Is it time to trade Murphy?

[cdash]

His value has never been higher. Is it time to try to trade him? Perhaps get someone a little more post-oriented and/or better defensively? What could we realistically expect to get for him?

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

I always thought we should have traded Dunleavy when his value was high, but I feel differently about Murphy. For one, we had someone to replace Dunleavy in Daniels and Rush, with Murphy thats pretty much it. I love McRoberts and I would actually love to see him get a lot of minutes, but I doubt the Pacers are ready to throw him into the starting lineup.

I would like to either draft a PF or trade for a young PF like Brandon Wright, mold that guy for a year under Murphy then try to trade him, if nothing else, he is an expiring at that point. I think we should keep him, until we have another option.

[DWCP2]

Trade Murphy?

NOT ON YOUR LIFE!

[DWCP2]

I always thought we should have traded Dunleavy when his value was high, but I feel differently about Murphy. For one, we had someone to replace Dunleavy in Daniels and Rush, with Murphy thats pretty much it. I love McRoberts and I would actually love to see him get a lot of minutes, but I doubt the Pacers are ready to throw him into the starting lineup.

I would like to either draft a PF or trade for a young PF like Brandon Wright, mold that guy for a year under Murphy then try to trade him, if nothing else, he is an expiring at that point. I think we should keep him, until we have another option.

and if Dunleavy doens't come back and is forced to retire his salary comes off the books one calender year from the date of his last played game anyway, so it's a big plus for Indiana.

[cdash]

I always thought we should have traded Dunleavy when his value was high, but I feel differently about Murphy. For one, we had someone to replace Dunleavy in Daniels and Rush, with Murphy thats pretty much it. I love McRoberts and I would actually love to see him get a lot of minutes, but I doubt the Pacers are ready to throw him into the starting lineup.

I would like to either draft a PF or trade for a young PF like Brandon Wright, mold that guy for a year under Murphy then try to trade him, if nothing else, he is an expiring at that point. I think we should keep him, until we have another option.

I like the idea of trading for/drafting a young PF, keeping Murphy, and letting the young guy learn as a backup...not so unlike what happened with Brandon Rush.

[count55]

Murphy's value probably has not changed a great deal...(BTW, neither did Dunleavy's.)

The front offices throughout the league know pretty much who they are. They know that they both have some strong skills, but also have some clear flaws. Both of their contracts are prohibitive in both size and length.

Certainly, we should be open to, and perhaps even pursue opportunities to trade him, but there remains the rather large likelihood that we'd have to take back an ugly contract, perhaps as filler.

[cdash]

I'd say his value has changed quite a bit. Last year at this time he was struggling, not doing anything better than average, and he has a poison contract. This year, he took another year off that contract, he played really, really inspired basketball, he was healthy...how is his value not higher? I'm not saying he jumped up into Dirk Nowitzki mode or anything, but its improved from where it was at this time last year.

[Dunthreevy]

Yeah let's trade the only legitimate rebounding threat we've had in the past 10 years. That makes a ton of sense.

Do you guys ever stop to think about the impact of the actual games that we play when you come up with these scenarios, or is it always about money and "the future"? Whatever happened to rewarding a guy who busts his rear end for your team all year long? Instead, the first thing you can think of is what we could get out of him in trade value. Why should players show any loyalty to a team when the fans have absolutely no loyalty to the players?

Pathetic.

[basketballwacko2]

I'd say his value has changed quite a bit. Last year at this time he was struggling, not doing anything better than average, and he has a poison contract. This year, he took another year off that contract, he played really, really inspired basketball, he was healthy...how is his value not higher? I'm not saying he jumped up into Dirk Nowitzki mode or anything, but its improved from where it was at this time last year.

I think Murphy has more value to us than any other team, the prospect of 2010 free agrency is gonna hurt his value. With Murphy pulling down 11+ rebs a game we'd be hard pressed to find a guy that could do that and help spread the floor with his shooting ability. We need to work on our guards, decide who is starting at PG (Jack) and if it's not TJ we should consider trading him. He's paid a little to much to be a backup. And we have to trade Jamaal. Even if we only get a Nazr Mohammad or Speedy Claxton JT has to go! I'd do JT and the dallas #2 for Claxton and not even blink. Then if we could move TJ to Dallas for Stack and Dallas #1, cut Stack save money, us the two picks to get the best players we can. Then we can hope Dunleavy gets back and we're gonna be pretty good. Will we win the NBA Championship next year? No but we'll be better.

[chatard5]

It sounds like our team is close off the court, for the first time in a while. I was in favor of trading Dunleavy (if possible and obviously for the right price), but I feel differently about Murphy. Murphy does get a lot of rebounds, but I think somebody like McRoberts could've gotten 9-10 boards with Murphy's minutes at that position. However, I think very few players could've gotten those rebounding numbers combined with Murphy's 3-pt shooting. I think he likes being here, and he went from being my least favorite Pacer to one of my favorite ones.

