RealGM

Short list of big name players that are rumoured to be on the move before the trade deadline. It remains to be seen who will actually be traded. With these names on the list, the big question is, will the Raptors look to make a big trade to get any of these guys?

Andrei Kirilenko
Kurt Thomas
Ron Artest
Mike Bibby
Eddy Curry
Zach Randloph
Malik Rose
Jason Kidd
Vince Carter
Mike Miller
Corey Maggette
Jermaine Oneal
Michael Pietrus
Anderson Varejao
Ben Wallace
Sam Cassell
Jason Williams
Andre Miller

Thoughts on who would be the best fit on our team, if we have the assets to get them, and predictions on where these impact players are going...

Varejao?

I doubt BC makes a big move this year. If he makes a trade I think it'll be a smaller scale one, nothing significant. We'll be in a better position next year to make a big trade with the expiring contracts we'll have. A big trade this year would be exciting, but if we have some patience I think we can make a better deal next year.

If we could get a reasonable deal done for AK47, Maggette or Mike Miller without including core players (Bosh-Bargs-Ford-Jose) then I'd do it.

Stay away from the rest.

Only interested in Ak47, Maggette and Artest.

Dixon's expiring for Pietrus, do it!

The Letter V wrote:If we could get a reasonable deal done for AK47, Maggette or Mike Miller without including core players (Bosh-Bargs-Ford-Jose) then I'd do it.

Stay away from the rest.

Yup. The rest aren't worth giving up our cap flexibility later. The real problem becomes the fact that we really aren't a shopping team. We don't have any expiring contracts that are very big this year (Rasho is next, unless my memory fails me), so doing a deal would involve trading away some of our cheaper (read: younger) talent. I really don't think we want to do that since we're building for the future, not trying to win now. We may be able to get something for Kapono, Graham, some other filler and our first rounder, but unless it's Magette or AK it's probably not worth it (no I don't put Mike Miller in the same group as those two) and then the trades don't balance.

The only real shot IMO would be if we found a GM willing to take on Rasho's salary and has some expiring contracts the same year Rasho expires. I don't think any of our potental trade partners are in that position.

cant deal our first rounder this year, must not!

zong wrote:cant deal our first rounder this year, must not!

We can deal it. And if a good young player came back to us in a trade, why not?

I agree it probably isn't the right time to deal that pick for an aging vet who won't put us over the top. The pick can be better used to get a swingman, or as part of a package for a significant upgrade.

Kurt Thomas! Don't see how it's possible though salary wise, but I would imagine having to give up little for him. Otherwise, stand pat!

easyflow wrote:Short list of big name players that are rumoured to be on the move before the trade deadline. It remains to be seen who will actually be traded. With these names on the list, the big question is, will the Raptors look to make a big trade to get any of these guys?

Andrei Kirilenko
Kurt Thomas
Ron Artest
Mike Bibby
Eddy Curry
Zach Randloph
Malik Rose
Jason Kidd
Vince Carter
Mike Miller
Corey Maggette
Jermaine Oneal
Michael Pietrus
Anderson Varejao
Ben Wallace
Sam Cassell
Jason Williams
Andre Miller

Thoughts on who would be the best fit on our team, if we have the assets to get them, and predictions on where these impact players are going...

Taking salaries and likely trade value into account, I'd be interested in the bolded players.

If Ron Artest is going to get moved, I think BC should make a move. Maybe give up Dixon and Graham for Artest. BC even mentioned it, that he is trying to get a player, (but not give anyone from roster, so they would jepordize the future). Artest fits the bill perfectly. The only thing I doubt is, if Artest would want to play in Canada.

James699 wrote:If Ron Artest is going to get moved, I think BC should make a move. Maybe give up Dixon and Graham for Artest. BC even mentioned it, that he is trying to get a player, (but not give anyone from roster, so they would jepordize the future). Artest fits the bill perfectly. The only thing I doubt is, if Artest would want to play in Canada.

I highly doubt Dixon + Graham can get you any of the better talents on that list.

WE NEED A VET!!!! NUFF SAID!!!

James699 wrote:If Ron Artest is going to get moved, I think BC should make a move. Maybe give up Dixon and Graham for Artest. BC even mentioned it, that he is trying to get a player, (but not give anyone from roster, so they would jepordize the future). Artest fits the bill perfectly. The only thing I doubt is, if Artest would want to play in Canada.

a) Artest has WAY more trade value than Dixon + Graham
b) Artest makes 7.8 mil, Dixon + Graham make a combined 4.5 mil

Can take Kidd off the list, he is gone to Dallas.

IMO Kurt Thomas is a good fit right now on this team and his contract doesn't impact the teams long term goals.

I'm unsure as to what Seattle is looking for in return, but even if Wally is included in part of a larger deal it would be an upgrade in the type of toughness the frontcourt needs to make a decent run in the playoffs.

As long as none of the core guys are involved obviously.

I predict that we will trade Maceo Baston, based on the nonsensical fact that BC traded last year's mistake signing (Fred Jones).

Similarly to last year's trade, in return for Maceo Baston, we will get someone who is marginally decent at his position, but a guy we will end up using extensively next season due to an injury to a major contributor.

Kirilenko is the only one on that list who I really think would fit nicely on the Raps. Maggette is alright but won't really fix our defensive and rebounding issues.

I do think AK47 would be a great fit to this team, but does BC want to swallow the huge contract that comes with him? It seems like BC likes flexibility in medium size contracts, but that is also his downfall in a why; Raptors do not have a star outside of Bosh. Raptors will have to part with Rasho and Parker along with a draft pick to get it done.. then who will play C? Joey G for a scrub C (Hornets?) Things are going to get interesting