Orlando GM rules out Shaq and McGrady. He still wants TMac!

[Yuma]

"Saturday, June 19, 2004


Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando Magic general manager John Weisbrod said Saturday the Magic are still in contract discussions with Tracy McGrady, even though the star player has reportedly told the team he wants out.



"I certainly will not confirm that T-Mac is going to be traded," Weisbrod said. "I'm going to continue to say on T-Mac what I have said for the last month, which is that Arn (Tellem, McGrady's agent) and I are in discussions."



McGrady can opt out of his seven-year, $93 million contract after next season, and has said he will unless Orlando improves dramatically from the 21-61 record this past season. But the Magic have vowed to trade him, rather than letting the four-time All Star leave without any compensation -- like Shaquille O'Neal did eight years ago.



O'Neal has told the Lakers he wants to be traded. He is under contract for another two years, but can opt out after next season.



O'Neal stills lives in the Orlando area in the offseason, fueling speculation the Lakers may try to trade him to the Magic.



"I would expect that I'm going to hear from (Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak) on that, since I think when people talk about Shaq moving I think they know in his mind and his heart that this would be the obvious place he'd want to go," Weisbrod said. "But, when you look at the financial piece of that, it's almost an impossibility."



O'Neal is owed $27.7 million next year and $30.6 million the following year, making Orlando's chances of acquiring him "pretty close to mathematically impossible," Weisbrod said.



"We'd be fielding a roster with seven guys on it," Weisbrod said.



The Magic also brought high school player Dwight Howard in for a workout and interview at their practice facility Saturday. Orlando has the top pick in next week's draft, and is thought to be deciding between Howard and Connecticut's Emeka Okafor -- who worked out for the team Saturday.



"I think were going to have a very difficult decision on our hands," Weisbrod said. "Now that we've gotten a handle on these two guys, it would take something very, very special to trade the pick."



Added Howard: "We're both at the top of our games. As far as picking him or me, if they pick him, I am happy for him. He'll be No. 1 and that's great. I'm just happy to be in this draft. There are a million boys who play basketball who wish they were in my position now -- a fortunate position.""

Shaq is still in play - for someone!

 

[devilalum]

"I would expect that I'm going to hear from (Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak) on that, since I think when people talk about Shaq moving I think they know in his mind and his heart that this would be the obvious place he'd want to go," Weisbrod said. "But, when you look at the financial piece of that, it's almost an impossibility."



O'Neal is owed $27.7 million next year and $30.6 million the following year, making Orlando's chances of acquiring him "pretty close to mathematically impossible," Weisbrod said.



"We'd be fielding a roster with seven guys on it," Weisbrod said.

This is the main problem with trading for Shaq. How many teams are able and willing to obsorb his contract.

The Suns could do it if they sent Marion, 2 #1's and all their cap space.

Based on trades that went down this year it seems that cap room has become the most vaueable trade commodity. Freeing $15 mil. in cap room is essentially equal to a marginal All Star player.

 

[Yuma]

Also, the number 1's will be very low, IMHO if we got Shaq. I don't think we would miss them as much as what Shaq would bring us. I think Shaq would instantly put us into the second round of the playoffs, plus put butts into the seats at AWA. Cash is always good to have, too, when going for free agents.

 

[devilalum]

The best thing about having Shaq would be how he'd bring the fury of hell every time we played the Lakers.

 

[cly2tw]

This is the main problem with trading for Shaq. How many teams are able and willing to obsorb his contract.

The Suns could do it if they sent Marion, 2 #1's and all their cap space.

Based on trades that went down this year it seems that cap room has become the most vaueable trade commodity. Freeing $15 mil. in cap room is essentially equal to a marginal All Star player.

Exactly my sentiment! Now apparently the Cleveland's is gone, our # 7 plus swapping Eisley for George's bad contract and, say, Cook in addition will reduce the trade exception slightly to about 15 mil. But it's enough to sign Dampier, Swift, and whoever. They still have the MLE. Lakers have a contender right away.

 

[slinslin]

The best thing about having Shaq would be how he'd bring the fury of hell every time we played the Lakers.

Do you really think the Lakers would allow an Amare and Shaq combo in their own division?

The Lakers wouldn't be a title contender because Amare and Shaq would destroy their frontcourt even if they got a couple of decent FAs like Dampier and Swift.

 

[Yuma]

Do you really think the Lakers would allow an Amare and Shaq combo in their own division?

The Lakers wouldn't be a title contender because Amare and Shaq would destroy their frontcourt even if they got a couple of decent FAs like Dampier and Swift.

Heck Slin, I think the Commissioner would block that for the best interests of basketball!! Noone could match up aginst those two in the frontcourt! Throw in Zarko, prewrist injury, at "small" forward, and you have one HUGE frontcourt! At least heighth-wise!