Just heard an interesting rumor this morning on the radio about the Clippers looking to make a deal with the Bulls. The Clipps are apparently attempting to send Keyon Dooling and Melvin Ely to Chicago in order to clear more cap space for Kobe. Didn't hear who the Clipps might take in return, after checking Chicago's salaries it would likely be either Kendall Gill or simply a couple of second round picks. If this deal goes down, the Clippers would have an extra 4.55 million which would leave them more than 14 million under next season's cap number. It's looking more and more likely that Kobe will not return to the Lakers next season, there could be something to this.
I have also heard this rumor, and the player the Bulls are sending over is Jamal Crawford. There's a story about it in the OCRegister, but you have to be a subscriber, so I'm going to bother posting the link.
Crawford? Interesting, I didn't think Chicago was still actively looking to move him. Guess the J-Williams buyout was done in order to restructure his deal for next season. Crawford would still save the Clipps over a million on next season's cap - I'd make that deal in a second.
After being spoiled by the Jordan Era, the Bulls have made a lot impatient moves. Here's a list of All Star players they've traded since then: Ron Artest Brad Miller Elton Brand And now the Bulls are even entertaining trade offers for their "cornerstones," Eddie Curry and Tyson Chandler. The article mentioned Crawford does not fit the scrappy style of play Paxson and Skiles want to build around. The example used was when the Bulls played the Sonics a few days ago. Crawford threw the ball off the backboard, dunked it and drew a foul and made it a three point play. After making the free-throw and celebrating, the man he was responsible for guarding, Ray Allen, took the ball up and hit a three point shot. I agree, if I'm the Clippers I jump on this deal as well. The only problem I see is the friction it might cause between Q and Crawford. They both play the 2, and Crawford has shown he can't handle being the point in the NBA.
The Bulls have made some very poor personell decisions lately for sure. Trading Brand was the ultimate "doh!", then follow that up by trading two more all-stars like Miller and Artest. Eddie Robinson was signed to a huge deal, after which the Bulls promptly place him at the very end of the bench. That was Jerry Krause, but I guess Paxson and Skiles are going to carry on the tradition. Curry I would move as quickly as possible, he seems to have Benoit Benjamin written all over him, but Chandler is one guy that I absolutely would not think of trading. Crawford and Chandler are the two guys on that roster worth building around, to move either one of them would be a very bad decision. As far as Q and Crawford getting along, I wonder about that myself. The Clipps would obviously have to let one of them walk after next season, though maybe they plan on resigning Crawford or Richardson and including them in a future trade. I really don't know, but if they have a chance to get Crawford for practically nothing and still gain over a million dollars in cap space, that's a good problem to have. - Now I'm hearing another version of the trade which would bring Marcus Fizer to the Clippers. Though I would much rather have Crawford, this deal makes more sense to me.
I also have heard about Dooling and Ely to Chicago, but I also heard that it was going to be Fizer. From what I've heard and read the Bulls and their fans are convinced that Fizer is a bust, but I think this guy has potential. I was watching "Put up or Shut up" last night on SportsCenter, seems like all the analysts are convinced that Kobe will not be joining the Clippers. I don't see him leaving the Lakers at all, eventhough they think he would if Shaq signed an extension. However, if he does leave I'd have to disagree with them, I think it would be for the Clips.
Yeah, those dudes at espn really seem to know what they're talking about. I don't know if it's going to happen, but there's been a lot of talk around LA from many different sources that Kobe is ready to make an exit. Some say that his representatives have sent the message out to San Antonio, some say the Clippers. But with every day that passes, and with every disparaging comment directed at Kobe that comes out of Shaq's mouth, I'm beginning to think that Kobe just might not be back with the Lakers next year. It's as real a possibility as ever right now, and if Kobe had to make up his mind today, I would say he's gone...Not that I'm hoping for this to happen, but at this point it wouldn't surprise me at all.
