Idea: Bulls / Knicks / Magic

[Ray Allen Iverson]

Trade 1 (optional):

The Orlando Magic trade: / the Chicago Bulls receive:

ORL 2010 2nd-round draft pick

The Orlando Magic receive: / the Chicago Bulls trade:

Aaron Gray ($711,517, minimum contract)
______________________________

Trade 2:

The Chicago Bulls trade:

Ben Gordon (3 years / 39m$, 2 years guaranteed @ 13m$/year, team option for 2010/2011)
Larry Hughes (expiring in 2010)
Cedric Simmons (expiring)
ORL 2010 2nd-round draft pick

The Chicago Bulls receive:

Stephon Marbury (expiring)
JJ Redick (expiring, team option for 2009 / 2010)

Outgoing salary: $6,500,000 (BG - BYC1), $12,827,676 (LH), $1,742,760 (CS) = $21,070,436
Incoming salary: $20,840,625 (SM), $2,139,720 (JJR) = $22,980,345

$21,070,436 x 1.25 + $100,000 > $22,980,345
-> Chicago meets the provision of the CBA.

Why this might work for the Chicago Bulls:

- finances (source: shamsports.com):

In 2008 / 2009, the Bulls invest $7,698,392, leading to a payroll of $71,142,365, which is just $7,635 under the luxury tax level for the 2008-09 season, which has been set at $71,150,000 (note: I've taken JamesOn Curry's buy-out into the calculation and estimated Nichols' salary to be @ $711,517, which is the mimimum contract according to Larry Coon's FAQ - Question #11).
In 2009 / 2010, the Bulls won't have to pay the last year of Hughes' $13,655,268 - salary, leading to a payroll of $42,520,386. The Bulls would be about 14m$ to 16m$ under the salary cap (depending where it would be set at), which would open up the possibility to sign a free agent to a maximum contract.

- outgoing players:

At first, why would Gordon agree to a 3 year / 39m$ with a team option in 2010 - contract? Because this deal ensures him

- massive payments for the next two years (compared to accepting the Qualifying Offer)
- an outlook to sign a lucrative multi-year when he's 27 (that's perfect timing to be an unrestricted free agent), either from the Knicks or from much more teams with capspace, than in just 2008 and / or 2009 (if he signs for the QO).
- losing the "restricted free agent" - tag in 2010
- saving face (apparently, very important to him)
- a starting role on New York's team
- playing for Mike D'Antoni, whose system suits him well
- playing with post-presences in Curry and Randolph to provide relief for perimeter scorers (remember that Gordon has consistently viewed double to tripple teams the last three years in Chicago)
- playing in his hometown
- the motivation to help New York securing a good record in 2010, which would make the loss of their pick (@Utah) less painful.

IMHO, it's the best possible "Exit" / "Plan B" scenario for Gordon, if Chicago or Memphis isn't going to sign him to the desired figures. He would weight the cons against the pros, then realise, if Chicago doesn't raise their initial 59m$/6ys offer, it's a better situation than complaing about not being rewarded for his achievements over the next six years.

The Bulls trade away the best player in the deal. Ben Gordon gets a short-term deal, which pays him 13m$ annualy. The Bulls' season might take a hit due to his departure, but this trade would put an emphasis on developing Rose and acquiring a real post presence in 2009 (Boozer / Bynum become free agents). The productivity of Larry Hughes, Cedric Simmons and Aaron Gray can easily be made up by giving their minutes to Thabo Sefolosha and Tyrus Thomas, whose development will benefit as well.

- incoming players:

JJ Redick will be utilised as a specialist off the bench. He's on a cheap contract and provides 3pt shooting, which might be needed due to Gordon's departure. Because of his expiring status, the Bulls have the option to keep him past 2009 (picking up his 4th year option) or letting him go in order to set their payroll at about 42.5m$ (leading to maximum capspace).

Stephon Marbury will be bought out immediately, leading to savings of about one or two millions dollars for the Bulls. If Marbury gets picked up by another team, like the Heat, for the minimum, the Bulls save another million dollar. Being about three million underneath the threshold, Chicago will sign three veterans (like Othella Harrington, Kevin Ollie or Earl Barron) to minimum contacts in order to bolster up their roster and expand the number of players under contract in 2008 / 2009 to thirteen.

