An interesting article from Percy Allen from the Seattle Times. As a Sonics fan, the next month or so should be extremely interesting. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Their modest investments are quickly accruing interest and it appears the Sonics are in line for a big payday soon. With the win-now mentality of pro sports, their slow-developing plan hardly draws much attention among fans focused on the team's ho-hum 12-13 record and, at times, dismal December display. But in the NBA, in which three blockbuster in-season trades have already occurred and many more are rumored each day, the Sonics are positioning themselves for a deal that could be comparable to last season's swap with Milwaukee that delivered Ray Allen. Banking on the sweet-shooting Allen, their highest-paid player at $13.5 million this season, makes sense for the Sonics. But Ronald Murray and Richie Frahm have more than earned their paychecks while Allen recovers from right-ankle surgery. At minimal cost, the Sonics have received maximum dividends from the high-scoring reserve guards. "What we've always said is that this is a year of exploration," general manager Rick Sund said. "We want to see what they (Seattle's young players) can do given some real minutes." Murray, a 6-foot-4 second-year guard, is coveted by league GMs because he's a mature 24 and ranks 21st in the league at 18.6 points per game despite coming off the bench in 10 contests. Perhaps equally attractive is Murray's cap-friendly salary. He earns $563,679 this season and is due a slight increase next season. And the emergence of Frahm, who scored a career-high 31 points in Saturday's 115-106 victory at Denver, gives the Sonics another inexpensive chip — $366,931 this season — that they can parlay into a big haul. Frahm, a 6-5 guard, was the last Sonic to earn a roster spot during training camp but has worked himself into the rotation and is gaining fans across the country. "The guy can shoot," Denver coach Jeff Bzdelik said. "He came in as a 50 percent shooter on three-pointers and we knew that as a coaching staff, but our players didn't. ... Now they do." The folks in Minnesota said similar things about Murray after he downed them with a buzzer-beater last month. Said one GM: "They (the Sonics) could dump some of those bad contracts if they parted with Murray." </div> <font size="1">Full Story </font> No mention of Barry in the article, interestingly enough, who would be by far the easiest to trade, assuming Murray would be packaged with a bad contract. Al Harrington is the guy on top of my personal wishlist, but his form at the moment will have almost-certainly increased his trade value since the start of the season.
Flip has stepped up alot in Rays absence. I think they would be crazy to trade him. Flip along with a few others are a sure steal for 6th man of the year. The other night Frahm showed the NBA what fools they have for GMs for not singing him. I mean if its going to be for the better of the team, do your thing, but becareful in what you do. You see what happend with Milwaukee and GP.
They did mention Barry as being one of four shooting guards the Sonics have, and that that was why they might deal Flip and Richie. I don't think it would be that bad a deal to ship one of them off, since it would bring a good player who could fit with the Sonics rotation better.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting starman85:</div><div class="quote_post">They did mention Barry as being one of four shooting guards the Sonics have, and that that was why they might deal Flip and Richie. I don't think it would be that bad a deal to ship one of them off, since it would bring a good player who could fit with the Sonics rotation better.</div> Very true. I meant I'm surprised Barry wasn't directly mentioned as a guy to be traded - last year of his deal, will re-sign for less next time around because of age. I guess that really underlines his importance to that Seattle team.
hmm...I don't know why everyone wants to trade Brent Barry...he's really good...maybe that's why...but why not trade the two semi-good ones for someone really decent also? (Al H. could be a good one...theres bunch of options that could be opened up with those two.)...
If flip can play the point - I do not, under any circumstances trade him if I'm the Sonics. He looks like the starting pg of the future, move Barry and his contract rather than Flip and his infinite potential. Al Harrington is good, but not that good.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting OgShowtime:</div><div class="quote_post">If flip can play the point - I do not, under any circumstances trade him if I'm the Sonics. He looks like the starting pg of the future, move Barry and his contract rather than Flip and his infinite potential. Al Harrington is good, but not that good.</div> No trust me, Al Harrington is VERY good.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ObieCent:</div><div class="quote_post">No trust me, Al Harrington is VERY good.</div> Al Harrington would be GREAT if he wasn't such an iso player...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting OgShowtime:</div><div class="quote_post">If flip can play the point - I do not, under any circumstances trade him if I'm the Sonics. He looks like the starting pg of the future, move Barry and his contract rather than Flip and his infinite potential. Al Harrington is good, but not that good.</div> Flip will only be traded if he's moved with a bad contract such as James or Booth, such is his rookie deal. If Harrington is targeted, it will very likely be involving Barry, not Flip.
