Official Trade Deadline Speculation Thread

[Blackjack]

The Bulls want to trade him because they have no intention of offering the QO as that would impair their ability to offer a max FA deal to a player like Wade or Bosh. They're just trying trying to get something of value for the guy on which they used/wasted the 4th overall pick in the draft four years ago.

I've been for the acquiring of Thomas and Salmons for months now, but even I can't help but wonder what the they were thinking when they gave up the rights to Aldridge -- their front office will never live that one down . . .

[TD 21]

No. The QO can't be extended until July 1st. If Thomas accepts the QO, he gives up the opportunity to seek a multiyear contract. The Spurs would incur no salary obligation for next season by trading for Thomas.

The Bulls want to trade him because they have no intention of offering the QO as that would impair their ability to offer a max FA deal to a player like Wade or Bosh. They're just trying trying to get something of value for the guy on which they used/wasted the 4th overall pick in the draft four years ago.

Right, but why would the Spurs trade for Thomas and not qualify him/sign him to an extension? My sense is they see him as a potential answer to their longstanding problem with guarding mobile four's, as well as a second shot blocker to put into the rotation. In the event they either feel like they can't get through to him or don't like what they see the remainder of this season, they could easily re-route him in the off season because he's guaranteed to have re-sale value.

At best, the Spurs fill a longstanding need. At worst, they pick up a quality asset for spare parts and (around) the twentieth pick. Because he's an asset at a position they'd instantly become well stocked at, either Thomas, Splitter or (least likely, I'd imagine) McDyess could either be packaged with Jefferson in order to entice a team to take Jefferson in the off season, as opposed to the trade deadline, or in a straight up deal that lands the Spurs a legit wing stopper at SF (Batum?).

[EricB]

Downgrade in talent an star power, but probably a better fit, actually. (Murphy opens up the paint for LeBron and Shaq, is a better rebounder, and he's a more willing defender -- even if not stellar . . .)

I disagree on the defensive part....

To each his own however.

[Blackjack]

You think Amar'e's a more willing defender?

[Blackjack]

Than anybody?

[Mel_13]

I've been for the acquiring of Thomas and Salmons for months now, but even I can't help but wonder what the they were thinking when they gave up the rights to Aldridge -- their front office will never live that one down . . .

With all the ing and moaning that goes on here, could you imagine what this board would say about an FO that traded LaMarcus Aldridge for Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa. Four years later and they're trying to get a middling first round pick for Thomas. Viktor Khryapa played in 42 games for the Bulls before he vanished from the NBA. Unbelievable.

[Blackjack]

I just saw Khryapa the other day; Euroleague, I believe.

You think Scola leaves a fan butthurt. . .

[EricB]

With all the ing and moaning that goes on here, could you imagine what this board would say about an FO that traded LaMarcus Aldridge for Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa. Four years later and they're trying to get a middling first round pick for Thomas. Viktor Khryapa played in 42 games for the Bulls before he vanished from the NBA. Unbelievable.

The same Viktor Khryapa that this board was ripping the Spurs for not trading up and getting.....

[Mel_13]

Right, but why would the Spurs trade for Thomas and not qualify him/sign him to an extension? My sense is they see him as a potential answer to their longstanding problem with guarding mobile four's, as well as a second shot blocker to put into the rotation. In the event they either feel like they can't get through to him or don't like what they see the remainder of this season, they could easily re-route him in the off season because he's guaranteed to have re-sale value.

At best, the Spurs fill a longstanding need. At worst, they pick up a quality asset for spare parts and (around) the twentieth pick. Because he's an asset at a position they'd instantly become well stocked at, either Thomas, Splitter or (least likely, I'd imagine) McDyess could either be packaged with Jefferson in order to entice a team to take Jefferson in the off season, as opposed to the trade deadline, or in a straight up deal that lands the Spurs a legit wing stopper at SF (Batum?).

I didn't say they wouldn't keep him, just that they would not incur any salary obligations with his acquisition.

As you explained, it would be unlikely that they could afford to keep Thomas, Dice, and Splitter. I would imagine the decision on who to keep, trade, or simply not sign would very much depend on how Thomas and Dice perform in the last 30 games and the playoffs and how quickly Splitter is willing to make a decision.

Further, they may conclude that 6.2M is far above TT's market value and refuse to tender the QO on that basis. They would still retain full Bird rights but lose the right to match an offer sheet.

[EricB]

You think Amar'e's a more willing defender?

