Trade rumors have GMs seeing Redd
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
DENVER – On behalf of the NBA, we'd like to offer two apologies.
The first is for a dud of an All-Star Game. If you saw it, and stayed awake, you don't need an explanation. If you didn't, this should sum it up: A lumbering, out-of-breath Zydrunas Ilgauskas was a serious candidate for MVP.
The second is for what's shaping up as a dud of a trade deadline. Teams have until 3 p.m. ET Thursday to make trades this season. Insider spent the weekend in Denver talking to GMs and agents in an effort to glean what's going to happen over the next four days.
What we came away with is a pretty good understanding of what's not going to happen.
Overall, Insider talked to front-office execs from nearly every team, as well as numerous player agents. As soon as one good rumor would start flying, it would just as quickly be shot down. Bad rumors were as prevalent as stretch Hummers this weekend.
Here's the latest on the good, bad and ugly trade talk that went down in Denver, from Michael Redd to Peja Stojakovic and Lamar Odom to Carlos Boozer.
Might Milwaukee deal Redd after all?
Michael Redd remains the most talked-about player on the block. That's because many teams believe he's this year's Rasheed Wallace – a player who has the potential to put a contender over the top.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Michael Redd[/size]
[size=-2]Shooting Guard
Milwaukee Bucks[/size]
[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]47[/size][size=-2]22.2[/size][size=-2]4.2[/size][size=-2]2.5[/size][size=-2].448[/size][size=-2].858[/size]The question, of course, is whether Milwaukee GM Larry Harris actually would trade Redd.
Friday afternoon, multiple sources told Insider that Harris was leaning strongly toward not dealing his star shooting guard. By Sunday afternoon, those same sources were painting a slightly different picture after Harris received some interesting offers over the weekend.
What hasn't changed is the Bucks' desire to do whatever it takes to re-sign Redd this summer.
While Harris has heard the same rumors Insider has about Redd's desire to play in Cleveland when he becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, Harris believes the cash the Bucks can offer will be too much to pass up.
Because the Bucks own Redd's Bird Rights, they can offer him an extra year and raises of 12.5 percent instead of 10 percent. When you add it up, the difference in numbers is pretty significant. Redd would have to leave a lot of money on the table to sign in Cleveland – or any place other than Milwaukee.
But two things could end up thwarting Harris' plan. First, the collective- bargaining agreement expires June 30. If owners get their way, contract lengths will be reduced, as will raises, and that will take away some of the Bucks' leverage.
While teams trying to re-sign their own players likely still will be able to offer an extra year and bigger raises, if the numbers both go down, the advantage isn't nearly as significant.
Second, signing Redd to a huge deal would put the Bucks in some financial hardship. He's not really a "max-contract" player, meaning the Bucks would have to overpay to keep him. On most good teams, Redd would be the No. 2 option. Overpaying for a No. 2 is a tough position for a small-market team.
Cleveland, on the other hand, is a Redd acquisition away from being a legitimate contender for the Eastern Conference crown. Given that Redd is from Ohio and wants to play with LeBron James, the writing might already be on the wall.
It's not too late for the Bucks to reconsider – and Harris might be doing just that.
A league source told Insider Sunday night that Harris received some pretty impressive offers over the weekend. Good enough, in fact, that they might have put Redd back in play. Just don't look for the Bucks to trade Redd to Cleveland. According to a source, the Bucks don't want what the Cavs have to offer – Luke Jackson, Anderson Varejao and/or Sasha Pavlovic.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Keith Van Horn[/size]
[size=-2]Small Forward
Milwaukee Bucks[/size]
[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]31[/size][size=-2]10.7[/size][size=-2]5.2[/size][size=-2]1.3[/size][size=-2].448[/size][size=-2].869[/size]However, there are two types of offers that could pry Redd out of Milwaukee. The first would be one that helps the Bucks create cap space this summer. If a team is willing to swap an expiring contract and a draft pick for Redd and Keith Van Horn, the Bucks might consider it.
The Blazers, for example, could offer Shareef Abdur-Rahim's expiring contract and either a pick or the draft rights to someone like Sergey Monya for Redd and Van Horn. That deal would give the Bucks roughly $20 million in cap room this summer – enough to sign two top-flight free agents.