The Chicago Bulls in 2008 / 2009

1) Derrick Rose - Kirk Hinrich - Kevin Ollie
2) Thabo Sefolosha - JJ Redick - (Kirk Hinrich)
3) Luol Deng - Demetris Nichols - (Andres Nocioni)
4) Tyrus Thomas - Andres Nocioni - Othella Harrington
5) Joakim Noah - Drew Gooden - Earl Barron

- outlook:

Thanks to 15m$ of capspace, the Bulls will become players in next year's free agency. Their main target will be Andrew Bynum, whose contract demands have raised concerns about the long-term financing of the team. If this options falls through, the Bulls will take a look at Carlos Boozer, who might find himself in a position, where Utah would be reluctant to satisfy his contract demands, because of concerns over the luxury tax.

The Chicago Bulls in 2009 / 2010 might possibly look like this:

1) Derrick Rose - Kirk Hinrich
2) Thabo Sefolosha - JJ Redick
3) Luol Deng - Demetris Nichols
4) Tyrus Thomas - Andres Nocioni
5) Andrew Bynum (5ys/maximum $$$) - Joakim Noah

or that:

1) Derrick Rose - Kirk Hinrich
2) Thabo Sefolosha - JJ Redick
3) Luol Deng - Demetris Nichols
4) Carlos Boozer (5ys/maximum $$$) - Andres Nocioni
5) Joakim Noah - Tyrus Thomas

______________________________

The Orlando Magic trade:

JJ Redick
Brian Cook
Tony Battie
Keith Bogans (cut by NY, heading back to ORL)
Marcin Gortat (cut by NY, heading back to ORL)
ORL 2010 1st-round draft pick (lottery protected)
ORL 2010 2nd-round draft pick

The Orlando Magic receive:

David Lee
Jared Jeffries
Jamal Crawford
Cedric Simmons
3m$ cash

Outgoing salary: $5,746,000 (TB w/o Trade Kicker), $3,500,000 (BC), $2,565,000 (KB), $2,139,720 (JJR), $711,517 (MG) = $14,662,237
Incoming salary: $8,640,000 (JC), $6,049,400 (JJ w/o Trade Kicker), $1,742,760 (CS), $1,788,033 (DL) = $18,219,793

$14,662,237 x 1,25 + $100,000 > $18,219,793
-> Orlando meets the provisions of the CBA

Why this might work for the Orlando Magic:

- finances (source: shamsports.com):

In 2008 / 2009, the Orlando Magic make an investment of $3,557,556.
In 2009 / 2010, the Orlando Magic make an investment of $6,034,600.
In 2010 / 2011, the Orlando Magic make an investment of $16,963,800.

The Magic would most likely exceed the luxury tax barrier in all of those three seasons.

- outgoing players:

Basically, the Magic give up only three players in this trade, whereas two (Cook and Redick) aren't in their plannings anyway. I want to know, whether Orlando would be willing to sacrifice a 2010 pick for David Lee in order to experience the most dramatic talent boost of all teams. They balance their roster with offense, defense, rebounding and shooting at the expense of a financial hit. I think that New York would be fine with releasing Bogans and Gortat, so that they could rejoin Orlando's team again.

- incoming players:

This trade creates the possibility to establish a two unit - rotation. David Lee will work around Dwight Howard in order to provide relief in the rebounding / scoring department, whereas the scoring qualities of Crawford and the defensive versatility of Jeffries should compliment the 2nd-unit's go-to-guy Turkoglu very well. Cedric Simmons and Aaron Gray are young prospects, who might turn out to be a decent post-presences in the long-run.

- outlook:

The main positive of this proposal is the addition of quality role-players. This trade will establish them as the ultimate threat in the Eastern Conference to dethrone the Celtics. Crawford and Jeffries have three years remaining on their contracts, whereas David Lee expires in 2009. That's why they would have to make a financial commitment in advance, because the luxury tax becomes imminent.

1) Jameer Nelson - Anthony Johnson - (Jamal Crawford)
2) Mickael Pietrus - Jamal Crawford - Courtney Lee
3) Rashard Lewis - Hedo Turkoglu - Keith Bogans
4) David Lee - Jared Jeffries - Cedric Simmons
5) Dwight Howard - Aaron Gray - Marcin Gortat

______________________________

The New York Knicks trade:

Stephon Marbury
Jamal Crawford
Jared Jeffries
David Lee
3m$ cash

The New York Knicks receive:

Brian Cook (expiring in 2010)
Tony Battie (expiring in 2010)
Ben Gordon (expiring in 2010)
Larry Hughes (expiring in 2010)
Keith Bogans (expiring, cut and heading back to ORL)
Marcin Gortat (expiring, cut and heading back to ORL)
ORL 2010 1st-round draft pick (lottery protected)
ORL 2010 2nd-round draft pick

Outgoing salary: $20,840,625 (SM), $8,640,000 (JC), $6,049,400 (JJ w/o Trade Kicker), $1,788,033 (DL) = $37,318,058
Incoming salary: $13,000,000 (BG), $12,827,676 (LH), $5,746,000 (TB), $3,500,000 (BC), $2,565,000 (KB), $711,517 (MG) = $38,350,193

$37,318,058 x 1,25 + $100,000 > $38,350,193
-> New York meets the provision of the CBA.

