On the plus side, Salmons would net us 5-7 more wins over the next two years. After that, he's probably traded or a reserve. That's a better value than we got out of the expiring contracts of Stoudamire, Sabonis, Pippen, and Rahim combined, because it's at least something. It's about the same value as we got out of trading Sheed. Rahim/Ratliff were more talented, but they were also more expensive and a worse fit. I don't have a lot of hope that the RLEC is worth that much on its own, but unlike with all those other big expiring contracts we had, we also have the ability to package some quality young players. So I'd be a little disappointed if all we got was Salmons. I'd rather take my chances with STOMP's plan of not re-signing some marginal players and use the cap space to negotiate a trade.
That part doesn't discourage me as much. I've seen firsthand how fanbases of really bad teams can easily turn on the few productive veterans they have. It's really only natural--the good player is fed up with all the sucking around him, so he starts chucking more or stops working hard. The fans scapegoat him as the source of all the poor ball movement/lack of effort. The guy is moved to a better team, resurrects his career, and suddenly he's "turned a new leaf." It's one of the basic storylines you read about in virtually every bad team. The danger is that it becomes so common on a bad team that you just get a revolving door of talent. Nobody is ever happy, from the players to the coaches to the fans, unless there's a constant trickle of guys coming in and leaving. The losing breeds more losing. Portland got out of that vicious feedback loop by drafting 3 of the 4 best players two years in a row. The Clippers, Bulls (and now Kings) probably won't be so lucky.
Kevin Martin is a young stud and I like the Kings last two drafts. I think they stand a decent chance of breaking out of the loop you speak of if they're able to keep KM healthy and Petrie continues to make good personnel moves. STOMP
I would think the Wiz would have to be shopping Jamison . . . he is a vet who can play two positions . . . that's my guess who we get if we make a big trade ( like others, I like Butler more, but I don't see the wiz moving Butler)
I have thought long and hard about this trade. If it goes through, it has to basically be a "no skin off my ass" trade, where we don't give up anything but a contract, and maybe a draft pick.
I'd be very happy if Portland traded Raef+Outlaw/Web +junk/draft/$ for Wallace. The Blazers are NOT contending this year, and Wallace's injury has to mean he is available for less than he was a week ago. In the meantime we'd fill in the SF spot with the other players who can play there. iWatas
Yep with Blake out for 2 more games, it will probably be Blake available. Why else would he have been hurrying back?
the Bobs would have to add some additional salary to make your proposal work, but I'm with your thinking 100%. STOMP
Yeah, I like Martin. (But I also liked guys like Elton Brand for Chicago/Clippers and David Lee for New York. Even bad teams get good players sometimes.) Sactown has drafted nicely, and they should get another good pick this year. So maybe things aren't so grim there.
I wouldn't doubt it. Petrie is trying to build young players around K Mart and Thompson. Blazers shouldn't bite, though. Hoopshype rumors has us sending Raef and a pick at the moment... Bayless won't be going anywhere, especially with where we stand at PG right now having Blake injured. Though, the only twist in this scenario is that I wouldn't at all be opposed to adding Sergio, Channing, Ike, or shavlik in the deal in-place of Bayless to get it done.
Given that 1080 says an offer took place that doesn't even work under the CBA tells me all I need to know about the credibility of the report.
1080 has like three employees and a couple interns working for them. I'm surprised other media outlets view them as a source for trades. Like they've ever broke anything..