Another possibility? The Wolves could offer Latrell Sprewell's expiring contract and Wally Szczerbiak for Redd, Van Horn and Joe Smith, giving the Bucks a decent Redd replacement in Szczerbiak and just under $20 million in cap room this summer.
The other type of offer that might nab Redd is one in which a team offers a young prospect with star quality in return. A number of teams – including the Hawks, Bulls, Nuggets and Clippers – could offer such a deal.
Why would a team give up so much for Redd knowing there's a good chance he'll bolt for Cleveland this summer? According to the same league source, "You'd be shocked how many teams are willing to take the risk."
Given the risk Harris faces if he loses Redd, he might be wise to pass it on to someone else.
California dreaming?
The hottest rumor this weekend had the Kings and Lakers talking about a trade of Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson for Lamar Odom. However, from what Insider could gather from several sources, it isn't going to happen.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Peja Stojakovic[/size]
[size=-2]Small Forward
Sacramento Kings[/size]
[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]45[/size][size=-2]19.7[/size][size=-2]4.2[/size][size=-2]1.9[/size][size=-2].443[/size][size=-2].920[/size]Two sources claim the Kings proposed the deal, but the Lakers weren't interested. Another source claimed there was nothing to the rumor to begin with.
The Lakers like Stojakovic a lot, and they sound like they're willing to move Odom. However moving Odom for Stojakovic would create a pretty gaping hole in L.A.'s front line. It's a great deal for Sacramento, but I'm not sure it's a good one for the Lakers. Unless, that is, they can turn around and swap Caron Butler for a legitimate four to replace Odom's rebounding.
What is clear is the Kings have reached the point where they're willing to move Stojakovic for the right piece. He hasn't been a great fit in their offense this year, and he remains unhappy in Sacramento. If the Kings don't move him before the trade deadline, there's a good chance they'll trade him this summer.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Lamar Odom[/size]
[size=-2]Small Forward
Los Angeles Lakers[/size]
[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]49[/size][size=-2]15.7[/size][size=-2]10.3[/size][size=-2]3.5[/size][size=-2].475[/size][size=-2].695[/size]Sunday, Odom's name surfaced in another rumor, one that had him, Butler and Jumaine Jones going to the Jazz for Carlos Boozer and Matt Harpring.
On it's face, the rumor seemed reasonable. As Insider first reported almost two weeks ago, the Jazz would consider moving Boozer if the right deal came along. Could Odom and Butler, be the right deal?
There would be questions about whether a guy like Odom, with his checkered past, is really a fit in Utah. But his reputation is far worse than his bite these days. Insider talked to people from the Heat, Lakers and USA Basketball about Odom this weekend, and they all swear he's changed.
Pairing him in the frontcourt with Andrei Kirilenko would give the Jazz the most versatile forward combo in the league. And as much as Harpring has been great for Utah, Butler is better.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Carlos Boozer[/size]
[size=-2]Power Forward
Utah Jazz[/size]
[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]51[/size][size=-2]17.8[/size][size=-2]9.0[/size][size=-2]2.8[/size][size=-2].521[/size][size=-2].698[/size]While this deal would be a better fit for the Lakers than the one for Peja, it still would be a mistake. Boozer has struggled against the bigger power forwards in the West, and neither he nor Harpring has the upside of Odom and Butler.
However, just hours after hearing this rumor, Insider caught up with Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor in the hall just before halftime of the All-Star Game. His response? "It's ludicrous," O'Connor told Insider. "There's no truth to it. I don't know where this is coming from."
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak also shot down the rumor, claiming the team had offered Odom to no one.
Another rumor bites the dust.
Restless in Seattle
Ray Allen's ongoing frustration over his contract status could become an issue as the deadline approaches. While sources claim the two sides are not far apart, apparently the Sonics haven't budged off their offer in a while.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Ray Allen[/size]
[size=-2]Shooting Guard
Seattle SuperSonics[/size]
[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]48[/size][size=-2]23.9[/size][size=-2]4.2[/size][size=-2]4.1[/size][size=-2].430[/size][size=-2].885[/size]While it has been reported that Allen is demanding a six-year, $100 million deal, a source close to the negotiation said Allen actually is asking for "much less." Seattle's offer is believed to be around six years, $68 million.
Allen is growing frustrated. He hasn't been in Seattle long enough to feel any real loyalty to the franchise. The ownership situation looks like it's in flux, as does the front office. When he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, there's a strong chance he'll bolt if he doesn't get a deal done.
