Who is the right target in a trade?

[TheRevTy]

I have heard so many people on here demanding a trade be done, and I tend to agree, if only because it is always nice to see someone new in a Magic uniform. However, I find myself wondering who is the best target. I'll break it down by position and hopefully this can start some civil conversation.

PG: A lot of people have been crying for a new PG. I think this is valid, as 2 of our 3 PG's are expiring this offseason. The question is, do we need a starter or a back-up? Andre Miller certainly seemed to be showcasing himself last night, however, he can't hit a 3-pointer, so does he really fit in all that well? We have Jameer locked up long term, as well.

Potential PG targets: Andre Miller, Chris Duhon, Earl Watson, Luke Ridnour, Sergio Rodriguez (?), Jarret Jack, Kyle Lowry/Javaris Crittenton (?)

SG: Our SG by committee hasn't been terrible, but, other than Mo, they haven't impressed. Mike Miller, Corey Maggette, and Josh Childress have all been talked about, and all three are great options. If we acquire one of them, who do we keep on as back-up?

Potential SG targets: Mike Miller, Corey Maggette, Josh Childress, Vince Carter (?)

Potential combo guard targets: Delonte West, Jamal Crawford

SF: Ummm, nope.

PF: Here is my main reason for creating this thread. A ton of people have called for Haslem. Would he fit? You bet. Would he be a great addition? On the surface and in the here and now, shoot yeah. However, we have Tony Battie under contract long term, as well as Brian Cook for the next couple of years, not to mention currently having James Augustine on the roster. Neither of these fellas can play a position other than PF. Add in the rumored Fran appearance and, at least long-term, we have a seeming logjam at this position. As of now, do we need a defensive PF? Yes. Can we afford to add one that could potentially be around for a while? No. Add Udonis to the roster and next year, we have Haslem, Cook, Battie, potentially Fran all who play PF. Not so good.

Potential PF targets: Udonis Haslem, Charlie Villanueva

C: Do we need another back-up C? Foyle, Gortat, Fran should be enough, for now. Not a pressing need.

So yes, we could stand to upgrade at numerous positions. But, considering the long-term possibilities, which should be the priority?

[Cosmic_Backlash]

I think you put it all very nicely. Because of Battie coming back, and Fran perhaps coming over, it would be a bit silly in every after this one to have an extra big man. I think if we do make a move, it will be for PG/SG, but it wouldn't be a role player one, we already have tons of those in those positions. The only people I can imagine we may go after are Andre Miller and Mike Miller.

[LBPTarHeel27]

Jamal Crawford

[TheRevTy]

Exactly, I think people are too focused on this year. Would it be great to have Haslem on the team this year? You bet your buns. Would it be great to have 4 power forwards next year? No, not really. So, unless we can deal one of our other bigs, Haslem doesn't make too much sense.

Personally, I am torn between dealing Mogans and having JJ as a back-up to, say, Miller, or dealing JJ and Bogans and keeping Mo as the back-up.

I think getting someone who can play PG in any deal is a must, as our best expirings, apart from the immortal PJG, are point guards.

[Cammo101]

In a perfect world we can get Andre Miller and Mike Miller for our expirings, Redick, Fran, and picks. I'd even consider moving Jameer. Those 2 would be great fits.

[Dub_Sax]

I understand you point on the potential log jam if we get Haslem.

But from a different perspective, that log jam could be viewed as "having assets"....assets that could be used in another trade and, typically, the better the "assets" you trade away the better player(s) you get in return.

[OMPunk]

Battie can play Center and would accept the back-up Center role if that's what was offered.

[TheRevTy]

I understand you point on the potential log jam if we get Haslem.

But from a different perspective, that log jam could be viewed as "having assets"....assets that could be used in another trade and, typically, the better the "assets" you trade away the better player(s) you get in return.

