Sonics trading the #4?

[BBen]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/52872/20080606/sonics_thinking_about_trading_fourth_pick/

This says that we're thinking about trading the #4. I think it's actually really bad reporting by realgm. This "according to the Seattle Times" business is kind of ridiculous considering the information they quote is from Percy Allen's blog.

Regardless of the questionable accuracy of this information, I'm quite confused as to why the Sonics would do something like this. Isn't it just common sense to stack as many top five picks on your squad as possible? Your thoughts please.

[SonicYouth34]

If they don't see anything they like with the 4th it makes sense to trade down to get what they think they want and something extra

[Patches Pal]

After the top three they may feel there isn't alot of difference. They could also be targeting a specific type of player, for example, a bruiser to build around down low or a PG with good defense. If others make Presti the right offer I would not rule out a trade for more picks.

This draft will make or break his career. After this the owners may be more involved. I feel like he is on his own this time. So, I expect a career defining move.

[bennith13]

I would rather try and trade up with all of the picks we have and get Love or whoever they like with that pick. I think there are still good players to be had with the fourth pick. I would rather have two quality players then 5 semi ok players.

[pacershereiam]

Since it is rumored you are trading the 4th round pick would you consider this:

JO, #11, #41, and next years 2nd round, Diogu for #4, Ridnour, Watson, Sene, Marshall, Griffin

Indiana Trade Breakdown
Change in Team Outlook: +6.2 ppg, +0.5 rpg, and +9.9 apg.
Incoming Players
Luke Ridnour
6-1 PG from Oregon
6.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 4.0 apg in 20.0 minutes
Earl Watson
6-1 PG from UCLA
10.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 6.8 apg in 29.1 minutes
Donyell Marshall
6-9 SF / PF from Connecticut
3.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.5 apg in 14.2 minutes
Mouhamed Sene
7-0 C from Senegal (Foreign)
2.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.1 apg in 4.8 minutes
Adrian Griffin
6-5 SG / SF from Seton Hall
2.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.0 apg in 10.1 minutes
Outgoing Players
Jermaine O'Neal
6-11 PF from Eau Claire (HS)
13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg in 28.7 minutes
Ike Diogu
6-8 PF from Arizona State
5.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.3 apg in 10.2 minutes
Seattle Trade Breakdown
Change in Team Outlook: -6.2 ppg, -0.5 rpg, and -9.9 apg.
Incoming Players
Jermaine O'Neal
6-11 PF from Eau Claire (HS)
13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg in 28.7 minutes
Ike Diogu
6-8 PF from Arizona State
5.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.3 apg in 10.2 minutes
Outgoing Players
Luke Ridnour
6-1 PG from Oregon
6.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 4.0 apg in 20.0 minutes
Earl Watson
6-1 PG from UCLA
10.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 6.8 apg in 29.1 minutes
Donyell Marshall
6-9 SF / PF from Connecticut
3.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.5 apg in 14.2 minutes
Mouhamed Sene
7-0 C from Senegal (Foreign)
2.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.1 apg in 4.8 minutes
Adrian Griffin
6-5 SG / SF from Seton Hall
2.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.0 apg in 10.1 minutes

I think this is a fair trade. You guys want to pick Kevin Love and he will be there at 11. You get 2 second round picks too, one this year and one next year. You get ONeal to go with Durant and Green. Put Love in there and you have a good team.

Wilkins or FA or draft choice
Durant
Green
Love
ONeal

Bayless,
Dunleavy
Granger
Williams
Sene

The only problem is you guys give up a lot of PG. What would you do to make this more fair?

[bennith13]

I think I can speak for most people when I say we do not want Jermain Oneal. Also, I have no idea if the Sonics want to draft Kevin Love, I was just saying what I would like to see.

[RiseoftheSonics]

We would love the number 11 pick and JO Neal for a couple of expiring contracts and 24th pick, though. They'll keep the number 4 pick, I think. it's just rumors to keep people guessing, they want another lottery pick, though.

[BBen]

I concur Bennith. There's no way we don't like our options at four. Bayless, Mayo (maybe), Lopez, Love and Randolph will all be there. I much prefer the option of trading up and I think that seems more likely. Even more likely is us staying pat with our draft picks in the first or packaging 24 with a pg to move down or to move out of that spot entirely.

Who do you think we could get (outside the draft) by packaging one of our pgs with the 24 and a second rounder?

[bgassassin]

HA! The Gay/Love combo will occur killing any thoughts of trading down to get Kevin Love.

[Patches Pal]

JO can only stay healthy for 42 games a year. This trade leaves the Sonics with no PG. Any trade for the #4 would need to involve a starter in their rookie contract not an injured, overpaid guy that isn't going to be in the league in five years. Think Biendris, Kaman or Calderon.

[sonictecture]

A quick review of draft history demonstrates that drafting in the top 5 does not guarantee success. The slotting of where players should be drafted can change dramatically only 6 months after the players are actually drafted.

Can anyone really claim that #4 is going to be better than the player drafted at #8?

[AbdicatedReign]

Can anyone really claim that #4 is going to be better than the player drafted at #8?

Yes.

http://www.nbadraft.net/reeddraftanalysis001.asp

[BBen]

No, you can't claim anything before they play game one in the NBA, but it would be wrong to say that you have an equal chance to get a star at #8 and at #4.

[Big_Mac79]

I say trade it
I don't really like anyone from 4-10
I'd rather have another pick for next year

[HeavyP]

Big Mac, would you be willing to trade #4 + the Spurs pick next year + #43 to the clippers for #7 and Minnesota's first rounder in 09 (even though it is protected?)

According to the future picks page...

2009 first round draft pick from Minnesota
Minnesota's own 2009 1st round pick to the L.A. Clippers (top 10 protected in 2009, top 10 protected in 2010, top 10 protected in 2011, and unprotected in the 2012 Draft). [LA Clippers - Minnesota, 8/12/2005]

If you're not in love with the picks now we could end try to swing something like that..

[SonicYouth34]

If the Sonics don't want Bayless or Lopez I think it's wise to trade to the 7-12 range and pick up someone like Randolph or Westbrook, then some other asset

[Patches Pal]

Rumors persist that the Sonics will trade the #4 pick because they prefer Kevin Love. One scenario would be for the Sonics to take Bayless at #4. Once the Clippers pick Love the trade would be executed. The Clippers would include a future first round pick. Wilcox or Collison could then be traded to a team who is in need of a PF. The Sonics would gain extra picks and completely rebuild their front line.

[Big_Mac79]

Big Mac, would you be willing to trade #4 + the Spurs pick next year + #43 to the clippers for #7 and Minnesota's first rounder in 09 (even though it is protected?)

According to the future picks page...

2009 first round draft pick from Minnesota
Minnesota's own 2009 1st round pick to the L.A. Clippers (top 10 protected in 2009, top 10 protected in 2010, top 10 protected in 2011, and unprotected in the 2012 Draft). [LA Clippers - Minnesota, 8/12/2005]

If you're not in love with the picks now we could end try to swing something like that..

I would want an unprotected first for next year. Because the guy I am in love with for next year is Greg Monroe. From what I have seen of him I think he will be a superstar.