Dalembert can only play center (he was barely smart enough to learn that position!), and when CHA tried Nazr and Okafor together right after the trade, the two centers couldn't play together well. I think this eased up a bit, but I definitely think there could be problems with Okafor and Daly next to each other -- including the fact that Daly is on a $10 mil deal himself.
For those that are unaware, last Summer the Bobcats offered Okafor a $13 mil contract extension, and he turned it down to opt for being a RFA next season. Many industry analysts said that was a mistake, because his production this last year didn't justify $13, and he may have slid backwards. $14 mil is the most he could get, and he still turned it down.
I would have a hard time turning down the original deal, and perhaps CHA would put some value on McCants, reuniting him with Felton and May in Carolina (though he'd still come off the bench behind JRich). However, Okafor declining a near max deal, with all that security for a player that hasn't always been healthy, is very surprising to me. Its quite possible he's running this gamble because he wants to get out of Charlotte.
If this is true, MIN is actually not in a bad situation to try to just nab him in free agency -- and not give up any pick. We could offer a significant player to help Okafor underneath .. no more Nazr's. We have money for a max deal. And many teams seem to be aiming for 2010, not 2009 and may save their money. Next season, MIN may look like more of a winner, a team moving in the right direction, than CHA. If Okafor wants out, I don't think the Bobcats can risk matching a max deal offer if they know he's going to be unhappy for 5-6 years. Lastly, we're not a contender for a ring next season -- we don't NEED Okafor this year -- next year would be fine with me, after Mayo's got his feet on the ground.
Like I said, it'd be hard for me to say no, but being greedy and trying to get both Mayo and Okafor might work in this strange situation.
Trade Idea
Moderators: Domejandro, Worm Guts, Calinks
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Winter Wonder
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An interesting view point Shrink, and quite plausible. Hard to find a better way to spend the money than on a talented young athletic center.
For the heck of it, I brought the described trade to the Char board (very quiet over there, makes you appreciate the fans on this board even more), and it received the response we would assume, essentially no way, no how, and that we are not good trading partners.
Understandable.
What I was suprised at and was less happy about was the thought of a few that picks 3-10 were all essentially the same in value and that trading up was a horrible idea. Now I am not saying that trading up for them is a great notion or not, but to say that the value is the same and that there aren't additional tiers within this range was a bit exaggerated in my book. I didn't call them out on it, their board and all, but I wonder how much this (mis)conception may be prevelant for other teams/boards. Having been over on the Bucks board the past few days, they understand/agree that there are tiers. (Then again, many there also think the Wolves want Redd and #8 for #3 no matter what I said.) Maybe it was just a few less informed posters, but then again, maybe it's not. ?
For the heck of it, I brought the described trade to the Char board (very quiet over there, makes you appreciate the fans on this board even more), and it received the response we would assume, essentially no way, no how, and that we are not good trading partners.
Understandable.
What I was suprised at and was less happy about was the thought of a few that picks 3-10 were all essentially the same in value and that trading up was a horrible idea. Now I am not saying that trading up for them is a great notion or not, but to say that the value is the same and that there aren't additional tiers within this range was a bit exaggerated in my book. I didn't call them out on it, their board and all, but I wonder how much this (mis)conception may be prevelant for other teams/boards. Having been over on the Bucks board the past few days, they understand/agree that there are tiers. (Then again, many there also think the Wolves want Redd and #8 for #3 no matter what I said.) Maybe it was just a few less informed posters, but then again, maybe it's not. ?
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Sephiroth
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Emeka would be the ideal center to pair next to Big Al - but only for the right price. Okafor has already turned down massive contract proposals - would we be willing to pay him more money than Big Al? I hope not.
To hype me up about the possibility of acquiring Emeka Okafor, I did my usual thing - watch YouTube video highlights of Emeka. I get hyped up easily when watching highlights (especially thinking of how great a potential player would be on the Wovles squad). For instance, just watched Andre Iguodala and I was almost sold on giving up the #3 for him.
This Emeka Okafor trade is different though - we'd also be getting the #9 in this draft? That would be fantastic. Though, CHA would only be interested in this deal if they coveted someone so much that they'd be willing to move Okafor and a pick just to move up 6 spots - fearing their player would be gone by #9. Don't know who that player could be. Mayo? Maybe Jordan sees a little of himself in Mayo? Nah.
Maybe CHA would go for #3 and Walker for Emeka and a protected future first...
To hype me up about the possibility of acquiring Emeka Okafor, I did my usual thing - watch YouTube video highlights of Emeka. I get hyped up easily when watching highlights (especially thinking of how great a potential player would be on the Wovles squad). For instance, just watched Andre Iguodala and I was almost sold on giving up the #3 for him.
This Emeka Okafor trade is different though - we'd also be getting the #9 in this draft? That would be fantastic. Though, CHA would only be interested in this deal if they coveted someone so much that they'd be willing to move Okafor and a pick just to move up 6 spots - fearing their player would be gone by #9. Don't know who that player could be. Mayo? Maybe Jordan sees a little of himself in Mayo? Nah.
Maybe CHA would go for #3 and Walker for Emeka and a protected future first...
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MN Die Hard
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I would do any of these deals for Okafer, although shrink you make a good point about going after him in free agency. Still, if we had a chance to trade for him I'd pull the trigger to avoid the uncertainty of having to sign him next summer. Either way, I think its a pipe dream. Charlotte fans dont seem to think he'll be dealt away, and they are probably right.
A more realistic and still helpful player to target might be Nazr. Charlotte could get some salary relief in a Nazr-for-Madsen/Buckner swap, and MN would get a competent center that would enable Al to move back to PF. Nazr wont carry a team but he'll rebound and defend a little, and give Al some help in the paint.
A more realistic and still helpful player to target might be Nazr. Charlotte could get some salary relief in a Nazr-for-Madsen/Buckner swap, and MN would get a competent center that would enable Al to move back to PF. Nazr wont carry a team but he'll rebound and defend a little, and give Al some help in the paint.
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