Trades to come?

[Det the Threat]

After the Sonics selected DJ White my first thought was, that this is it for Chris Wilcox in Seattle.

We still need some help at the center position(you can't rely on a late 2nd rounder in Hardin or on Robert Swift's knees) and we've also got 3 power forwards now battling for minutes. As White and Collison are way more Presti type of players it looks to me, that Wilcox will go to the highest bidder.

Also, with Westbrook in Seattle i think that either Ridnour or Watson will have to go as well.

As i said before, i think we'll need some more help at the center position and i would like us to also add a shooter that can spread the floor.

What do you guys think?

[OzSonic]

I don't think we will see much change in the front line, maybe when the deadline gets cloaser we may see Wilcox moved. Collison will get bulk minutes at the 5. But yeah, you would have to think Watson or Ridnour would be shown the door pretty soon.

[Patches Pal]

Since Presti did not address the Center position until the second round I think we can safely conclude that he expects Robert Swift to play this year. DJ White is a replace for Donyell Marshall and Kurt Thomas. He is a defensive guy off the bench. Wheezy should be resigned. Ridnour could be on his way to Toronto as a backup to Calderon. I expect Hardin to be a NBDL guy for a year. Ibaka could be a real bargain in a couple years when he comes over from Europe.

[slick_watts]

like others i don't see much movement happening with the frontcourt. durant/collison/green/wilcox are pretty much locked in there, it's a bit early to give up on petro, and i'm guessing they're going to see what swift can do.

this team needs a real SG to put next to either westbrook or watson (whoever ends up starting) to be that #2 scorer we need next to durant.

if i were presti i'd take a hard look at what it would take to acquire ben gordon from the bulls.. he's undersized but he could easily be a #2 scorer to durant and we'd have westbrook to guard the other team's SG's so his size wouldn't be too much of an issue.

this is why i think it was stupid for seattle to pass on douglas-roberts..

[wiff]

Here's a depth chart

PG Westbrook, Watson, Ridnour
SG Durant, Wilkins, Gelly (RFA)
SF Green, Marshall, Griffen
PF Wilcox, Collison. DJ White, (Ilbanka in a couple years)
C Petro, Swift (RFA), Sene, Hardin?

Ibanka won't be over until the 2010/2011 season. Although I like the pick I wonder if we will even see him in Seattle???

Hardin has a chance to make the team because Sene is out, and who knows what is going to happen with Swift? With Gelly blowing out his kneee but a restricted free agent I don't see the Sonics extending him. But that makes 16 players if Hardin, Swift and Gelly are in Seattle come Nov 1st. Now if the Sonics are forced to fulfill their lease agreement I see Bennett bailing water and will look to have the smallest pay roll as possible without having a huge detriment to the roster.

You'd think Presti would try to move Luke while he still is in his BYC status because the other team wouldn't have to give up that much salary to take him. And the Sonics could take on a smaller contract, but I think Luke would have to agree to the trade then and maybe he simply doesn't want to leave Seattle?

But Presti is going to have to trim this roster. Any disgruntled stars out there that can be had for DJ White and expirings? Or do the Sonics simply let Wilcox, Marshall, Griffen expire and not re-sign Swift and Gelly. And trade Luke for Malik Rose and cut him and hope someone picks him up so they only have to pay the difference in his contract.

Sonics have 48mil currently on the books but they are going to have to add another 5 mil or so just with the two rookies Westbrook and DJ White. I think the Sonics could add Swift and Gelly and be sitting right around the cap.

But next year the Sonics will only have around 27mil or so they should be able to shape the team without worrying about money.

But these are the guys I'd like to never see again,

Wilkins- worn out his welcome
Marshall
Griffen
Luke- he needs a change of scenery so badly it's embarrassing.

So not to keep rambling but Wilcox and Wilkins adds up to around 10mil. Kirk Hinrich contract is 10mil and decreases every year. Do you add the Spurs draft pick to see if Chicago is willing to part with Kirk? Chicago still needs and offensive post player. Kirk could start and Westbrook could come off the bench and back up both Hinrich and Durant. Hinrich can play either guard spot and would fit well next to Westbrook.

[S0yb3anB0y]

Successful Trade Scenario
Congratulations on a successful trade.