Why this might work for the New York Knicks:

- finances (source: shamsports.com):

In 2008 / 2009, the Knicks spend about 1m$ and additional 10.8m$ in 2009 / 2010, while saving 17m$ in 2010 / 2011. Thus, the Knicks would create maximum capspace for the 2010 free agency.

- outgoing players:

David Lee and Jamal Crawford are being sacrificed for maximum capspace and a late 1st-round pick in 2010. This trade means, that New York management is commited to the best free agency class of all-time in 2010.

- incoming players:

Tony Battie, Brian Cook and Ben Gordon should replace the production of Lee and Crawford. All three of them are decent additions for Mike D'Antoni's system, while providing an additional upgrade in the locker-room, regarding current team-chemistry concerns. Furthermore, James Dolan is willing to spend 3m$ on a pick in the year 2010, when NY's own one is owed to Utah.

- outlook:

The departure of Jamal Crawford and Jared Jeffries can easily be replaced by Gordon and Hughes. Moreover, trading for Gordon on the basis of the terms suggested, puts the New York Knicks in the position to offer maximum capspace to a free agent of choice in 2010. The Knicks would have $34,045,238 (Curry, Randolph, Gallinari, Chandler) on their books for 2010/2011, leading to maximum capspace. After this deal, the Knicks would even have the possibility of re-signing Ben Gordon to a long-term deal, starting @ 8m$ to 9m$ in 2010 without sacrificing their capspace for 2010.

Trading for Gordon gives New York the following options:

- letting him expire in 2010 (in order to create maximum capspace for LBJ)
- picking up his team option for 2010 / 2011 (which leads to the same remaining contract length as Crawford)
- extending him to a multi-year deal, past 2010 (you get to acquire his bird-rights in this trade). I'm convinced, that he will seriously consider re-signing in NY past for less money in order to salvage NY's created maximum capspace, in order to play alongside LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, for instance. Moreover, he might remember the only team, which was willing to get him out of a tight spot, back in 2008.

NY Knicks fans didn't like the original deal. Here, Orlando sends a lottery protected 1st-round pick as compensation to New York. In return, Walsh will arrange buy-outs with Marcin Gortat and Keith Bogans, which will save James Dolan some additional dollars. Bogans will be re-signed on the basis of the bi-anual exception, whereas Gortat will be picked off waivers by either Orlando or Chicago.

1) Chris Duhon - Mardy Collins - Anthony Roberson
2) Ben Gordon - Nate Robinson - Larry Hughes
3) Danilo Gallinari - Wilson Chandler - Quentin Richardson
4) Zach Randolph - Brian Cook - Malik Rose
5) Eddy Curry - Tony Battie - Jerome James
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[CourtsideTV]

too big of a blockbuster trade to actually happen. Nice write up though.

[drsd]

One cannot expect Bogans and Gortat to be magically waived. And even if they were, they could sign with any team. Plus, Crawford and Jeffries replace respectively these players (as roster upgrades).

Trading Gortat and Battie for Lee is a risky but bold move. This creates a major problem for Turkoglu though, as Lewis would need to slide to the 3 for Lee to get minutes.

Simmons would be a throw.

So, you propose what would be a roster upgrade for the Magic that causes two roster concerns. The above mentioned goes alongside a concern about starting SG.

Anyhow the roster becomes from the trade:
PG: Nelson, Johnson
SG: Crawford, Pietrus, Lee
SF: Lewis, Turkoglu
PF: Lee, Jeffries, Simmons
C: Howard, Foyle

This is an over all upgrade at starting five. And solidifies the SG and SF concerns. But, the Magic are suddenly glass/wafer thin in the front court. A new FA would need to be brought in to bolster the combo-big slot.

Not that this would happen, but I like the resultant roster!

[tjm384]

So this worked in a video game right? cause that's the only way something like that would ever happen lol

[laVal03]

I don't care for it anyway....I mean I want David Lee but not with the rest of that crap, Crawford is super talented I just don't want him on this team

[magicman123]

ill give you props for the write up and trade idea, good work.......but u totally lost me on about the 53rd paragraph

[tjm384]

The question is..how long did it take him to write all that?