"On an organizational side, Seattle still has to step up and do the right things," Allen said this weekend. "[With] Seattle, sometimes I get mixed messages. Sometimes I don't know if they want to keep me."
Allen has been pushing the Sonics to make a big trade before the deadline to help the team ensure it can build on its regular-season success in the playoffs. However, he believes the club just wants him to keep his mouth shut.
"In Seattle, I've seen a lot of things that I feel like I can change," Allen said, "and I think sometimes they don't take too kindly to me making suggestions."
That led Allen to a series of "downer" statements this weekend that seem to back the idea he will sign elsewhere if an extension isn't worked out soon.
"Right now, what I'm trying not to do is project myself somewhere," he said. "It's hard for me to focus in on one place. Even to think I'll be back in Seattle is hard, because it might not happen."
The Sonics know the risk and have hedged their bets, knowing there will be very few teams under the cap next summer that can give Allen the contract he's looking for. Of the teams that can, the Cavaliers and possibly the Clippers are the only ones that appear likely to spend their cash on a player such as Allen.
The Sonics believe that if neither of those teams makes Allen an offer, he'll have to stay in Seattle. Clearly Michael Redd is the Cavs' first choice, but if he stays in Milwaukee, sources claim Cleveland would pursue Allen.
If there isn't progress toward a new contract in the next day or so, the Sonics might have to consider a trade.
"It would be tough to blow up the team given how well they've played," one GM said. "But if they are going to lose him for nothing this summer anyway, might as well get something back right now."
Dealing blind
You can blame the NBA and the Player's Association for some of the slowdown in trade talks. Many GMs were hoping the league and the union would hammer out the framework of a new collective-bargaining agreement this weekend so teams would have a better understanding of the rules they'll be dealing with this summer.
While everyone is pretty optimistic that they will avoid any sort of lockout, there still aren't enough specifics to give GMs the info they really need to make deals now. The biggest issue on the table is some sort of modification of the luxury tax. If the threshold goes up, or if it totally disappears (very unlikely), some GMs would be emboldened to spend.
--
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
DENVER – On behalf of the NBA, we'd like to offer two apologies.
The first is for a dud of an All-Star Game. If you saw it, and stayed awake, you don't need an explanation. If you didn't, this should sum it up: A lumbering, out-of-breath Zydrunas Ilgauskas was a serious candidate for MVP.
The second is for what's shaping up as a dud of a trade deadline. Teams have until 3 p.m. ET Thursday to make trades this season. Insider spent the weekend in Denver talking to GMs and agents in an effort to glean what's going to happen over the next four days.
What we came away with is a pretty good understanding of what's not going to happen.
Overall, Insider talked to front-office execs from nearly every team, as well as numerous player agents. As soon as one good rumor would start flying, it would just as quickly be shot down. Bad rumors were as prevalent as stretch Hummers this weekend.
Here's the latest on the good, bad and ugly trade talk that went down in Denver, from Michael Redd to Peja Stojakovic and Lamar Odom to Carlos Boozer.
Might Milwaukee deal Redd after all?
Michael Redd remains the most talked-about player on the block. That's because many teams believe he's this year's Rasheed Wallace – a player who has the potential to put a contender over the top.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Michael Redd[/size]
[size=-2]Shooting Guard
Milwaukee Bucks[/size]
You must be registered for see images attach
[size=-2]Profile[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]47[/size][size=-2]22.2[/size][size=-2]4.2[/size][size=-2]2.5[/size][size=-2].448[/size][size=-2].858[/size]The question, of course, is whether Milwaukee GM Larry Harris actually would trade Redd.
Friday afternoon, multiple sources told Insider that Harris was leaning strongly toward not dealing his star shooting guard. By Sunday afternoon, those same sources were painting a slightly different picture after Harris received some interesting offers over the weekend.
What hasn't changed is the Bucks' desire to do whatever it takes to re-sign Redd this summer.
While Harris has heard the same rumors Insider has about Redd's desire to play in Cleveland when he becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, Harris believes the cash the Bucks can offer will be too much to pass up.
Because the Bucks own Redd's Bird Rights, they can offer him an extra year and raises of 12.5 percent instead of 10 percent. When you add it up, the difference in numbers is pretty significant. Redd would have to leave a lot of money on the table to sign in Cleveland – or any place other than Milwaukee.
