KOTB: Miami/Denver (small deal)

[-Kees-]

"If you believe all teams would accept this trade, vote yes. If you believe otherwise, vote no. Please explain your vote."

http://basketball.realgm.com/tradecheck ... de/6159249

James Jones, Norris Cole, Josh Harrellson, 2nd round pick

for

Timofey Mozgov, Julyan Stone, Quincy Miller


Why for Denver?

It saves them some money. Cole is on a rookie deal for another 3 years, whereas Mozgov will be an RFA this coming summer (and while not a huge deal, they may have to resign Iggy and Brewer too. Besides, it's always good to save money). The Nuggets also have a solid C rotation already that seems to be working, and is also signed long-term (so ok to give Mozgov). The last reason is that Miller is 36 y/o and could retire any time, so Cole not only provides the best 3rd string PG/good 3 guard rotation, but he also provides the long term backup in case Miller retires. Plus it gives them upgraded depth, from Miller to Jones and Stone to Harrellson, and they get a 2nd.

Lawson / Miller / Cole
Iggy / (Cole) / Jones / Fournier
Gallo / Brewer / Hamilton
Faried / Chandler / Randolph
Koufus / McGee / Harrellson

Why for Miami?

Looking at the West, any of LAC, LAL, OKC, MEM or SAS have strong chances of coming out on top, depending on who's hot come playoff time. So MIA picks up some size in case they face a MEM or LAL, where they will not want to start Bosh/Battier/LeBron at the 3,4,5. They do give up a young PG, but they'll still have Chalmers + 2 of the best ball handling wings in the league, so it shouldn't be an issue. And MIA has such great wing depth already, it shouldn't hurt much to lose Cole.

Chalmers / Allen / Stone
Wade / M Miller / Harris
LeBron / Lewis / Q Miller
Bosh / Battier / Anthony
Mozgov / Haslem / Pittman

[RoyalWun]

No.

I personally don't think Miami would make any changes to their roster. Especially trading Cole for Mozgov who doesn't help them that much anyway do would probably not see much minutes.

[The Rebel]

No I don't think either teams does it, the Heat need all the outside shooting they can get for their offense, and this leaves the Nuggets with 2 guys on the roster with the size to play center and forces them to give up 2 young guys they seem pretty high on, which is a big no no for a very young team.

[Texas Chuck]

Im going to say no too but I think you are on the right track esp for Miami. Adding a cheap big as insurance against the West teams seems like something they may well pursue. I just dont see how this does anything for Denver and I dont think Dre is any threat to retire. He keeps himself in great shape, doesnt suffer injuries like most older players and he can thank his lack of athleticism here. I could easily see him playing into his 40s like Kidd and Nash. He will still be effective for sure.

KOTB no

[BossHoggin]

KOTB: No

No incentive for Denver

[HornetJail]

I honestly don't see either team considering anything like this.