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Analysis: Four trade deadline deals we'd like to see happen
By NBA.com staff
Posted Feb 18 2009 11:14PM
Weasked NBA.com's writers to put together some trades that they'd like tosee happen. With the trade deadline fast approaching (3 p.m. ET onThursday), here are the four they've dreamed up:
Suns-Knicks
The Trade: The Suns trade Amar'e Stoudemire to New York for David Lee, Nate Robinson, Malik Rose and Jerome James
Why It Would Be Good:The Knicks get a true superstar in Stoudemire, who already has clickedin the past with the coach, Mike D'Antoni, when D'Antoni was inPhoenix. True, Amar'e could opt out before the magical Summer of 2010,but if he sticks around, wouldn't another superstar want to team upwith him in New York? The Suns get an energy guy who can run thepick-and-roll in Lee. Plus, Lee's a more aggressive rebounder thanStoudemire. The Suns also get a backup point guard in Nate Robinson forSteve Nash. Robinson, like Lee, knows how to run the pick-and-roll.They do it for D'Antoni now. Rose comes off the books this year andJames after the 2009-10 season.
Why It Won't Happen:Because I couldn't imagine the Suns working out something that may helpD'Antoni no matter how much it could help them. And with Alvin Gentrytaking over the reins in Phoenix (and holding them much more looselythan former coach Terry Porter), the Suns might be less willing to partwith Stoudemire. Also, Lee and Robinson are restricted free agents andthe Suns may have their services for only 30 games or so.
Why It Will: Theonly way I could truly see this happening is if the Suns feltStoudemire poisoned the well so much that they feel compelled to movehim. Sure, there are reports that they've been in talks with Torontoand Chicago on a three-way deal that would include Chris Bosh and TyrusThomas in a trade-day version of Twister. But a swap with the Knickscould clear the way for the Suns to save money and start plans tocompletely rebuild when the contracts of Shaquille O'Neal and SteveNash expire after the 2009-10 season.
-- Rob Peterson
Sixers-Wolves
The Trade: The Sixers trade Andre Miller and Donyell Marshall to the Timberwolves for Mike Miller and Sebastian Telfair
Why It Would Be Good:Philadelphia is dead last in the league in 3-point percentage (31.8).Kareem Rush (just eight made threes this season) and Donyell Marshall(12 makes) haven't been able to fill the void created when Kyle Korverwas shipped to Utah two seasons ago. Mike Miller is 46-for-133 fromdeep this year and has long been considered one of the league'sdeadliest marksmen. Meanwhile, the Wolves get a very solid starter atthe point and Philly gets much younger.
Why It Won't Happen:Philadelphia might think that, in a buyer's market, it could better usethe money that's freed up when Andre Miller and Marshall leave to bringin a couple of bargain basement free agents. Also, Andre turns 33 inMarch, so Minnesota might not want to bring in a dinosaur and give upon its young pup in the 23-year old Telfair.
Why It Will:Andre Miller's contract expires this summer (so does Marshall's). It'sunlikely that Philadelphia will be able to pay him what he's lookingfor. Instead of having him walk for nothing, the 76ers can nab thatshooter they've been missing and give Telfair a shot at playing thepoint in an up-and-down system. From a financial standpoint, it'sappealing to the Wolves even if Andre Miller and Marshall don't re-signbecause they take about $11 million off their cap for next season,which coupled with Jason Collins' expiring deal could give them enoughmoney to try to re-sign Andre, go after another big-name free agent orjust save money.
-- Dave McMenamin
Blazers-Pistons
The Trade: The Pistons trade Tayshaun Prince and Kwame Brown to the Blazers for Raef LaFrentz, Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez.
Why It Would Be Good:The Blazers rank second in the league in offensive efficiency, but 20thdefensively. In order to truly compete with the best teams in the West,they need to improve. Prince is one of the best defenders in the leagueand would solidify Portland's starting lineup. With LaFrentz, AllenIverson and Rasheed Wallace, the Pistons would have almost $50 millionin salaries coming off the books this summer, giving Joe Dumars plentyof money to play with either in 2009 or 2010. He'd also have two youngplayers to develop alongside Rodney Stuckey for years to come.
Why It Won't Happen:Prince is the Pistons' most important player and they will already haveplenty of cap space without making this deal. Also, of all their smallforwards, Fernandez is the one the Blazers would least like to trade.Nicolas Batum and Martell Webster are more expendable.
Why It Will:Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard has to know that he needs a defender in thatsmall forward spot, preferably one with some experience. Prince is theperfect fit. The Bucks' Richard Jefferson could be another target asPritchard looks to make something of LaFrentz's expiring deal. ThePistons like Stuckey, but will need a more traditional point guard inthat backcourt down the line. And the potential of Fernandez may beenticing enough for Dumars to part with his current franchisecornerstone, Prince.
-- John Schuhmann
Suns-Blazers
The Trade: Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa to Portland for Steve Blake, Jerryd Bayless and Raef LaFrentz.
Why It Would Be Good:The Blazers are stacked with young talent, but the one place where theydon't have a potential star is point guard. Nash would provide veteranleadership, command instant respect in the locker room and be thesteady hand a young team needs in the playoffs. Barbosa teaming withRudy Fernandez off the bench is insane. The Suns can start theirinevitable rebuilding with two point guards in Blake and Bayless, arookie from Arizona.
Why it Won't Happen: The Suns' recentcoaching change was made to get Nash back to doing what he does bestand the franchise is committed to extending his contract this summer.Phoenix is more inclined to play this season out before makingwholesale changes.
Why it Will: The savings for the Sunswould be immense starting with next season. LaFrentz has an expiringcontract, while Blake is done after 2009-10. Phoenix would still haveBayless and cap space to be a player in 2010. The Blazers could also bepart of the 2010 spending spree when Nash comes off the cap.
-- Art Garcia
