duncan228
02-06-2009, 12:33 AM
Impact players may be available (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Impact_players_may_be_available.html)
Mike Monroe
The NBA's trade deadline arrives in exactly two weeks. Is it any wonder a new trade rumor pops up daily?
The vast majority of trades that hit the rumor mill never are consummated, for lots of reasons, and often for the best. The Spurs and Hornets once had a deal in place that would have sent Brent Barry to New Orleans for J.R. Smith, with some salary cap assistance from the Hawks. A bizarre chain of events in Atlanta delayed the deal past the NBA's deadline, and it wasn't approved by the league. Later that season Barry helped the Spurs win the 2007 title.
The Spurs have made their share of trades near, or at, the deadline. It would not be a shock if they were to make another one this season, too, most likely for a big man, but long-term salary cap considerations are paramount.
Express-News NBA beat writer Mike Monroe takes a look at some players who could be changing uniforms in the next two weeks:
Shawn Marion, Heat
Suitor: Kings
Lowdown: The Heat seem to have come to the same conclusion as the Suns: That Marion, though talented and hard-working, actually believes he is worth a salary bloated after he put up huge numbers in Mike D’Antoni’s speed system. He isn’t, but no team in the league is more bent on change than the Kings. According to the Sacramento Bee, every player on their roster is available for the right deal. They seem willing to send Brad Miller for Marion, but only if Miami will also take Kenny Thomas. The Heat want the Kings to take Marcus Banks, as well as Marion.
Bottom line: There are too many what-ifs, and too many other teams interested in some of these players, for this one to happen.
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Suitors: Most NBA teams
Lowdown: Stoudemire’s erratic output and inattention to defensive detail has teammates, coaches and management questioning his commitment. He will be a free agent this summer and there is not a shred of doubt he will want a maximum contract. That is incentive enough for Suns GM Steve Kerr to try to make a true blockbuster deal. A bigger incentive: The Suns are on a slide that threatens to keep them out of the playoffs, having lost eight of the last 12.
Bottom line: Trading a perennial All-Star such as Stoudemire isn’t easy, but if Shaquille O’Neal and Jason Kidd can be dealt, there is no reason a Stoudemire deal can’t take shape, too.
John Salmons, Kings
Suitor: Thunder
Lowdown: According to the Oklahoman, the Thunder may be willing to let swing man Desmond Mason leave when he becomes a free agent this summer. Salmons is having a career season with the Kings, in part because of Kevin Martin’s injury problems. He would fit well with the talented young lineup Thunder GM Sam Presti is building in Oklahoma City.
Bottom line: The Kings won’t give away Salmons, but Presti has stockpiled enough draft picks to sweeten an offer that would include Joe Smith and his expiring contract.
Earl Watson, Thunder
Suitors: Hornets
Lowdown: The Thunder, committed to rookie Russell Westbrook as their point guard for years to come, would like to move a talented shoot-first veteran who wants as many minutes as possible.
Bottom line: This is the kind of “deal that helps both teams” that makes too much sense not to happen.
Mike Monroe
The NBA's trade deadline arrives in exactly two weeks. Is it any wonder a new trade rumor pops up daily?
The vast majority of trades that hit the rumor mill never are consummated, for lots of reasons, and often for the best. The Spurs and Hornets once had a deal in place that would have sent Brent Barry to New Orleans for J.R. Smith, with some salary cap assistance from the Hawks. A bizarre chain of events in Atlanta delayed the deal past the NBA's deadline, and it wasn't approved by the league. Later that season Barry helped the Spurs win the 2007 title.
The Spurs have made their share of trades near, or at, the deadline. It would not be a shock if they were to make another one this season, too, most likely for a big man, but long-term salary cap considerations are paramount.
Express-News NBA beat writer Mike Monroe takes a look at some players who could be changing uniforms in the next two weeks:
Shawn Marion, Heat
Suitor: Kings
Lowdown: The Heat seem to have come to the same conclusion as the Suns: That Marion, though talented and hard-working, actually believes he is worth a salary bloated after he put up huge numbers in Mike D’Antoni’s speed system. He isn’t, but no team in the league is more bent on change than the Kings. According to the Sacramento Bee, every player on their roster is available for the right deal. They seem willing to send Brad Miller for Marion, but only if Miami will also take Kenny Thomas. The Heat want the Kings to take Marcus Banks, as well as Marion.
Bottom line: There are too many what-ifs, and too many other teams interested in some of these players, for this one to happen.
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Suitors: Most NBA teams
Lowdown: Stoudemire’s erratic output and inattention to defensive detail has teammates, coaches and management questioning his commitment. He will be a free agent this summer and there is not a shred of doubt he will want a maximum contract. That is incentive enough for Suns GM Steve Kerr to try to make a true blockbuster deal. A bigger incentive: The Suns are on a slide that threatens to keep them out of the playoffs, having lost eight of the last 12.
Bottom line: Trading a perennial All-Star such as Stoudemire isn’t easy, but if Shaquille O’Neal and Jason Kidd can be dealt, there is no reason a Stoudemire deal can’t take shape, too.
John Salmons, Kings
Suitor: Thunder
Lowdown: According to the Oklahoman, the Thunder may be willing to let swing man Desmond Mason leave when he becomes a free agent this summer. Salmons is having a career season with the Kings, in part because of Kevin Martin’s injury problems. He would fit well with the talented young lineup Thunder GM Sam Presti is building in Oklahoma City.
Bottom line: The Kings won’t give away Salmons, but Presti has stockpiled enough draft picks to sweeten an offer that would include Joe Smith and his expiring contract.
Earl Watson, Thunder
Suitors: Hornets
Lowdown: The Thunder, committed to rookie Russell Westbrook as their point guard for years to come, would like to move a talented shoot-first veteran who wants as many minutes as possible.
Bottom line: This is the kind of “deal that helps both teams” that makes too much sense not to happen.