Maggette for Kirilenko a Perfect Match?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><span class="v12">

Fair enough, and, indeed, one Eastern Conference general manager notes, "They aren't acting desperate to trade him." But a deal involving Kirilenko makes sense, especially with rookie forward Paul Millsap having provided the Jazz with such a pleasant surprise this season. Between Millsap and reserve Matt Harpring, Utah would not suffer without Kirilenko at the small forward spot. </p>

And Kirilenko could still be used to attract players in return. Word is, the Clippers are shopping Corey Maggette (what a shock!) here in the days before the draft, though it is believed that Los Angeles' ultimate target is Sacramento point guard Mike Bibby. But don't forget, it was the Jazz who originally gave Maggette a six-year, $42 million deal in the summer of 2003, when Maggette was a restricted free agent. The Clippers matched that contract, and it seems that they've regretted it since. Maggette was unhappy as the sixth man, fell out of favor with coach Mike Dunleavy and has been on the trading block for two years. Utah, meanwhile, still looks longingly at Maggette. </p>

One Western Conference general manager describes a trade of Kirilenko for Maggette, "a perfect match, if they can get the salaries in order." Another general manager says, "Kirilenko is the hardest guy in the league to put value on right now," and points out that Kirilenko's value is probably two mid-level players. Does Maggette count as a mid-level player? Well, he is coming off a year in which he averaged 16.9 points. He averaged 17.8 points the previous year, and 22.2 points the year before that. But the longstanding view of the Clippers coaching staff is that when Maggette averages big scoring numbers, it comes at the expense of the team. Ideally, then, Maggette would be a mid-level player -- even if his stats don't reflect that. </p>

But what can be expected of Kirilenko? His numbers have taken a nosedive since the 2003-04 season, when he averaged 16.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks and was given a max contract extension. Last year, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. He still is sitting on a deal that will pay him about $63 million over the next four years. Utah should be happy to get rid of him, if only to clear his contract off the books. </p>

Of course, this means that a Kirilenko-for-Maggette deal could never be done, straight-up. Kirilenko will make $13.7 million next year. Maggette will make $7.8 million. Under NBA rules, the Clippers would have to find contracts to match up with Kirilenko's deal &hellip; say, Zeljko Rebraca and Aaron Williams. But still -- and this is the essence of how difficult it is to trade a max-contract player -- the Clippers would have to be willing to make a huge financial commitment to Kirilenko for the next four years. </p>

Would it be worth it for the Clippers? Well, not long ago Kirilenko was a guy who looked to be on his way to perennial All-Star status. Swap him for L.A.'s Maggette headache, and it just might work out for everyone.</div></p>

Source: Sporting News</p>

With the latest AK47 trade demands, I found this old article discussing a potential deal involving Maggette for AK47. The Jazz originally tried to sign Maggette after his rookie contract expired, and have alway made inquiries about him. He would fill their void for an explosive player at SG and his ability to get to the line and score the "tough points" would please Jerry Sloan. He might drive Sloan crazy with his defensive decisions, but Sloan has a good track record of helping players improve their technique.</p>

Do the Clippers make this type of bold move with Elton Brand's status still unclear? AK47 could step right in and play PF for the Clippers, but what happens when Brand returns and Kirilenko has to move back to a position he's not as productive in SF? </p>

If you're the Clippers do you make this trade?</p></span>

 

Clippers? Yes. Jazz... No.</p>

AK47 is not as talented offensively, but he is a far superior player on the other end. </p>

On the the offensive side it might not be that big of a difference as AK gets less touches, and has had many more seasons where he has been on the more offensively talented team.</p>

-Petey</p>