Due to Seattle and L.A. Clippers being over the cap, the 25% trade rule is invoked. Seattle and L.A. Clippers had to be no more than 125% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Trade ID
Trade ID #4688128

Every trade made by fans is allocated a unique Trade ID which you can share with friends and fellow basketball fans to allow them to see your trade scenario.

Try Another Trade or visit our Trade Forum.
Seattle Trade Breakdown
Change in Team Outlook: 0.0 ppg, 0.0 rpg, and 0.0 apg.
Incoming Players
Cuttino Mobley
6-4 SG from Rhode Island
No games yet played in 2007/08
Outgoing Players
Earl Watson
6-1 PG from UCLA
No games yet played in 2007/08
Damien Wilkins
6-6 SG / SF from Georgia
No games yet played in 2007/08

L.A. Clippers Trade Breakdown
Change in Team Outlook: 0.0 ppg, 0.0 rpg, and 0.0 apg.
Incoming Players
Earl Watson
6-1 PG from UCLA
No games yet played in 2007/08
Damien Wilkins
6-6 SG / SF from Georgia
No games yet played in 2007/08
Outgoing Players
Cuttino Mobley
6-4 SG from Rhode Island
No games yet played in 2007/08

[Det the Threat]

Hardin has a chance to make the team because Sene is out, and who knows what is going to happen with Swift? With Gelly blowing out his kneee but a restricted free agent I don't see the Sonics extending him. But that makes 16 players if Hardin, Swift and Gelly are in Seattle come Nov 1st. Now if the Sonics are forced to fulfill their lease agreement I see Bennett bailing water and will look to have the smallest pay roll as possible without having a huge detriment to the roster.

I don't think Gelabale is in the Sonics plans anymore. He's going to miss about half of the season and he's a RFA this summer.

You'd think Presti would try to move Luke while he still is in his BYC status because the other team wouldn't have to give up that much salary to take him. And the Sonics could take on a smaller contract, but I think Luke would have to agree to the trade then and maybe he simply doesn't want to leave Seattle?

The only way Luke would have a say in trades would be, if he'd have a no-trade clause in his contract and that certainly isn't the case. So if Presti finds something he likes, Luke would be gone.

But Presti is going to have to trim this roster. Any disgruntled stars out there that can be had for DJ White and expirings? Or do the Sonics simply let Wilcox, Marshall, Griffen expire and not re-sign Swift and Gelly. And trade Luke for Malik Rose and cut him and hope someone picks him up so they only have to pay the difference in his contract.

I've read that Adrian Griffin can be bought out pretty cheaply and wouldn't even count against the cap. And that's exactly what i expect the Sonics to do. Marshall & Wilcox are expiring contracts worth something and might help us trading for some help. And no one knows about Swift, but i don't think Presti will offer him the QO. It's more likely being somethin less and he either takes it or not.

Trading Ridnour for Malik Rose would be a solid thing for the Sonics, who would save some money during the process.

Sonics have 48mil currently on the books but they are going to have to add another 5 mil or so just with the two rookies Westbrook and DJ White. I think the Sonics could add Swift and Gelly and be sitting right around the cap.

Swift maybe, Gelly i don't think so.

So not to keep rambling but Wilcox and Wilkins adds up to around 10mil. Kirk Hinrich contract is 10mil and decreases every year. Do you add the Spurs draft pick to see if Chicago is willing to part with Kirk? Chicago still needs and offensive post player. Kirk could start and Westbrook could come off the bench and back up both Hinrich and Durant. Hinrich can play either guard spot and would fit well next to Westbrook.

Why exactly should we trade for Kirk Hinrich when we just invested a #4 pick in a guy that Presti says will be our point guard of the future?

To me an upgrade at the center position and a guy that can consistantly hit open jumpshots, to spread the floor, is what we need the most right now.

[wiff]

Why exactly should we trade for Kirk Hinrich when we just invested a #4 pick in a guy that Presti says will be our point guard of the future?

Well who is the PG of the present? I know Watson played well the second half but I keep waiting for the bottom to fall out. Do you really want to see Watson struggle again and have Westbrook come in and not be able to run the point either? Typically it takes a couple years for young PG to deveolp at the NBA level

Chris Paul is the exception, Billups is more the rule. Plus Westbrook isn't a pure point I have a feeling it might take him a bit longer.

