Official Trade Deadline Speculation Thread

I was just checking to see if the rumor might have come from Amick, but I couldn't find anything. Where exactly, or more appropriately, whom exactly was reporting this rumor?

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Originally Posted by Blackjack

I was just checking to see if the rumor might have come from Amick, but I couldn't find anything. Where exactly, or more appropriately, whom exactly was reporting this rumor?

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The kings broadcasters right before tip off. They said Spurs are close to completing a deal that would bring in a forward and a back up point guard. And then said it might effect their rotation tonight.

Can't remember their names.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMa...radeId=yfvkxsa

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Originally Posted by timvp

This trade rumor plus Beno suddenly not playing had me scared. Thankfully, he was actually injured (bruised heel and plantar fasciitis) and not being sat out due to an impending trade. Trading for Beno and his ~$22 million over three years remaining on his contract would have ended in disaster.

I haven't heard anything to go along with this rumor ... but it's definitely one that shouldn't be ignored. Why would a Kings announcer randomly say something so specific about the opposing team? Either he made a mistake or there is fire beneath the smoke.

If I had to guess the player involved, I'd guess RMJ. Pop was disgusted with his missed shots against Denver and again was mad this game when Mason kept missing wide open players and being careless. Perhaps the Spurs are ready to pull the trigger on something like Mason and Finley for Raja Bell and CJ Watson . . . . . .

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Maybe CJ Watson and Turiaf?

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Originally Posted by timvp

Bell would be a decent addition .... as long as Pop doesn't start him. Hill needs to remain in the starting lineup. Bell eating minutes Bogans, Mason and Finley would otherwise get would likely be an upgrade.

But you put Bell in the starting lineup and Pop would soon be surprised how far Bell's defense has fallen. In the 2008 playoffs, Ginobili destroyed Bell ... even though Ginobili was playing on one leg. At this point in his career, Bell's mobility is a big question mark. But like I said, he's not afraid to rough up players like Kobe, so he might have the guile to make up for his decline in athleticism and quickness.

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Bell has definately fallen off, and that was before getting injured and missing big chunks of a season.

But I can see an argument for Bell, specifically with the Lakers in mind. Kobe isn't a high-flying penetrating dunkmaster as much as he used to be. His game has changed to more jumpers and more post-ups. Bell right now couldn't handle the Kobe of old . . . but could be dirty enough to bother current Kobe.

Bell is a player I hate, but really, if no trade is made do people expect Roger Mason to get a new contract from the Spurs this off-season? They'll be over the tax and already have what appears to be a legit starting two in Hill and could very well re-sign Manu.

Raja Bell isn't really a backup PG or a forward.

if they said forward and backup PG must mean the forward is starting caliber so most of these ideas dont fit

well, even though the suspects played, their playing time might have been a go just to shop them.

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Raja Bell isn't really a backup PG or a forward.

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Bell has slowed down to the point he's more SF than SG. Kinda like Bogans.

But yeah, the Kings announcer would likely call him a SG. If the word around the arena was that the Spurs might have to home a few players out due to an impending trade, I'm guessing we'll know in the next 24 hours if it is legit.

If it isn't legit, it'd be interesting to know WTF prompted the comment by the Kings announcer :lol

with Pop, Bell would be the new smallball PF.

Timvp's point about Mason being traded is well taken. Dude is on the Express Train into Pop's doghouse right now, and if there's anything worse than having an inconsistent shooter in the game at crunchtime, it's having a 3.75M expiring contract guy who never sees the floor.

If I've learned anything about Pop in the last ten years, it's that his doghouse gets us nowhere. Only one thing to do with Mason....move him.

I think the Dorell Wright thing is a good possibility, or the Raja Bell thing. I also like the idea of Ramon Sessions/Ryan Gomes as Spurs. Not sure how the salaries would work out, but I like both of those guys.

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Originally Posted by timvp

Last I looked, the best I could tell is he'd be ready to play again in March. Since that is another month away, it doesn't make much sense to trade for him now. The Spurs would likely wait until the trade deadline ... unless the Warriors are pushing for a completion of the deal.

As for Bell, I wouldn't love the deal but he'd be an improvement over Bogans. Plus, anyone willing to knock Kobe on his azz is a friend of mine :smokin

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Timvp I thought you love Bogans..and when did Rajah knock down Kobe?

