MIN-WAS

[shrink]

MIN GETS: Etan Thomas

WAS GETS: Brian Cardinal and MIA 2nd

Why for MIN? Etan Thomas isn't great, but he works hard on defense and is willing to throw his body around. He's a two-year deal like Brian Cardinal, that doesn't affect our 2010 free agency plans. He's no star, but he's an upgrade over Jason Collins who can pair effectively with Al Jefferson or Kevin Love, and keep them from being forced to play out of position at center so much. Supposedly he's healthy after his chest operation. All I want is competant defense from the center position, and I think Etan will provide that.

Etan FG 57.4%, 5.8 RPG, 6.1 PPG $6.86, $7.5

Why for WAS? Cardinal is definitely a step back, but Etan has negative value at that price, and keeping him on the Wizards creates other problems. First, Haywood is their starter, and he and Etan hate each other, to the point that they've had fights in practice. Two years ago Haywood said he wouldn't come back to the Wizards, partly because of Etan. Second, moving Etan frees minutes for others. Haywood's going to get plenty of minutes, but they love Blatche, and drafted Javal McGee. They still have Pecherov as well.

Second, since Cardinal is a bit cheaper, the deal saves them about $1.2 mil over the next two years. WAS is cap-sensitive, and Arenas and Jamison pretty much used up all their money up to the lux. $600,000 isn't much, but its a little breathing room. I don't think they could trade Etan for an expiring without shipping out one of their young players, so Cardinal's smaller deal isn't a bad choice.

Finally, a second rounder isn't much, but its a shot, and it doesn't costs salary this year.

[Varejao17]

I wouldn't do it...

[Winter Wonder]

An easy yes. Thomas for a second rounder. Same contract length, position of concern, why wouldn't we? I would prefer more size from my 5, but the price is right. I don't think Washington is that desperate though.