The Suns and Jazz have talked about a Tom Gugliotta-Keon Clark swap, which would free up even more cap room for Utah this summer. The Jazz, quietly, think they could potentially be a player in the Kobe sweepstakes. Full Article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/stor...avid&id=1713985
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Jazz, quietly, think they could potentially be a player in the Kobe sweepstakes.</div> Then the Jazz are kidding themselves...Utah is a loooong shot to land him. The Googs trade is nice for either team, since the Jazz did fine without Keon. And Keon can still play, I presume, so he'd really help Phoenix fill the void in the middle. Googs wasn't really doing much there, but would be a much needed veteran presence on a very young Jazz team. Right now, their most experienced player is Greg Ostertag.
I partly agree with starman85. Utah was a player in last year's FA sweepstakes... yet, they came up with NOTHING. I doubt they'll get the top prize this year in Kobe. HOWEVER, Pheonix looks looks interesting. They're a young team as well. Their top players are Marion/Amare/Joe Johnson. That's probably one of the brightest core in the league. If they're able to move Googs, they'll have even more cap space. (I think McDyess will also come off the books next year... please correct me if i'm wrong) If that happens, I think Pheonix will be very good very soon... they just have to suffer through this season, and look forward to the future. On a side note... they also have Maciej Lampe and Leandro Barbosa! Seriously, I think they'll become a VERY good team in the not too distant future.
Can this trade even happen straight up? Googs is making $11,668,395 this year and Clark makes $5 Million... besides they are both in the final year of their contracts, I can't see how this benefits Utah's cap space for next year... I'll never understand the system Well if Phoenix doesn't lose any cap space next year, I think this would be a good move, they'd save money this year (taking a smaller salary player) dropping them below the tax threshold, so they wouldn't have to pay the tax. They get a player who should get more minutes than Googs currently does (which is about NONE!) and his salary comes off next year. So as long as there's no strage rules hurting the Suns' salary position this offseason, I think this trade is fine as long as it works straight-up. Anybody an expert on trades/salaries? Please explain if this trade is possible as-is, and explain WHY Utah saves money going this route.
Wow, I am far behind. So many off-season moves and coaching changes that I actually had no idea where Keon Clark even was now.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ming637:</div><div class="quote_post">Phoenix shouldn't accept that. Losing Guggs for Keon? Please...........</div> Why is that? What has Tom Gugliotta even done this year? You could say the same for Keon, but technically he hasn't played but a couple games, and he was hurt during those. Keon Clark's potential for next season is miles above Googs'.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ming637:</div><div class="quote_post">Phoenix shouldn't accept that. Losing Guggs for Keon? Please...........</div> Whoa, you gotta word yourself properly there. Googs was good before that injury in 2000. Now he's a shadow of the player he used to be. Clark, on the other hand, is still not too old and is way better a defensive player than Googs ever was.
Suns should do it. This move doesnt give the Jazz more cap space in the offseason because there both expirering. Atleast Keon can still play but I thought he was injured. Plus Utah is under the cap so the deal should work straight up. The would trim the Suns payroll buy about 7 million for the remander of this season.
Good trade for Phoenix. Googs is deteriorating as we speak and Clark still has a chance to be a shot blocking force he once was. I still wouldn't mind seeing Clark in a Raptors uniform but thats just wishful thinking
I dont think this is going to go down. When Keon Clark becomes healthy he will become a big contributer to the Jazz. Tom Gugliata used to be good in his prime, but not anymore.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 7-3-2:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont think this is going to go down. When Keon Clark becomes healthy he will become a big contributer to the Jazz. Tom Gugliata used to be good in his prime, but not anymore.</div> This trade is NOT for talent, or who is better than who. Of course we all know Clark is better... it's about <font color="PaleGreen">MONEY</font>!! Anyway the trade is more than just a straight-up... cause Googs gets paid too much the Suns would have to add in more, so this is what I'm hearing. Utah Gets: Tom Gugliotta, $3 million, 1st Round Pick (Cleveland's) Phoenix Gets: Keon Clark The Suns would waive Clark as soon as he joins the team... saving them even more money by doing so. Eisley or White may be part of this deal, cause the Suns are trying to clear any big/long contracts (well probably not Marion). The draft pick has been owed to the Suns for a while but it's lottery protected indefinately as far as I know, so the pick at best is 14th, the Suns probably would part with that to save money this year. YES, Utah too, will save money with this trade. Aldridge wrote "which would free up even more cap room for Utah this summer" -- now I'm not sure if he knew the trade would include the $3 or not... most likely seeing how Googs for Clark straight-up doesn't seem to save Utah any money. This is all info I'm hearing and reading... all rumors (that's why it's on this board) so I don't know how much of it is being talked about or how much is being speculated. P.S.>> The reason this trade can't happen with JUST Googs and Clark, is because when a team is over the salary cap, they have to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 apart. Keon make $5 million, which would be $5.85 million, nowhere near Goog's salary. I asked about this before, I wasn't sure if the rule would matter if Utah was taking the majority of the payload, but it would prevent the trade from happening, hence the Suns have to add in money (or take more players) I guess the draft pick counts as a wildcard or something. Again, I'm not a big expert of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.