Hinrich can play the SG so if Durant shifts to SF the Sonics are still covered at SG. So Westbrook is the 6th man next year.

The following year you have
PG Westbrook
SG Hinrich
SF Durant
PF Green
C Petro

And about Luke, why do I have this idea in my head that if a player is still in his BYC status they have to agree to the trade? Once the BYC is removed the player no longer has the ability to veto the trade. At least that's what I have in my head, is that pure fiction?

[Big_Mac79]

Why not give Westbrook a vet that is kinda like him?
Trade Earl for Antonio Daniels

[McG]

I'd love a trade for Hinrich. The guy is pretty much as low as he will ever be value-wise and we could snatch him up for relatively cheap. This could definitely help Westbrook to start as well at get SOME experience distributing the ball as a PG while Hinrich has primary ballhandler duties. Westbrook is a shutdown defender at the SG spot while Hinrich gives the oppossing PG trouble with his size and above-average defense. Besides KD, he becomes the only guy who can consistently hit a jumper on the roster. The only problem I see with this is I don't think Bennett's WIFE wants to pay him.

On the Chicago side, Wilcox makes Rose's introduction to the NBA even easier. Any lineup with him and Tyrus would be absolutely destructive on the break, and with Rose's court vision it will basically be Chicago's version of Paul to Chandler. Plus, if it doesn't work out Chicago simply doesn't resign him and has more $ to spend on the FA's lining up to play with Rose.

[sonichound16]

I can't imagine that we are going to start the season with the roster that we have now. Watson/Luke and Westbrook all needing time at PG is simply too crowded. I like the idea of making a move with Chicago. Maybe swing Wilcox and Luke their direction and get back a resigned Gordon? The Supes don't really have anyone on the roster besides Durant who can creat their own offense and have almost no 3 point threats. Might have to add a future pick....I would be up for getting Hinrich back from them as well.

[jenn_gp]

I'd hope Luke is out...maybe Earl since he played well this past year, is his value that high right now? One of the two has to go, we're makin' room for Westbrook--yeah I like that we picked him...love he's a defensive-minded player. He wasn't the number one defensive player in the Pac-10 for nothing.

I'd love for Wilcox and more importantly, Wilkins out of here...can't stand watching Damien.

Soy, I don't care for your trade...Mobley's ancient!

I wouldn't mind getting Hinrich, but at this point, he may qualify as a backup if we're looking to develop Westbrook right away.

I'd also put Petro on the list, but if he keeps working with Mark Bryant, we may see continued improvement from him.

[Cliff Levingston]

Cliff Levingston will re-iterate his thoughts on that Bulls trade. Replace Wilcox with Marshall and Cliff Levingston thinks it's a very solid deal for us. We get Marshall's expiring contract without creating a log jam in the frontcourt (can just sit him down and let him expire) while picking up a solid/cheap backup in Wilkins and a nice assets in SA's 1st (which Cliff Levingston envisions us taking a European dude and stashing him for a couple years).

Cliff Levingston figures you'd rather keep Wilcox as well?

[S0yb3anB0y]

Cliff Levingston will re-iterate his thoughts on that Bulls trade. Replace Wilcox with Marshall and Cliff Levingston thinks it's a very solid deal for us. We get Marshall's expiring contract without creating a log jam in the frontcourt (can just sit him down and let him expire) while picking up a solid/cheap backup in Wilkins and a nice assets in SA's 1st (which Cliff Levingston envisions us taking a European dude and stashing him for a couple years).

Cliff Levingston figures you'd rather keep Wilcox as well?

Wilcox holds much more value than Marshall. He produces on a fair contract and he is an expiring. But if Cliff likes Expiring only, i don't mind replacing wilcox with Marshall.

[jenn_gp]

Hell yeah I would do a Marshall/Wilkins for Hinrich trade. Is Kirk's value really that low these days?

[Cliff Levingston]

Wilcox holds much more value than Marshall. He produces on a fair contract and he is an expiring.

That's the problem though. We need playing time for Thomas and Noah in the front court, and Gooden is a nice fit with those two. Between them and maybe even Nocioni at some 4 (would like to get rid of him too though), there's simply no more minutes to give out there. Adding Wilcox would just put us right back where we were last year, struggling to find time to play Noah and Thomas (incorrectly). Marshall would have no problem sitting on the bench and cheering the team on which is what we really need right now.

