* PHI - MIN *

Fire BK · Post #1 » by **Fire BK** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:42 pm

Minnesota receives:

Future 1st round draft pick (acquired from Utah in Kyle Korver trade)
Calvin Booth (1 more year at 1.1 mil)

Philadelphia receives:

Craig Smith

Why for Minny?
Craig Smith is not the right fit alongside Al Jefferson. Rather than let him walk away in free agency, McHale nabs a future 1st rounder. Perfect for their rebuilding project. Throw in a backup center with length who can block a shot.

Why for Philly?
Philly desperately needs a banger PF who can post up next to Sammy. This type of player is hard to find. There's no guarantee they will find one in this year's draft, either. Craig Smith could be a perfect fit in Philly with his width and toughness. The draft pick is an asset that must be cashed in if Stefanski can score a PF. Craig Smith is his man. Shed another little contract in Booth. Done.

Post #2 » by **loserX** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:44 pm

Smith will be an FA this summer. Philly could probably just sign him away from Minny (who have a luxury tax to worry about) if they fail to attract a bigger name, and keep their pick.

Fire BK · Post #3 » by **Fire BK** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:52 pm

True. I considered that, but Minny may very well match, even though it will cost them in the luxury tax. Furthermore, they could free up more space at the deadline (Buckner, Hudson) by packaging a Gomes or a Green or another young player as a sweetener. You're right, it's a very real possibility the Sixers could sign him away from Minny. But there's no guarantee that McHale won't maneuver by then to be in a position to re-sign C. Smith. This way, the Sixers guarantee themselves a PF without giving up their bigger chips (Miller, Iggy, etc).

Fire BK · Post #4 » by **Fire BK** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:54 pm

Also, with all those young wingmen (Brewer, Green, McCants), not sure the Wolves would want Rodney Carney. Which would be the alternative to giving up the draft pick.

Post #5 » by **loserX** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:54 pm

Fire BK wrote:True. I considered that, but Minny may very well match, even though it will cost them in the luxury tax. Furthermore, they could free up more space at the deadline (Buckner, Hudson) by packaging a Gomes or a Green or another young player as a sweetener. You're right, it's a very real possibility the Sixers could sign him away from Minny. But there's no guarantee that McHale won't maneuver by then to be in a position to re-sign C. Smith. This way, the Sixers guarantee themselves a PF without giving up their bigger chips (Miller, Iggy, etc).

Fair enough. I personally don't see the Wolves going into the luxury tax to re-sign a backup PF, but maybe they will be able to wrangle out of it another way. (Also, technical note: Hudson was cut, and his contract cannot be traded.)

shrink · Post #6 » by **shrink** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:29 pm

It's reasonable, and about the same offer as others in the Craig Smith thread, so its OK by me.

As for re-signing Craig Smith, its a definite possibility. Like any second rounder that makes good, he constantly exceeded expectations and is a fan favorite in MIN. If the wolves didn't have Al Jefferson, who should always be a 4, Smith would be an automatic re-sign. However, Smith and Al struggle playing at the same time, so he'd be a career back-up. You can say what you want about the Wolves front office, but they seem to try to do what's best for the players, and Smith could be more elsewhere.

The Wolves have room to sign him under the lux (assuming he doesn't get too huge an offer elsewhere) -- they would just struggle to bring everyone back. I expected some of the negative reaction from wolves fans for even putting his name up here. However, in the best interest of the team and Smith himself, I think its best he's traded for future considerations. However, MIN loves him, and if he's not traded, I think they try to bring him back.

corwin · Post #7 » by **corwin** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:41 pm

Although Smith is a nice rotation player, he's too short to be a starter at PF in the NBA. Philly should be looking for a starter & not a back-up. Since he was a $4 million sub, that's why Korver was moved & that's why Green & Evans are trade bait.

hermes · Post #8 » by **hermes** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:45 pm

philly should just sign smith in the offseason
i doubt minny keeps him

shrink · Post #9 » by **shrink** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:58 pm

corwin wrote:Although Smith is a nice rotation player, he's too short to be a starter at PF in the NBA.

I think you're part right, that he couldn't be an nba starter on several teams. Defensively, he needs a big center behind him who can defend and preferably block, and that's something Philadelphia has.

Offensively, Smith has shown many times over that with footwork, strength, and amazing quickness, he can get his shot off against any bigger opponent. He hasn't gotten consistent minutes this season but already has two games of 30 points or more.

One last comment. I think the offer is fair, but very similar to what all those other teams are offering in the Craig Smith Needs a home Thread

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=750948

He's drawn plenty of interest, and teams aren't going to be bidding just against MIN as a free agent. I think trading for him now gives a team the inside track.