I considered that, and it is a valid point, I just feel that both Battie and Cook are more valuable to us than other organizations. How many other teams are set up to cater to a soft PF who specializes in three point shots? And I wouldn't imagine the market for a 35 year old role player with the contract Battie has would be too good.

[Devin 1L]

I know many will disagree, but I think our most pressing need would be another big man.

I don't think it would even have to be some amazing deal either. While Haslem would be great, even someone like Zaza whom I mentioned before would be nice.

You mentioned some of our other bigs, but they definitely have huge question marks.

1. Augustine hasn't really proven much, in my opinion. Granted, he hasn't had much court time either.

2. Fran is not a given. Until I read or hear that he is planning to come over, I can't really count him in.

3. Gortat has yet to even get on the floor.

4. Battie is fine, but there is still the fact that he hasn't played all season and there is a good chance he won't the rest of the way.


So I think another legit big would be nice.

It'd give us a rotation of: Howard, Foyle, (Player X), Cook, Rashard.

This might allow us to effectively slide Rashard down some, and subsequently Hedo as well, somewhat killing two birds with one stone. I was not in favor of this scenario for Hedo before, but his play this season has exceeded my expectations to say the least.

Lastly, if all of those players did work out (Augustine really develops, Fran comes over, Battie returns just fine), I consider it not a problem, but a luxury. You potentially open up options for deals, and/or cutting a few minutes off of our stars' playing time. Dwight, Rashard and Hedo all take their fair share of a beating out there, and they are all in top 23 in the NBA in MPG, which is something to consider.

[mattyBoi]

Maybe if we can somehow pull off the a miller trade, the Grizz will throw in one of their PG's. Their GM has already said hes only keeping 2 of them.

[MagicFan3]

Watching last night's game, I'd say we need a PG who can go more than 2 minutes without committing a turnover.

[TheRevTy]

I know many will disagree, but I think our most pressing need would be another big man.

I don't think it would even have to be some amazing deal either. While Haslem would be great, even someone like Zaza whom I mentioned before would be nice.

You mentioned some of our other bigs, but they definitely have huge question marks.

1. Augustine hasn't really proven much, in my opinion. Granted, he hasn't had much court time either.

2. Fran is not a given. Until I read or hear that he is planning to come over, I can't really count him in.

3. Gortat has yet to even get on the floor.

4. Battie is fine, but there is still the fact that he hasn't played all season and there is a good chance he won't the rest of the way.


So I think another legit big would be nice.

It'd give us a rotation of: Howard, Foyle, (Player X), Cook, Rashard.

This might allow us to effectively slide Rashard down some, and subsequently Hedo as well, somewhat killing two birds with one stone. I was not in favor of this scenario for Hedo before, but his play this season has exceeded my expectations to say the least.

Lastly, if all of those players did work out (Augustine really develops, Fran comes over, Battie returns just fine), I consider it not a problem, but a luxury. You potentially open up options for deals, and/or cutting a few minutes off of our stars' playing time. Dwight, Rashard and Hedo all take their fair share of a beating out there, and they are all in top 23 in the NBA in MPG, which is something to consider.

I by no means disagree that we could upgrade our big men significantly. And I also think we are doing a great disservice to Rashard by not only playing him out of position, but forcing him to play third fiddle. Slide him down to the three and give him the opportunity to prove all the doubters wrong. I am sure he gets frustrated hearing that he is an overpaid scrub when he could be performing so much better at his natural position.

What I am saying, however, is that adding a big doesn't make our other bigs simply disappear. We would still have Cook, Battie, Augustine, Foyle, Gortat, Dwight, Pat (unless he goes in the deal) on the roster. That is a HUGE amount of roster space dedicated to two positions. Granted, some could be cut, etc, but at least Battie and Cook are signed for the long haul.

[Cigamodnalro]

Mike Miller, Ron Artest, Cuttino Mobley, Udonis Haslem, Kurt Thomas

[dmac812]

sergio garcia? the golfer? lol

[OrlandoMagic]

I wonder if Frye could be had from Portland.... When Oden comes in next year I expect his minutes to drop off quit a bit.. Might be willing to trade him now before his value gets lower next year...

