Offseason Trade Idea... Crazy?
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 6:06 pm
HOU Trades: Tracy McGrady
HOU Gets: Vince Carter, Trenton Hassell and Eduardo Najera
NJ Trades: Josh Boone, Vince Carter, Trenton Hassell, Yi Jianlian and Eduardo Najera
NJ Gets: Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Richardson
PHX Trades: Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Richardson
PHX Gets: Josh Boone, Yi Jianlian and Tracy McGrady
Why for NJ: This deal helps them out both now and in the future. Shaq has talked about wanting to return home to finish out his career and he would bring a buzz to NJ if nothing else. Richardson isn't the player Carter is, but is a very solid replacement at SG and a little younger/cheaper. This deal also cuts roughly $10 million in 2010/11 salary (assuming Shaq is let go/retires). Even with a lower cap that should be enough to land a max-FA and possibly a MLE sized one in addition.
Post-Trade Depth Chart:
PG: Harris/Dooling
SG: Richardson/CDR
SF: Draft Pick/Hayes/Simmons
PF: Anderson/Lopez/SWill
C: Shaq/Lopez/SWill
I'll admit I'm not the biggest JRich fan, but would be a nice replacement for Vince. There are enough flaws where I wouldn't trade Vince for him straight up, but combined with the moving of Najera, the savings are large enough to make it a worthwhile proposition IMO.
I honestly have no idea how a Shaq/Lopez tandem would work/co-exist. Shaq has proved he's not finished and he would definitely bring a buzz to the team. There are certainly risks involved here, but considering the cost (Yi/Boone/Hassell), I think it is a no-lose proposition.
Why for HOU: After being burned by TMac the past couple of years, they flip him for an all-star caliber guard who has been significantly more reliable in recent seasons. Carter is also very unselfish and is a very good distributor for the SG position. They take on some long-term money here (though there are buyouts on Carter/Najera), but makes them a lot deeper, while adding less than $1 mil in 09/10. Considering it's a 3-for-1, this makes it easier for them to fill out a roster (resign Artest or use the MLE on a PG?) without going over the luxury tax.
Why for PHX: Finances unfortunately continue to be an issue for the Suns. This deal saves them $6.5 million in 2009/10 and depending on what they do with Yi and Boone, an additional $7.5 - 14.4 million in 10/11. Yi has been a disappointment, but could potentially thrive in a Phoenix style offense. TMac comes with a huge risk, but if he's close to healthy, the Suns can still be a playoff team in a competitive West. Boone provides added depth up front.
HOU Gets: Vince Carter, Trenton Hassell and Eduardo Najera
NJ Trades: Josh Boone, Vince Carter, Trenton Hassell, Yi Jianlian and Eduardo Najera
NJ Gets: Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Richardson
PHX Trades: Shaquille O'Neal and Jason Richardson
PHX Gets: Josh Boone, Yi Jianlian and Tracy McGrady
Why for NJ: This deal helps them out both now and in the future. Shaq has talked about wanting to return home to finish out his career and he would bring a buzz to NJ if nothing else. Richardson isn't the player Carter is, but is a very solid replacement at SG and a little younger/cheaper. This deal also cuts roughly $10 million in 2010/11 salary (assuming Shaq is let go/retires). Even with a lower cap that should be enough to land a max-FA and possibly a MLE sized one in addition.
Post-Trade Depth Chart:
PG: Harris/Dooling
SG: Richardson/CDR
SF: Draft Pick/Hayes/Simmons
PF: Anderson/Lopez/SWill
C: Shaq/Lopez/SWill
I'll admit I'm not the biggest JRich fan, but would be a nice replacement for Vince. There are enough flaws where I wouldn't trade Vince for him straight up, but combined with the moving of Najera, the savings are large enough to make it a worthwhile proposition IMO.
I honestly have no idea how a Shaq/Lopez tandem would work/co-exist. Shaq has proved he's not finished and he would definitely bring a buzz to the team. There are certainly risks involved here, but considering the cost (Yi/Boone/Hassell), I think it is a no-lose proposition.
Why for HOU: After being burned by TMac the past couple of years, they flip him for an all-star caliber guard who has been significantly more reliable in recent seasons. Carter is also very unselfish and is a very good distributor for the SG position. They take on some long-term money here (though there are buyouts on Carter/Najera), but makes them a lot deeper, while adding less than $1 mil in 09/10. Considering it's a 3-for-1, this makes it easier for them to fill out a roster (resign Artest or use the MLE on a PG?) without going over the luxury tax.
Why for PHX: Finances unfortunately continue to be an issue for the Suns. This deal saves them $6.5 million in 2009/10 and depending on what they do with Yi and Boone, an additional $7.5 - 14.4 million in 10/11. Yi has been a disappointment, but could potentially thrive in a Phoenix style offense. TMac comes with a huge risk, but if he's close to healthy, the Suns can still be a playoff team in a competitive West. Boone provides added depth up front.