June 17th, 2008 – Dr. Dime
In Part I of our NBA pre-draft trade rumors we discussed a couple of Raptors-Knicks and Raptors-Pistons trade talks. Although we have heard that the calls of Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo to Pistons GM Joe Dumars have begun to go unanswered as of late, there apparently are still mutual ongoing discussions with Colangelo and New York Knicks GM Donnie Walsh regarding a possible Jamal Crawford deal. It is now clear that the Raptors are unwilling to part with point guard Jose Calderon, as Colangelo views him as the future starting floor general for the franchise. We will keep you updated on those discussions as the talks evolve.
However for Part II of our NBA pre-draft rumors, we are going to focus on more recent trade discussions, once again involving the Pistons, Knicks, and this time the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets. While we know changes are inevitable in New York with the hiring of head coach Mike D’Antoni and his up-tempo offense, the most likely casualties for the Knicks look to be slower half-court players such as Eddie Curry, Zach Randolph, and Jerome James. One thing is for sure for the Knicks is they need a pass-first point guard to steer the ship, and it’s not likely to be Stephon Marbury or Nate Robinson. Will the Knicks be able to get their coveted pick O.J. Mayo at the 6 spot in the draft? D’Antoni certainly hopes so.
Zach Randolph to the Pistons
We have all heard rumors about Joe Dumars looking to make some big moves in the off-season. While some have talked about him possibly seeking to blow-up his team and rebuild after a lengthy run as an Eastern Conference perennial powerhouse, the other end of the spectrum has talked about him trying to make a move for one final piece to the puzzle to get over the hump for that title. There have been many names thrown about, but most consistently the names Tracy McGrady and Carmelo Anthony have been brought up. Possibly because speculation has emerged about both big name players being on the trading block, as each player after this post-season has now solidified their reputation as a great player who just can’t get it done in the playoffs.
Put all of that aside for a minute however, and a new rumor has been thrown in the mix. What if Dumars doesn’t have to rebuild right away, what if he can get another low-post scoring threat to allow Rasheed Wallace to float on the perimeter shooting his outside jumper without giving the Pistons coaching staff consistent headaches? Could Zach Randolph of the Knicks be the answer the Pistons are looking for? I certainly think so. Zach Randolph is going to be moved before next season, that is an almost certainty at this point. Although the knock on Randolph has always been his off-court maturity issues and lack of leadership, the veteran Pistons group may be just what he needs to help him pull his act together and play for a contending team. Getting a taste of winning might change his attitude altogether.
But who would the Pistons be willing to give up to get Randolph? If the reports are true, Dumars would have to consider shipping at least one of his big money players, as Randolph has 3 years and $48 million left on his contract with the Knicks. I doubt the Pistons would consider parting with Rasheed in such a deal, for one major reason. The Randolph/Sheed reunion from their earlier days in Portland would obviously be part of the Pistons management thinking on successfully transitioning Randolph to a new team while maintaining the Pistons chemistry.
I give this one only a 1/10 shot at actually happening, for the main fact that I don’t see the Pistons unloading one of their major players to take on the bloated contract of Randolph. That to me would seem counterproductive if their goal is to make another legitimate run at the title.
Michael Redd to Knicks
The latest rumors around the Milwaukee Bucks franchise has them working the phones to deal their sharp shooter Michael Redd, and PG Mo Williams. Moving Redd makes sense to me as the Bucks clearly have a youth movement underway, and after this season it is obvious that the with Redd continuing to get the majority of the touches it is hurting the development of a lot of their growing young talent. Redd has 2 years and $33 million left on his contract with the Bucks.
On the other hand I don’t understand why they are looking to deal Mo Williams. He has had a solid couple of seasons for the Bucks, and they just last year matched an offer sheet of the Miami Heat for Williams in order to keep him longer term. If they didn’t see Williams as part of their long term plan, why wouldn’t they just let the Heat sign him rather than subject themselves to the difficulty of trying to move his contract now?
Regardless of those facts, word on the street is the Bucks are shopping these two guards. Although I’m skeptical of the validity of the Williams discussion, I think the Redd talks are legitimate with discussions taking place with the Knicks and Clippers. So where will Redd end up? My money is on the New York Knicks. They have a lot of big assets they can use as trade bait that would fit the Bucks long term goals, and Redd would clearly be the perfect fit for D’Antoni and his run and gun offense in New York. Redd his whole career, and specifically last summer when playing for D’Antoni (assistant coach) and Team USA in the FIBA America’s Olympic qualifying tournament proved he is one of the best shooters in the world right now from beyond the arc. D’Antoni and Redd are a match made in heaven for the New York Knicks.
Gilbert Arenas to Clippers
I hear that Elton Brand isn’t happy these days. My question is; how was he ever happy playing for the ‘paper-clips’? Aside from their one successful season a couple of years ago, every year since Brand’s arrival the Clippers management has failed to keep young talent or sign quality players to place around Elton. They are year in and year out hanging out at the bottom of the Western Conference. Will the Clippers look to make any big moves this off-season?
The latest news on the Clippers is centered around the Washington Wizards superstar Gilbert Arenas. The Wizards are in discussions with Arenas about a possible contract extension, as Arenas can opt-out of his current contract as soon as this summer. Arenas may be just the player the Clippers need to convince Brand they are serious about winning. Although with Arenas still being owed $13 million next season it will be difficult for the Clippers to offer Arenas the money it will take to lure him away from the Wizards and still remain anywhere near the salary cap. Which would mean that the more likely subject of discussions right now would be focused on if Brand opts-out of his contract this summer and jets for another ball-club, the Clippers could go after Arenas to replace their jaded franchise player.
I’m sure Clips fans everywhere are hoping for the former and not the latter. Brand is a class act and it would be a shame if he left LA for greener pastures. Greener being wins, not cash. Personally I wouldn’t blame Brand for wanting out, but if he does decide to leave LA hopefully he will give Clippers management notice so they can at least try and work a sign and trade.
I’m out like Randolph in NYC!
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