I think Kobe needs a new team, I would love to see him stay with the Lakers, but him going to the Clippers would make that team so exciting and bring in a Crowd draw, he could even make Elton BRand better and get him recognized when Allstar Reserve picking comes around next year.If Kobe does sign with the Clippers then Q would be gone. If he goes to San Antonio I think that makes them the best team in teh league hands down... Parker Kobe/Manu and Duncan... that is really nice, but i would still hate the Spurs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Q Rich3:</div><div class="quote_post">I think Kobe needs a new team, I would love to see him stay with the Lakers, but him going to the Clippers would make that team so exciting and bring in a Crowd draw, he could even make Elton BRand better and get him recognized when Allstar Reserve picking comes around next year.If Kobe does sign with the Clippers then Q would be gone. If he goes to San Antonio I think that makes them the best team in teh league hands down... Parker Kobe/Manu and Duncan... that is really nice, but i would still hate the Spurs.</div> Exactly, Kobe could help bring some recognition for Elton Brand and make the Clippers the team to beat in LA. I would also hate to see him go to San Antonio, that team would be sick with Duncan, Kobe, Parker and Ginobili! If he ends up with the Spurs the rest of the NBA might as well just hand them the next 5 championships.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting OgShowtime:</div><div class="quote_post">Exactly, Kobe could help bring some recognition for Elton Brand and make the Clippers the team to beat in LA. I would also hate to see him go to San Antonio, that team would be sick with Duncan, Kobe, Parker and Ginobili! If he ends up with the Spurs the rest of the NBA might as well just hand them the next 5 championships.</div> The Clippers could potentially have one of the best Starting Ls in the league next year...with Marko Jaric coming around, they might not need a PG PG-Marko Jaric/Or one they pick up SG-Kobe Bryant SF-Corey Maggette PF-Elton Brand C-Chris Kaman/Chris Wilcox sixth man: Chris Wilcox
If Kobe does indeed intend to come, the Clippers would not likely resign Q Rich. That will bring an end to the exciting Clippers trio but it might be a personnel decision one wouldn't regret. Kobe brings a lot of jersey sales and a huge boost in attendance. Now, only if Mr. Sterling will open up his wallet and draw out at least 70 million.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting franchise3:</div><div class="quote_post">If Kobe does indeed intend to come, the Clippers would not likely resign Q Rich. That will bring an end to the exciting Clippers trio but it might be a personnel decision one wouldn't regret. Kobe brings a lot of jersey sales and a huge boost in attendance. Now, only if Mr. Sterling will open up his wallet and draw out at least 70 million.</div> Unfortunately, Q would be the odd man out. But, given Kobe's close friendship with Corey, and Elton's ability to put up strong (all-star) numbers every night, those big three could do some serious damage. This would be possibly the best trio in the NBA, and with the progress of Kaman and Wilcox, could be very close to becoming a serious finals contender. Earlier in the season when this talk began, I wasn't too thrilled with the idea of Kobe coming to the Clippers. But the more I think about it, the more I'm starting to like the possibility. Sterling would have to spend at least 84 million, which I believe is the max for a vet like Kobe. Will he do it? - that's the BIG question. But, if he's as smart a business man as he prides himself to be, then he would realize that Kobe would be a VERY wise investment.
Scariest thing about this starting lineup is the age. At the beginning of the next season their ages would be: PG - Marko Jaric - 25 Years Old SG - Kobe Bryant - 26 Years old SF - Corey Maggette - 24 Years Old PF - Elton Brand - 25 Years Old C - Chris Kaman - 22 Years Old 6th Man - Chris Wilcox - 22 Years old Is that a young lineup or what.... Kobe would be the oldest guy at 26, and on his current team he's the youngest guy in the lineup. Like others said Kobe would only complement Brand's game, and he would also take a lot of pressure off Corey. They also have a great sixth man in Wilcox, and hopefully they could also extend Simmons' contract. That would be the youngest team in the league, and probably the most talented also. Three of them already will have had atleast 5 years of experience being in the league also. They will be young, but not inexperienced. If they could sign Kobe and extend a few roll players' contracts, they would be the team to beat for the next 5 years (atleast.)
Very good point Phreeze, they're all young, but very experienced. Elton and Corey both have 5 years in, and Kobe will be entering his 9th year! Wow, I just thought about that, 9 years in the league at 26 years of age. Unbelievable. He would bring the leadership and championship experience to the Clippers that they've needed for the last 20 years since moving to Los Angeles. In addition, as you suggested, Bobby Simmons could also play a key role in this team's future. I love the way he plays the game. If the Clipps could keep him around, along with Eddie House, that would be a great 8-man rotation. The only thing I see them needing is another veteran PG, come to think of it, Overton might even be good enough to keep around for that spot.
The Clippers would be the best team in L.A. if this goes down..Elton Brand would get les double teams because of the presence, and if you like it or not loosing Q and gaining Kobe is so much of an upgrade, Q is awesome dont get me wrong...just look at my username...but all this depends on Kobe's legal situatuion, and Donald Sterling
Q out of LA i hope not... Kobe would be a good person to work with Brand but Q will be an allstar next year just look at how he is playing this year and hes been gettin better every year. But i hope that Q stays in LA or atleast goes to a team that would benefit him and the team.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting L.Sooch:</div><div class="quote_post">Q out of LA i hope not... Kobe would be a good person to work with Brand but Q will be an allstar next year just look at how he is playing this year and hes been gettin better every year. But i hope that Q stays in LA or atleast goes to a team that would benefit him and the team.</div> I hope your not a Clipper fan of any extent, by basically saying that the Clippers are better off with Q than Kobe. That would be an interesting trade for the Clippers, Crawford would have to play the point, he's too talented to back up Q. If he understands his role on the team, this could turn out nice for the Clips.
Clippers would be dangerous next season if this happens. I am already a Clipper fan myself, so I wouldn't mind it happening. For me, I would keep Q there. He is getting a lot better and if you seen him play a lot you'll know what I mean. Maggette is great himself but IMO I would take Q over Maggette. Kobe + Brand is already amazing, addition of Q or Maggette would be mind blowing. Not sure if Kobe will leave LA, if Lakers take it all the way, anything can happen.
Maybe in the offseason...Dooling's stock may be rising, hopefully it helps in the Clipps attempts to move him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting OgShowtime:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe in the offseason...Dooling's stock may be rising, hopefully it helps in the Clipps attempts to move him.</div> Dooling has some talent but he's also not a true PG like Jaric. He's a natural SG and his shoot first mentality doesn't work for the thin lineup for us. I'd like to see Dooling get moved in the offseason for maybe a future draft pick or something, but I want the Clips to bring back Simmons and Q as a first priority.
