Would you trade Waston for an expiring?

wiff · Post #1 » by **wiff** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:29 pm

With the addition of Russell Westbrook would you trade Earl Waston for an expiring?

Things to consider.

Ridnour backing up the point or possibly starting if Westbrook struggles.

Ownership wanting to shed salary.

Watson's willingness to being a back up to a rookie?

I know most of us would trade Ridnour for an expiring in a moment, but would you do the same for Watson?

AbdicatedReign · Post #2 » by **AbdicatedReign** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:30 pm

They're both expendable, in my view. As is everyone else on the roster, outside of the obvious (Durant/Green).

wiff · Post #3 » by **wiff** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:34 pm

Expendable is one thing but trading him for an expiring which doesn't bring any talent back is another. Obviously the only plus is that you have cap room and does that mean the Sonics ownership will even use it?

pr0wler · Post #4 » by **pr0wler** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 5:06 pm

Watson better than Ridnour, but honestly if we're developing Westbrook I'd rather have him out there 32 mins/game rather than hitting sitting on the bench like Jeff Green did the first half of the year so this is more of a question of "who is our backup?" in my view. Earl has ego issues and probably wouldn't ever be a backup for anyone so I feel it's really redundant having him on the roster along with Russell. Ridnour, while not Steve Nash, is still a solid backup point guard and offers a nice change of pace to Westbrook. Plus he is a Washington guy and has been on the Sonics for 5 years now so I have a certain loyalty to him as opposed to Watson the complainer.

If we get rid of Watson for an expiring we save some money for next off-season to make a run at a big-time free agent to complete our roster.

Dick Tate · Post #5 » by **Dick Tate** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 6:00 pm

pr0wler wrote:Earl has ego issues and probably wouldn't ever be a backup for anyone so I feel it's really redundant having him on the roster along with Russell. Ridnour, while not Steve Nash, is still a solid backup point guard

I don't get why so many have this belief. Except for last season, Watson has been a career backup and has put up good numbers as a reserve. Luke's head and game shrinks when he hits the bench. No matter this endless argument... Ridnour loses his base year compensation status tomorrow and will be traded within the next few days. At that time I will rejoice.

djthesonicsfan · Post #6 » by **djthesonicsfan** » Tue Jul 1, 2008 3:58 am

All valid points. Nothing is straightforward. To answer your question, I think a semi-decent starting PG, Earl Watson, is worth more than an expiring. I would expect Presti to work something out that would net us an expiring plus a young SG. Ya, I'm talking about CJ Miles. Or maybe some sort of pick or pick swap. Come on, Presti. Don't be the second best GM in the Northwest. However, at the end of the day, if it came right down to it, I wouldn't complain if Watson was traded for an expiring. But please let it be a veteran worth having. A guy like Kurt Thomas.

kjtruong · Post #7 » by **kjtruong** » Tue Jul 1, 2008 4:08 am

note on KT idea, would be funny if we could snag two more first rounders ;D

wiff · Post #8 » by **wiff** » Wed Jul 2, 2008 3:50 am

Looks like Watson broke his thumb

[url]http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/53332/20080701/sonics_watson_suffers_broken_thumb/[url]

Seattle SuperSonics general manager Sam Presti announced today that guard Earl Watson suffered a fracture of the right thumb while preparing for the upcoming season in a basketball game in Los Angeles. The injury has a typical recovery period of three to four months. Watson is scheduled to have surgery on Thursday, July 3 in Los Angeles.

Looks like Luke will be the one getting traded now.

dre_1614 · Post #9 » by **dre_1614** » Wed Jul 2, 2008 3:55 am

Westbrook might be the only point for the first month of the season. If Ridnour gets traded.