[MoGrAdY]

Its one of them crazy deal that isnt likely to happen.. But I wont even bash it after all the work you did..

[Ray Allen Iverson]

Its one of them crazy deal that isnt likely to happen..

What's crazy about the outgoing / incoming section for Orlando?

But I wont even bash it after all the work you did..

Thanks. What don't you like about it?

The question is..how long did it take him to write all that?

Three hours.

So this worked in a video game right? cause that's the only way something like that would ever happen lol

I don't play video games.

ill give you props for the write up and trade idea, good work.......but u totally lost me on about the 53rd paragraph

I'm sorry. I thought, that I needed to get some work done to convince you all.

One cannot expect Bogans and Gortat to be magically waived. And even if they were, they could sign with any team. Plus, Crawford and Jeffries replace respectively these players (as roster upgrades).

True. I still think, that they would want to go back to Florida, if they can not find a better deal than the Bi-annual exception from Orlando for Bogans and being paid twice the minimum amount for a one year player like Gortat (who could be simply claimed off waivers either).

Trading Gortat and Battie for Lee is a risky but bold move. This creates a major problem for Turkoglu though, as Lewis would need to slide to the 3 for Lee to get minutes.

It's basically a interchangable three-forward rotation at the 3 and 4 spot. Dividing 96 minutes through three leads to 32 minutes. Depending of need, you can either play Turkoglu and Lewis to stretch the floor for Howard, or side Lee with Howard to work the boards.

Simmons would be a throw.

Simmons to Orlando

So, you propose what would be a roster upgrade for the Magic that causes two roster concerns. The above mentioned goes alongside a concern about starting SG.

I take the liberty of calling it "depth".

Anyhow the roster becomes from the trade:
PG: Nelson, Johnson
SG: Crawford, Pietrus, Lee
SF: Lewis, Turkoglu
PF: Lee, Jeffries, Simmons
C: Howard, Foyle

This is an over all upgrade at starting five. And solidifies the SG and SF concerns. But, the Magic are suddenly glass/wafer thin in the front court. A new FA would need to be brought in to bolster the combo-big slot.

Not that this would happen, but I like the resultant roster!

Thanks for the response.

too big of a blockbuster trade to actually happen. Nice write up though.

I think that it seems too big due to the massive explanatory notes, IMHO.

[aleZ]

Wow, designing a water-powered space shuttle would take less I think but good job anyway.

I still don't understand why the Bulls would take Redick, cuz he's proven nothing in this league (not even as an off the bench 3pt shooter). You see, sometimes trades go down because a team or gm like what they're getting

[Ray Allen Iverson]

The Bulls would need a three point threat, who would also understand, that his role is reduced to this aspect. Redick fits that bill and if the experiment fails, he's expiring anyway.

[eyriq]

For the Magic I love it. Getting Lee next to Dwight is worth most anything in my book. I think Lee is the real deal. Crawford is a nice throw-in and would help the Magic with his versatility. The rest of the cannon fodder isn't that bad either.

A starting front court of Lewis/Lee/Howard is dominant. It would easily be the best rebounding front court in the league (Lewis is an above average re-bounder as a 3, believe it or not). You'd still start Pietrus in hopes that he's the lock down wing defender that the Magic need so bad, but being able to bring in guys like Crawford and Hedo off the bench would be crushing for our opponents.

[lovehoops01]

Does that deal work under the salary cap?

Crawford himself makes as much as all the players the Magic are sending out, doesn't he? (I forgot about Cook being in the deal so I guess not. But Crawford makes $8.64 million this season, $9.36 million next season and more than $10 million the season after that. So that's still a lot.)

It's a interesting deal talent-wise, but the Magic are dangerously thin at the power spots now, and this deal only exacerbates that problem. I don't see both Gortat and Bogans finding their way back to the Magic, and sad as it sounds, I think the Magic will need Gortat this season.

Not to mention that it gives them three shooting guards who all MUST see time on the court. Think Pietrus would be very happy if he signed with the Magic and then before he ever got to play a game, they brought in someone else to start in front of him? That ought to get the season off to a great start! What was the point of drafting Lee if you were going to bring in TWO people to start in front of him? Should have drafted a power forward then, which a lot of people thought anyway.

What on Earth would the Magic do with Jared Jeffries except listen to how unhappy he is because he never gets to play?

If you just want David Lee, can't you just wait a season and sign him as a free agent? Won't he be a free agent after this year -- and D'Antoni has indicated that he is iffy on the guy anyway? True, he could get traded to someone else, but you really want to take on those other salaries to add him if he's the only guy in the group you truly want? Are you a Gator, by any chance?