[freeman]

I like Troy an awful lot.
I'd say we keep him.
Hope the trainers could develop Hibbert's post up game. That's the only thing we're lacking.
And yes, teach him how 'not to foul out in 15 minutes' too.

[Wizop]

I wouldn't shop him, but he's not untouchable either. we can listen to offers. only Granger, Rush, and Hibbert are untouchable now. oh, first round picks are also untouchable other than to move up or down in the draft.

[cdash]

Yeah let's trade the only legitimate rebounding threat we've had in the past 10 years. That makes a ton of sense.

Do you guys ever stop to think about the impact of the actual games that we play when you come up with these scenarios, or is it always about money and "the future"? Whatever happened to rewarding a guy who busts his rear end for your team all year long? Instead, the first thing you can think of is what we could get out of him in trade value. Why should players show any loyalty to a team when the fans have absolutely no loyalty to the players?

Pathetic.

The only legitimate rebounding threat of the last 10 years? Perhaps your short term memory forgot one Jermaine O'Neal. Yeah, he can't rebound to save his life now, but he was pretty good in his day. Rebounding isn't like making shots either. If a shot is missed, SOMEONE is getting the rebound. Seeing as how he played like 38 minutes per game in the post on defense, he's going to collect rebounds. I'm not saying he's not a good rebounder or that it's not important, I'm just saying that you might want to lay off the hyperbole.

I probably watch more Pacer games than most of the people on the board, so yes, I stop to think about the impact of the actual games quite a bit. If you watch these games, you notice Murphy's main contributions are excellent rebounding, trailing the break, and spotting up from the top of the key for a three pointer. Later in the season he was pump faking and driving to the hole more often, which was a nice wrinkle he added, but still, he's not someone the opposing defense is scared of by any means. That doesn't even get around to his defense, which (and I'm being nice) is sub-par. If Hibbert turns into a major post-presence, then Murphy would be a fine sidekick, but I'm not sure Hibbert is going to get there. Especially next season. As of now, we need someone who can score inside and play solid post defense. If we want to get back to the top, defense is how it has to get done. We have a nice start with Granger and Rush on the wings. If Jack re-signs and he starts at the point, there's another solid defender. But our post defense is bad. We need it to get better or at best we will be a 44-win team who is one and done in the playoffs.

Another thing, I don't know if you have noticed, but the Pacers are in dire financial straits. They are losing millions of dollars each year. You are paying Tinsley $7 million to plow hookers and do whatever else he's into. You are paying Dunleavy $9 million, and he missed most of this season, and likely will miss all of next season. That's $16 million dollars basically thrown away. Murphy makes $10+ million, and if we could deal him and save a little cap space and the Simons a little money, then why is that such a travesty? It's always about the money in professional sports.

We worry about the future because we don't want to be stuck watching our team finish in purgatory every year. You know, not good enough to make the playoffs, but not bad enough to get a high lottery pick. We don't need to reward him, the guy is getting paid over $10 million dollars. That is his reward.

...and get off your high horse. I'm not saying I want him shipped out. I'm saying it might be a good idea to listen to offers for a guy who just had a career year who may or may not fit into our long term plans as an organization. Big difference.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Yea, we've had plenty of good rebounders, I have no idea what hes talking about.

I do understand his loyalty point of view though, but I don't think we should let that stop us from making a great deal if one presents itself.

[MillerTime101]

If a great deal falls on your lap you have to take it but I honestly cant think of many trade scenarios that would work for both teams involving Murphy considering he plays a position of great need for us and he is one of our best players.

Maybe in a stronger draft year but I dont see it happening this year. Plus, he is tall and white and can shoot, Larry Bird isnt sending him anywhere!

[DC2]

i'd trade him in a heart beat for a player that has a smaller/shorter contract.

[Miller4ever]

Murphy is a Notre Dame boy. I need him around. I wore my ND sweatshirt when I saw him, but I was amidst a lot of green bandwagoners. Who are all crying. They're feeling the karmic retribution of their deal with the devil to get KG and Ray-Ray. Same with the Pats and Brady last year in their deal to get that Moss guy.

Unless we get a significant upgrade (I mean top 10 all-around PF), I don't think we should trade Murphy. He also means a lot to team chemistry.

[cdash]

Here's how much team chemistry means: last year, by all accounts, we had a poisonous locker room and finished 36-46. This season, by all acounts, we have a fantastic locker room...and finished 36-46. It's nice to have, but it isn't that big of a deal. I prefer to have a good locker room, but having a bunch of guys that like each other doesn't necessarily equate to winning.

[Miller4ever]

While it may not equal wins, it does contribute a great deal. We didn't have that clicking chemistry until later in the season. There's obviously other factors that contributed to our 36-46 record, but I'd say that Murphy was more responsible for those 36 wins than he was for the 46 losses.

[cdash]

That's such an impossible thing to gauge. You can use all the logic you want, but I just don't think chemistry sways more than maybe 3 or 4 games in the course of a given season.