New starting lineup? (After Z. Randolph trade)

[scratch21]

HOOPSWORLD
Evening Scoop: Kaman Deal Closer?

By: Bill Ingram Last Updated: 11/25/08 4:32 PM ET | 1817 times read
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As we've been talking about for the better part of a week, the Charlotte Bobcats are serious in their pursuit of Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman. Even as things are starting to come together in their backcourt, where DJ Augustin has had stunning success playing alongside Raymond Felton, the team is still sorely deficient in the frontcourt . . .and still losing most nights.

The first deal discussed between the two teams was supposedly about Gerald Wallace, but the Clippers weren't ready to pull the trigger on that one. They even went so far as to deny there were talks, though we know now that there were. And even as the Clippers continue to say they're not looking to trade Kaman, the evidence is mounting on the side of them just looking to sweeten the deal.

Today reports have surfaced that the Bobcats have reached for the sugar.

According to ESPN, the Bobcats have now offered Jason Richardson as part of a package deal that would bring Kaman to Charlotte. Richardson would be a nice mentor for promising rookie Eric Gordon, and can score with the best of them. It would make a lot of sense for the Clippers, now overloaded with centers after the Zach Randolph trade, to cash in a tower in favor of some perimeter help.

It's clear both of these teams are in need of at least one major move to make them competitive, and it's probably just a matter of time (and maybe a few more Clippers losses) before something gets done.

[jgustav1]

I'd expect a trade like this to go down on Dec 15, Kaman/Ricky Davis to Bobcats for Richardson/future 1st rounder.