Sessions/gomes sounds good, I doubt the spurs are willing to pay it but maybe tyrus Thomas and hinrich?

I haven't heard anything about this however keep in mind the Bulls are shopping Hinrich and Thomas for possible cap space. They also need a shooting guard. Manu seems like he could fit in this deal. No idea in the legitimacy of this though.

Given the information we have at our disposal, I'd be surprised if it's not Mason for Wright and Arroyo. Too many things add up, as I alluded to earlier. This move would also likely be a strong indication that Hill will now be the full-time starting SG. Assuming that is the case, then it makes sense to have another Arroyo, who's a true PG. Wright is a long, athletic forward; something this team needs. He doesn't have a single discernible skill (other than he's a decent rebounder) that I'm aware of, but he has potential as a defender.

I'm skeptical, though. Not that the Kings announcers were lying (they'd have no reason to), but in this day and age, not one insider has any information on this posted on a website? Strange.

Assuming this is in fact the trade, it clears up the logjam at SG and balances the roster better.

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Originally Posted by bugmenot

Timvp I thought you love Bogans..and when did Rajah knock down Kobe?

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didn't he clothesline Kobe when he was a Sun?

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Originally Posted by bugmenot

Timvp I thought you love Bogans

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I still agree with my original assessment back at the start of last offseason:

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Originally Posted by timvp

I've heard Pop talk glowingly about him before. He said he liked his competitive and that he brings energy every night. I'm guessing he'll be in the mix for a minimum deal.

Personally, I don't think he's the right direction to go in. Pretty good defender but not anywhere close enough to Bowen's level to justify his below average offense. Doesn't help the Spurs in athleticism or anywhere outside of just being willing to defend.

If it comes down to Udoka or Bogans I probably go with Bogans but I'd prefer someone younger with more offensive upside.

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..and when did Rajah knock down Kobe?

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I ain't mad atcha, Raja :hat

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Originally Posted by MaNu4Tres

The kings broadcasters right before tip off. They said Spurs are close to completing a deal that would bring in a forward and a back up point guard. And then said it might effect their rotation tonight.

Can't remember their names.

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Thanks.:toast

I've got to believe this came from Amick if they felt comfortable going over the air with this. The fact that they said a forward and a backup point, doesn't lead me to think Bell, though; Raja just doesn't seem someone that's distinguished as a forward by most.

Golden State has seemed to me to be the most logical trade partner for the Spurs. They've got players like Maggette, Turiaf, and Biedrins that could be dealt to help their books; they've got Bell whom the Spurs have already expressed interest in; and they've got a guy like Randolph that could entice a team like the Spurs if they decided letting him go was worth the unloading of Maggette; I was more optimistic for such a scenario earlier on.

If it is Golden State that the deal lies with, the backup point is obviously Watson, as he's the only player there to fit the bill (the Spurs have some experience with him through the summer, as well). If I had to guess the forward, I think I'd go with Turiaf. He and Watson would combined for about $5M this year and could be had for not much more than Mason.

Rather underwhelming, if this is the case.

Nocioni+Rodriguez?

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Originally Posted by Baseline

Dude is on the Express Train into Pop's doghouse right now.

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What prompted Mason's doghouse status? Anyone know?

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Originally Posted by toki9

What prompted Mason's doghouse status? Anyone know?

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Shooting like shit and playing zero defense.

Bricking clutch shots in crunch time.

The dude was a one trick pony last year and has sucked with a reduced role.

Yeah, i don't think anything is gonna happen... But, usually something does happen when no one is reporting it.

Wright would be nice, but I really hate Carlos Arroyo's game..

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

Wright would be nice, but I really hate Carlos Arroyo's game..

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I doubt Arroyo would be relevant in such a move. He'd see mop up duty at best unless there's an injury.

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Originally Posted by Whisky Dog

Shooting like shit and playing zero defense.

Bricking clutch shots in crunch time.

The dude was a one trick pony last year and has sucked with a reduced role.

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I think he was doing just fine coming off the bench. Getting the start the past couple games has cooled his shooting off. Roger IMO seems to be a rythym shooter, and it doesn't take much to disrupt that.

He was outstanding in the game before that against the grizzlies, spurs would have lost that game without his heroic shot making. He has been a good defender so far this year.

Once Parker comes back, Mason will go back to his role off the bench where he was doing quite well and resume his game winning shots and you'll be back to riding his jock like a drunk college slut.