When next to a good defensive center and motivated ala 2008, I've seen Amare play good defense.

[ducks]

When next to a good defensive center and motivated ala 2008, I've seen Amare play good defense.

california must have messes up your eyes

[Sausage]

The Nuggets apparently have recently tried to make trades for DeAndre Jordan, Antonio McDyess and Ben Wallace, but were unsuccessful with each pursuit. -Yahoo! Sports

Who would the Nuggets have offered for Dice?

[Darthkiller]

salary works, Maggette is averaging 20 and 6 this year, but he has a long contract, GS is looking to deal him, RJ has a shorter contract, I think this deal would be good for both team. what u both team think.

[dougp]

Maybe you should post trade speculations in the ... *gasp* trade speculation thread!

[EricB]

Birdman or JR Smith.

Puke on both.

Now both at the same time?

Damn.. Maybe.

[EricB]

I think maybe, no.

[ducks]

Puke on both.

Now both at the same time?

Damn.. Maybe.

jr smith reminds me of sj alot

[exstatic]

F that. You don't take Maggette's ty 4 year contract without Anthony Randolph attached.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Bird for McDyess? no thanks.

If they Nuggets FO offered that, then i am glad the Spurs refused

[Mel_13]

Birdman or JR Smith.

Birdman seems unlikely since the story mentioned Denver's desire to add a big.

More likely Balkman plus one of their smaller contracts.

[timvp]

salary works, Maggette is averaging 20 and 6 this year, but he has a long contract, GS is looking to deal him, RJ has a shorter contract, I think this deal would be good for both team. what u both team think.

Like Ex said, I'd hold out for Randolph. Although I might settle for Brandan Wright.

[TD 21]

I didn't say they wouldn't keep him, just that they would not incur any salary obligations with his acquisition.

As you explained, it would be unlikely that they could afford to keep Thomas, Dice, and Splitter. I would imagine the decision on who to keep, trade, or simply not sign would very much depend on how Thomas and Dice perform in the last 30 games and the playoffs and how quickly Splitter is willing to make a decision.

Further, they may conclude that 6.2M is far above TT's market value and refuse to tender the QO on that basis. They would still retain full Bird rights but lose the right to match an offer sheet.

I wrote all that as a devil's advocate type thing. I know exactly what you said and meant.

It's tough to pick one to trade from the three. Why it makes sense to keep/get rid of each...

McDyess

Keep: Only veteran big, other than Duncan. Is an excellent mid-range shooter and a solid rebounder/post-defender.

Get rid of: He's by far the oldest of the three and while the other two have considerable upside, he is what he is. Next year is expected to be his last.

Thomas

Keep: Could be Spurs answer to longstanding question: who can effectively guard mobile PF's? Is by far the best athlete of the group and the lone shot blocker of the bunch as well.

Get rid of: Has a bad at ude, is immature, known to have a low IQ for the game and may have trouble adapting to the Spurs vaunted culture/system.

Splitter

Keep: A complete unknown as far as what he'll bring to the NBA. Is projected as either a solid second big or good third big. Is the only center-sized one of the bunch and may also be the Spurs answer to guarding mobile bigs.

Get rid of: No guarantee he'll come over and even if he does, no guarantee what he'll contribute immediately. Isn't a stand out in any one area.

Here's the biggest plus to acquiring Thomas: whatever the Spurs do, it can't end badly. Having five quality bigs (at least asset-wise) is always a good thing, particularly in a league starved for quality bigs. The end game to all this is that the Spurs end up having probably their best big rotation in a long time, in addition to having one of the best in the league and acquire another key piece (likely a wing stopper) in the process.

[exstatic]

I've been for the acquiring of Thomas and Salmons for months now, but even I can't help but wonder what the they were thinking when they gave up the rights to Aldridge -- their front office will never live that one down . . .

Thomas for Aldridge
Foye for Roy
Jamison for VC

What the were they thinking?

[timvp]

If Portland wants a cheap big, Bonner for Outlaw works. Pritchard loves the "advanced stats" and could fall in love with Bonner's PER and plus/minus. Both teams would get players who would fit better and the contracts are almost the same.

[Mel_13]

Here's the biggest plus to acquiring Thomas: whatever the Spurs do, it can't end badly.

I said something similar in the other thread. The downside risk in a Thomas/Salmons for Bonner/Mason/Finley trade is minimal. The risk increases somewhat with the addition of a first round pick (as with Blair, you never know what may fall into your lap), but still may very well be worth it.