MIN - MEM - LAC?

[shrink]

MIN GIVES: Derrick Williams + 2013 MEM pick (lottery protected)
MIN GETS: Eric Gordon + Aminu

LAC GIVES: Eric Gordon + Aminu
LAC GETS: Derrick Williams + OJ Mayo

MEM GIVES: OJ Mayo
MEM GETS: $5 mil Cap Space + 2013 MEM pick (lottery protected)

OK, let me start at the beginning. The general idea here is that for the Grizzlies, the protected MEM pick is worth more than Mayo, since they are struggling to find the money to keep Gasol + Zach Randolph. We might like Mayo, but we can't afford him either when we have other contracts to add (Love, Beasley, Randolph - maybe a bigger name free agent). So Part One is simply turning one asset (MEM 1st) into something that may be more valuable elsewhere (Mayo).

I threw Mayo at LAC for a couple reasons. First, the Clippers will have the money to extend Mayo, and they are not a big name free agent destination. Second, Mayo was a big deal in Los Angeles when he was an NCAA star at USC, and he will probably still spin turnstyles for Donald Sterling.

However, the big question becomes - how much do you pay for potential star Eric Gordon? LAC is not going to give him up easy, but eyes are fixed on Blake Griffin, so you rrarely have to pay a premium to get the second best player on a team (like you would for the lesser Derozan or Tyreke Evans). Is Derrick Williams too much? Too little?

[B Calrissian]

I would do this without Aminu included and us adding Johnson. Gordon is a star and would give us a legit number one number. Gordon, Love, and Rubio is my dream core.

[Narf]

Yeah, take out Aminu. We don't need him, and the Clippers fans clearly value him. He's not that great of a prospect IMO. I wouldn't add Wes Johnson, he's pretty ideal to start over Beasley making him a super 6th man for scoring. I think Adelman is smart enough to sell it and give Beas 30 minutes a game as our "2nd unit's #1 scorer in the Manu Ginobli role" with Johnson as the "defensive stopper on the wing next to Gordon". Stroke both players ego a bit, and put the team/winning first with everyone knowing their role. I'd say the pick, Williams, cap space, and a future Minnesota pick for Eric Gordon seems like fair value to me. With Sterling seeing all those cheap players, he might pull the trigger. He does like a cheap payroll after all.

[Krapinsky]

the Clippers aren't going to make trades with us that will so clearly ruin the value of our 2012 draft pick

[cpfsf]

too good for Minny.

[shrink]

I agree Aminu doesn't have much value, and he may have more value to LAC (at least, to their posters here). Part of the reason I included him was to match cap, and give minutes to Williams. However, I have no qualms about using other salary filler.

Do you agree that LAC would prefer OJ Mayo to the MEM pick?

I agree with Krapinsky though. If they were smart, they'd trade the pick first for a star player, then follow it up a little later with a trade like this.

Still, it's very hard for me to balance the value between Eric Gordon and Williams + Mayo. If it took a little more, I'd do it.

[younggunsmn]

Williams is on yr 1 of his rookie deal and Gordon is going to get paid soon (last yr of rookie deal). That is the big downside for me, having Love, Beasley, Gordon, and Randolph all hitting restricted free agency at the same time.

I'm a big Williams fan. I think he's got a chance to be an A-1 scorer from the SF spot with his size, shot, and athleticism. His free throw rate was amazing (8.7 FTA to 10.0 FGA per game). If he can translate his efficiency to the NBA he'll be something special. Will he be able to chase other SF's around picks? I don't know.

Gordon is a pretty dominant as a bulk scorer, I just question whether his overall team impact merits "star" consideration and the considerable amount of coin he will command.

Aminu? Bleh. No thanks.

I do like the thought of Gordon and Wes on the wings, I don't think the clips are trading Gordon though as they are building around him and Griffin. And I'd rather get Mayo for cheap than trade a guy with WIlliams' potential for Gordon.

I think Beasley is on his way out and it will be Williams/Johnson at SF after this season if Kahn can't move Beasley for a SG or C.

[moss_is_1]

I love Gordon, easy yes for me.

[southern wolf]

I'm a big Williams fan too, but I wouldn't turn that down. Having a backcourt of Rubio and Gordon after watching us struggle mightily there for ages would be a dream. My only worry would be if Beasley tokes up one too many times or his form slumps after the lockout and we're left with big SF problems.

[Worm Guts]

I can't imagine LAC trading Gordon unless he asks out. Gordon is a much better fit for the Clippers than Williams.

[Esohny]

I'd do it for the Wolves in a heartbeat. The Clippers wouldn't do it though.

[Beas]

I would do it just for Gordon, don't need to add Aminu.

[pumunga]

Derrick Williams > Eric Gordon

[moss_is_1]

Derrick Williams > Eric Gordon

Don't agree. Gordon is a great player and would really really help out on the perimeter...I think he's a top 5 SG right now, the only problem is that he's about to get paid just like Love.

[shrink]

hmmm .. maybe take out Aminu, and insert Kaman for some LAC cap relief to sign Deandre Jordan? At $12.2 mil for one year, I think Kaman has definite negative value.

This would force LAC to deal our pick elsewhere before they did a deal that improved our wins.

[Esohny]

Derrick Williams > Eric Gordon

He's certainly taller. Definitely not better.