But two things could end up thwarting Harris' plan. First, the collective- bargaining agreement expires June 30. If owners get their way, contract lengths will be reduced, as will raises, and that will take away some of the Bucks' leverage.
While teams trying to re-sign their own players likely still will be able to offer an extra year and bigger raises, if the numbers both go down, the advantage isn't nearly as significant.
Second, signing Redd to a huge deal would put the Bucks in some financial hardship. He's not really a "max-contract" player, meaning the Bucks would have to overpay to keep him. On most good teams, Redd would be the No. 2 option. Overpaying for a No. 2 is a tough position for a small-market team.
Cleveland, on the other hand, is a Redd acquisition away from being a legitimate contender for the Eastern Conference crown. Given that Redd is from Ohio and wants to play with LeBron James, the writing might already be on the wall.
It's not too late for the Bucks to reconsider – and Harris might be doing just that.
A league source told Insider Sunday night that Harris received some pretty impressive offers over the weekend. Good enough, in fact, that they might have put Redd back in play. Just don't look for the Bucks to trade Redd to Cleveland. According to a source, the Bucks don't want what the Cavs have to offer – Luke Jackson, Anderson Varejao and/or Sasha Pavlovic.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Keith Van Horn[/size]
[size=-2]Small Forward
Milwaukee Bucks[/size]
You must be registered for see images attach
[size=-2]Profile[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]31[/size][size=-2]10.7[/size][size=-2]5.2[/size][size=-2]1.3[/size][size=-2].448[/size][size=-2].869[/size]However, there are two types of offers that could pry Redd out of Milwaukee. The first would be one that helps the Bucks create cap space this summer. If a team is willing to swap an expiring contract and a draft pick for Redd and Keith Van Horn, the Bucks might consider it.
The Blazers, for example, could offer Shareef Abdur-Rahim's expiring contract and either a pick or the draft rights to someone like Sergey Monya for Redd and Van Horn. That deal would give the Bucks roughly $20 million in cap room this summer – enough to sign two top-flight free agents.
Another possibility? The Wolves could offer Latrell Sprewell's expiring contract and Wally Szczerbiak for Redd, Van Horn and Joe Smith, giving the Bucks a decent Redd replacement in Szczerbiak and just under $20 million in cap room this summer.
The other type of offer that might nab Redd is one in which a team offers a young prospect with star quality in return. A number of teams – including the Hawks, Bulls, Nuggets and Clippers – could offer such a deal.
Why would a team give up so much for Redd knowing there's a good chance he'll bolt for Cleveland this summer? According to the same league source, "You'd be shocked how many teams are willing to take the risk."
Given the risk Harris faces if he loses Redd, he might be wise to pass it on to someone else.
California dreaming?
The hottest rumor this weekend had the Kings and Lakers talking about a trade of Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson for Lamar Odom. However, from what Insider could gather from several sources, it isn't going to happen.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Peja Stojakovic[/size]
[size=-2]Small Forward
Sacramento Kings[/size]
You must be registered for see images attach
[size=-2]Profile[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]45[/size][size=-2]19.7[/size][size=-2]4.2[/size][size=-2]1.9[/size][size=-2].443[/size][size=-2].920[/size]Two sources claim the Kings proposed the deal, but the Lakers weren't interested. Another source claimed there was nothing to the rumor to begin with.
The Lakers like Stojakovic a lot, and they sound like they're willing to move Odom. However moving Odom for Stojakovic would create a pretty gaping hole in L.A.'s front line. It's a great deal for Sacramento, but I'm not sure it's a good one for the Lakers. Unless, that is, they can turn around and swap Caron Butler for a legitimate four to replace Odom's rebounding.
What is clear is the Kings have reached the point where they're willing to move Stojakovic for the right piece. He hasn't been a great fit in their offense this year, and he remains unhappy in Sacramento. If the Kings don't move him before the trade deadline, there's a good chance they'll trade him this summer.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Lamar Odom[/size]
[size=-2]Small Forward
Los Angeles Lakers[/size]
You must be registered for see images attach
[size=-2]Profile[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]49[/size][size=-2]15.7[/size][size=-2]10.3[/size][size=-2]3.5[/size][size=-2].475[/size][size=-2].695[/size]Sunday, Odom's name surfaced in another rumor, one that had him, Butler and Jumaine Jones going to the Jazz for Carlos Boozer and Matt Harpring.
