Why not Steve Franchise for Ronald Artest? It doesn't work salary wise, but throw in the retiring Bender and it fits like a glove. Indiana Trade Breakdown Outgoing Jonathan Bender 7-0 SF from Picayune Memorial (HS) 5.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg in 10.5 minutes Ron Artest 6-7 SF from St. John's 19.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.2 apg in 37.8 minutes Incoming Steve Francis 6-3 PG from Maryland 16.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.4 apg in 37.8 minutes Change in team outlook: -7.8 ppg, -2.4 rpg, and +2.2 apg. Orlando Trade Breakdown Outgoing Steve Francis 6-3 PG from Maryland 16.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.4 apg in 37.8 minutes Incoming Jonathan Bender 7-0 SF from Picayune Memorial (HS) 5.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg in 10.5 minutes Ron Artest 6-7 SF from St. John's 19.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.2 apg in 37.8 minutes Change in team outlook: +7.8 ppg, +2.4 rpg, and -2.2 apg. Just a thought. It would seem that ORL needs Grant Hill insurance, and IND needs Tinsley insurance. What do you think?
Would work very well in my books. Solves both problems. Ron Artest could play SF while Hill plays SG in the lineup. Sounds good Indiana would get the 1/2 combo of francis and oneal.
The Pacers don't want Artest in the East. Artest and Dwight could become a very fierce combo. The Insurance thing you are right though, but in reality is if the Magic were in the West, then yes this would be an okay deal for both sides.