[NEM]

haslem. miller

[Devin 1L]

-= original quote snipped =-



I by no means disagree that we could upgrade our big men significantly. And I also think we are doing a great disservice to Rashard by not only playing him out of position, but forcing him to play third fiddle. Slide him down to the three and give him the opportunity to prove all the doubters wrong. I am sure he gets frustrated hearing that he is an overpaid scrub when he could be performing so much better at his natural position.

What I am saying, however, is that adding a big doesn't make our other bigs simply disappear. We would still have Cook, Battie, Augustine, Foyle, Gortat, Dwight, Pat (unless he goes in the deal) on the roster. That is a HUGE amount of roster space dedicated to two positions. Granted, some could be cut, etc, but at least Battie and Cook are signed for the long haul.

Well, that is true, and while it's hard to speculate without having an actual trade or player in mind, I'd almost have to assume that if we deal that it will likely be centered around expiring contracts, and that one or two big men (Augustine and Garrity, perhaps) would find themselves on the way out.

Add to that, Gortat and Battie would obviously be two of the players on our inactive list, and I don't see it as much of an issue.

Especially considering that such a move would likely see the majority of our minutes at the two and three eaten up by just two players who both average roughly 38 MPG.

[TheRevTy]

dmac: yeah yeah, wrong hispanic last name. My bad. I fixed it. Maybe we could sign Tiger to be our SG? I hear he's pretty athletic...

RawLew: Which Miller?

Devin: I think we're talking about separate things. I am mainly thinking next year. Unless we trade for a player who expires, we will have him on the roster. And you say that Battie and Gortat would be inactive, but Battie will be healthy next year, and thus shouldn't be inactive, and what is the point of Marcin using up a roster spot if he never gets off the inactive list?

Again, I agree that the immediate fix in the here and now is Haslem or some other big. But we potentially are adding as many as 3 bigs this summer, in addition to Cook and Foyle. (Battie's return, Fran possibly coming over, hopefully developing Gortat to play). I guess what I'm saying is Battie returning will go a long way to fixing our depth at PF.

[Devin 1L]

Devin: I think we're talking about separate things. I am mainly thinking next year. Unless we trade for a player who expires, we will have him on the roster. And you say that Battie and Gortat would be inactive, but Battie will be healthy next year, and thus shouldn't be inactive, and what is the point of Marcin using up a roster spot if he never gets off the inactive list?

I'm actually thinking both this year and next.

As far as Marcin: Every team has people on the inactive list.

Marcin is no guarantee. We're thin as it is and he has yet to see the court all year and likely won't. If we have a chance to improve our front line, then I think we do it, without much regard for Marcin. Gortat's contract has a team option for next year, so if you improve on Gortat, then he is expendable and it's a non-issue.

I'd imagine something like: Howard, Foyle, Battie, (Player X), as the main components to the front line next season.

Now when you factor in this season, I see even more reason.

This season is very important, too!

We could have an abundance next season, (which may or may not even be bad), but this season we would be filling a hole. I think we are a good team and having a prototypical power forward on board would only help our Playoff success.

Again, I agree that the immediate fix in the here and now is Haslem or some other big. But we potentially are adding as many as 3 bigs this summer, in addition to Cook and Foyle. (Battie's return, Fran possibly coming over, hopefully developing Gortat to play). I guess what I'm saying is Battie returning will go a long way to fixing our depth at PF.

See the first section, I guess got a little ahead of myself.

[TheRevTy]

Maybe it would be easier if we talk about actual players and actual deals. Devin, what kind of deal do you see as a possibility? Then, after said deal, what is our rotation, both this year and next?

I'm just looking at your rotations and see a lack of Cook, who I think is working hard and is coming along pretty nicely.