On it's face, the rumor seemed reasonable. As Insider first reported almost two weeks ago, the Jazz would consider moving Boozer if the right deal came along. Could Odom and Butler, be the right deal?
There would be questions about whether a guy like Odom, with his checkered past, is really a fit in Utah. But his reputation is far worse than his bite these days. Insider talked to people from the Heat, Lakers and USA Basketball about Odom this weekend, and they all swear he's changed.
Pairing him in the frontcourt with Andrei Kirilenko would give the Jazz the most versatile forward combo in the league. And as much as Harpring has been great for Utah, Butler is better.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Carlos Boozer[/size]
[size=-2]Power Forward
Utah Jazz[/size]
You must be registered for see images attach
[size=-2]Profile[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]51[/size][size=-2]17.8[/size][size=-2]9.0[/size][size=-2]2.8[/size][size=-2].521[/size][size=-2].698[/size]While this deal would be a better fit for the Lakers than the one for Peja, it still would be a mistake. Boozer has struggled against the bigger power forwards in the West, and neither he nor Harpring has the upside of Odom and Butler.
However, just hours after hearing this rumor, Insider caught up with Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor in the hall just before halftime of the All-Star Game. His response? "It's ludicrous," O'Connor told Insider. "There's no truth to it. I don't know where this is coming from."
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak also shot down the rumor, claiming the team had offered Odom to no one.
Another rumor bites the dust.
Restless in Seattle
Ray Allen's ongoing frustration over his contract status could become an issue as the deadline approaches. While sources claim the two sides are not far apart, apparently the Sonics haven't budged off their offer in a while.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Ray Allen[/size]
[size=-2]Shooting Guard
Seattle SuperSonics[/size]
You must be registered for see images attach
[size=-2]Profile[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]48[/size][size=-2]23.9[/size][size=-2]4.2[/size][size=-2]4.1[/size][size=-2].430[/size][size=-2].885[/size]While it has been reported that Allen is demanding a six-year, $100 million deal, a source close to the negotiation said Allen actually is asking for "much less." Seattle's offer is believed to be around six years, $68 million.
Allen is growing frustrated. He hasn't been in Seattle long enough to feel any real loyalty to the franchise. The ownership situation looks like it's in flux, as does the front office. When he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, there's a strong chance he'll bolt if he doesn't get a deal done.
"On an organizational side, Seattle still has to step up and do the right things," Allen said this weekend. "[With] Seattle, sometimes I get mixed messages. Sometimes I don't know if they want to keep me."
Allen has been pushing the Sonics to make a big trade before the deadline to help the team ensure it can build on its regular-season success in the playoffs. However, he believes the club just wants him to keep his mouth shut.
"In Seattle, I've seen a lot of things that I feel like I can change," Allen said, "and I think sometimes they don't take too kindly to me making suggestions."
That led Allen to a series of "downer" statements this weekend that seem to back the idea he will sign elsewhere if an extension isn't worked out soon.
"Right now, what I'm trying not to do is project myself somewhere," he said. "It's hard for me to focus in on one place. Even to think I'll be back in Seattle is hard, because it might not happen."
The Sonics know the risk and have hedged their bets, knowing there will be very few teams under the cap next summer that can give Allen the contract he's looking for. Of the teams that can, the Cavaliers and possibly the Clippers are the only ones that appear likely to spend their cash on a player such as Allen.
The Sonics believe that if neither of those teams makes Allen an offer, he'll have to stay in Seattle. Clearly Michael Redd is the Cavs' first choice, but if he stays in Milwaukee, sources claim Cleveland would pursue Allen.
If there isn't progress toward a new contract in the next day or so, the Sonics might have to consider a trade.
"It would be tough to blow up the team given how well they've played," one GM said. "But if they are going to lose him for nothing this summer anyway, might as well get something back right now."
Dealing blind
You can blame the NBA and the Player's Association for some of the slowdown in trade talks. Many GMs were hoping the league and the union would hammer out the framework of a new collective-bargaining agreement this weekend so teams would have a better understanding of the rules they'll be dealing with this summer.
While everyone is pretty optimistic that they will avoid any sort of lockout, there still aren't enough specifics to give GMs the info they really need to make deals now. The biggest issue on the table is some sort of modification of the luxury tax. If the threshold goes up, or if it totally disappears (very unlikely), some GMs would be emboldened to spend.
--
