides it's time to leave Utah, the Jazz will pursue a sign-and-trade to get value in return. That probably won't work if Malone chooses San Antonio or the Lakers, because those teams don't have anything Utah wants. But a deal with Dallas that brings back Raef LaFrentz might be something the Jazz would be interested in.