Maybe the Sonics could also add a 2nd round pick too if we're talking Marshall instead? Cliff Levingston likes the idea of drafting some high potential projects and letting them get their experience overseas, and especially since we traded all our 2nd next year for Asik this season.

So, Marshall + Wilkins + SA '09 1st + '09 2nd for Hinrich. ICLO, good deal for both teams.

[HeavyP]

I agree, I like it Levingston.

[djthesonicsfan]

I see the roster going forward as...

Starters - Westbrook, Durant, Green, Wilcox, Collison
Rotation - Watson, Petro, Wilkins, White
Bench - Ridnour, Marshall, Sene, Swift?, Hardin?
Cut/Trade - Gelabale, Griffin

Likely only 13 guys on the roster, unless the 14th is promising & cheap (ie Hardin). Doesn't look good for either Gelabale or Griffin. But I imagine they'll be kept around until the last possible moment in the event they can be used as trade assets. No 1st round pick on a center might mean Swift is recovering, or just as likely that there weren't any high quality centers in the draft this year. Next data point is if Swift gets a qualifying offer. If so that'd mean very good things for Swift. Most likely is that he's formally released and offered a make good minimum salary contract. That'll be interesting. A good test of Presti's social dexterity & evaluation skills. With Ibaka oversees, looks like the Sonics are adding another two rookies to the rotation. That's ok. Any more is extremely difficult, even for a developing team. Which the Sonics still are for sure. There's a lot of teams that could use a PG like either Watson or Ridnour. Their two year contracts don't seem so excessive anymore & fit in the get ready for 2010 window which helps a lot. And the writing has been on the wall for Wilcox for a while now. I agree with those of you that say the priority is at center. Although I would say high quality center (ie Biedrins, Hawes, Okafor). Wilcox, Watsnour, Wilkins, picks & expirings is the ammo Presti wants to use to get it done. The Swift situation still wants to be finally resolved, however, so I don't think Presti wants to be in a hurry. Also, for some reason I think CJ Miles could be a restricted free agent in the Sonics future. That's probably because I think Wilkins need to move on & eventually I see Durant & Green sliding over to SF & PF. And by eventually I think I mean when Wilcox is traded.

[slick_watts]

guys, kirk hinrich is not the answer. him and earl watson had very similar seasons last year; and earl watson is a superior defender. hinrich's a career 41% shooter and has a lot of 3-14 type of games where he is really cold from the field.

if the bulls do want to part with hinrich for something cheap like expiring contracts then you probably have to do it, but this team needs another scorer in the starting lineup and hinrich ain't it. i'd rather have ben gordon.

[Det the Threat]

guys, kirk hinrich is not the answer. him and earl watson had very similar seasons last year; and earl watson is a superior defender. hinrich's a career 41% shooter and has a lot of 3-14 type of games where he is really cold from the field.

I disagree completely.
Hinrich might have had a really rough season, but he surely isn't a worser defender then Watson. I see him being a better and more versatile defender, cause he's a legit 6'3 and can defend both guard positions.

Though, i'm with you in that Hinrich isn't the answer and i don't see the need for him after we just took Westbrook at #4.

Well who is the PG of the present? I know Watson played well the second half but I keep waiting for the bottom to fall out. Do you really want to see Watson struggle again and have Westbrook come in and not be able to run the point either? Typically it takes a couple years for young PG to deveolp at the NBA level

I know many people don't like it, but we're rebuilding and just invested a #4 pick in a guy that we see as our future point guard. So i'd be surprised if Westbrook isn't our starter at the pg spot after the All-Star break(just like Jeff Green last year) the latest. Before that he can bang heads with Watson or Ridnour(i expect one of those two to be gone this summer) and maybe come off the bench backing up both guard positions while still playing something between 25 - 30 minutes per game.

Of course Westbrook will have his hands full and make some mistakes, but he'll learn from it and get better over time.

BTW: Everyone's praising the great rebuild by the Blazers. Though, somehow people forget that they also trusted their young players(and sucked because of it), gave them playing time and now benefit from it.