This is the word going around some Indiana message boards. Not sure how valid the deal is, but the salaries work. Jermaine O'neal has pushed for Bonzi before, so this trade has some legs. Outstanding trade by the Kings if Petrie pulled this off. Here's where the story originated from by Hoopsworld Rumor Mill... <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bonzi Wells & Kevin Martin - Its been suggested that Jermaine O’Neal was told of an offer from Sacramento that included good friend Bonzi Wells and “the kid they drafted last year”. A source close to the Kings says Bonzi has come to the realization that he wants to compete, and is finding the laid back atmosphere in Sacramento annoying and has hinted that he’d want a trade. The numbers work salary wise given the new 25% rule, for Sacramento they get Artest who they have coveted for some time, without giving up Peja – Indiana gets a player Jermaine O’Neal approves of, and a young player in Kevin Martin who they have scouted in each of the past too summers. Bonzi comes off the books next summer, so it’s not a long term marriage if it doesn’t work out, and Kevin is cheap – toss in a draft pick and this is the best deal floating around. </div> Source
No I really hope this trade doesn't happen for the Kings. I think Kevin Martin is going to be a very good player in this league. Hes playing really well (he dropped 25 the other night) and hes bet his career high five times this season. Hes going to be very good. I will, however trade Bonzi and Corliss Williamson (if the salaries work) for Artest. Just anyone but Kevin Martin (and maybe not Garcia either).
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shootingmachine:</div><div class="quote_post">No I really hope this trade doesn't happen for the Kings. I think Kevin Martin is going to be a very good player in this league. Hes playing really well (he dropped 25 the other night) and hes bet his career high five times this season. Hes going to be very good. I will, however trade Bonzi and Corliss Williamson (if the salaries work) for Artest. Just anyone but Kevin Martin (and maybe not Garcia either).</div> You're talking about adding an All-Star roster and DPOY to the Kings roster without having to give up any core pieces. This is a steal for the Kings and gets them right back in the playoff hunt. The reason why Martin is expendable is Garcia. Players like Martin are a dime a dozen in the NBA and he will be easily replaced. Adding Ron Artest gives you a defensive stopper who can guard the best player on the other team. He brings some toughness the Kings are missing, and isn't a liability on offense. With Artest's ability to guard a SG or SF, it allows Peja to slide to SG on offense. PG - Bibby SG - Peja SF - Artest PF - K. Thomas C - Miller This is a nasty lineup to deal with and these 5 starters can compete with anyone in the league. If the Kings can now land a taller shotblocking PF who rebounds, they can make a claim for the WCF. Maybe try going after a guy like Theo Ratliff.
Skill in the backcourt (Mike/Peja), toughness in the front (Ron/Brad) - they would have a ton of potential. HOWEVER, you have to wonder how Ron would deal with a trade to Sacramento of all places. A guy from the QB will find that a big adjustment! Where will his mind be at? Who on that team is going to make him pay attention and focus?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting phunDamentalz:</div><div class="quote_post">Skill in the backcourt (Mike/Peja), toughness in the front (Ron/Brad) - they would have a ton of potential. HOWEVER, you have to wonder how Ron would deal with a trade to Sacramento of all places. A guy from the QB will find that a big adjustment! Where will his mind be at? Who on that team is going to make him pay attention and focus?</div> Artest and Brad Miller played together in Chicago, so there's a relationship there. I think the Maloofs will keep Artest focused because they are two young owners who can sell their team to Artest. Rick Adelman has handled his fair share of head strong players, and gets results out of them. I don't think Sacramento is going to be a big adjustment since it's a lot more urban than Indiana. Plus the Maloofs own the Palms Casino, and Sacramento is only an hour away from the Bay Area if Artest gets the jones to visit a big city. What the Kings are giving up in this deal isn't going to set them back either. Bonzi Wells is a free agent this summer, and Martin is easily replaced by Cisco.
Im not so sure how i feel about this trade. Yes it adds an allstar to the roster but even with a loaded roster the Kings had a losing record. Not sure what type of balance the Kings would have with Artest. Would they have to bring Peja off the bench? I dont think you can put Ron and Peja in the starting lineup so obviously Peja would sit.
recent rumor is that its peja sorry cant put a paragprah cause im bout to leave but nba.com reports it http://www.nba.com/news/256696.html
Congrats on landing Artest. I think this trade will get the Kings right back into the playoff race. Not only do they get the better player in the deal, Artest has chip on his shoulder and will be out to prove all his critics. It also gives the Kings balance in their lineup, and a player capable of locking down the elite scorers in the West.
The Kings management must've slept with Larry Bird for this to go down, Peja isnt doing nearly as good as he's done before in his career, his stats are lower than ever and he's injury prone. Ron Artest is possibly the Most Valuable Player to any team in contention to winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Ron is a great player and he would help out any team, IMO he could turn the Kings around easily with the help of Brad Miller and Mike Bibby. Im really confused right now so if you dont understand what I said dont both thinking about it i'll rephrase it later.
kings fans' dream/nightmare have just come true... it's official now...artest for stojakovic..just pending on league approval this trade spells the end of championship run for pacers, and give kings a chance to go back to playoffs....a chance that means artest doesn't become a "musician" again
Ummm kings fans dont get excited, because sources from Ron Artest say he has absolutly no desire to be a King and the deal is off, enjoy your season..
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ESPNEWS HEADLINES BREAKING NEWS Report: Artest Trade Off Ron Artest's saga in Indiana continues on. The Pacers tried to trade Artest to the Kings for Peja Stojakovic, but ESPN's Jim Gray reports the deal is off because Artest would not go to Sacramento.</div> ESPN
a little more news for you.... Artest is denying he is the one that put the trade on ice and has stated that he has not been involved in any way in the trade, but rather his agent has been handling it for him. This was announced during the local broadcast of the game tonight, so I have yet to find any print that I can point you to yet. Personally, while Artest is a great defensive player, I'm happy the deal fell through. I really dont like the idea of that headcase on the team. Doesnt mean I'm all that thrilled with Stojakovic right now either...
This fall through still might hurt the Kings even worse now. Peja is probably pullin a Shaq and feelin upset that he was used as trade bait.
SAC you almost got him, Artest still looking for a team. I don't know any other teams he wants to play for.