Matt52 wrote:
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http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=m2huemp
(**BTW Novak is in link above because Hansbrough can't be traded until December 15th, T goes to CHI**)
Milwaukee: DeRozan and Lowry
Chicago: Udoh, Hansbrough (after Dec. 15)
Charlotte: Gay
Toronto: Boozer, Gordon, Ridnour, Giannis 'Po, 2nd rd pick from Milwaukee (original Raptors), DET/POR 1st from Charlotte, CHA pick & 2015 pick from Bulls
Why for Charlotte?
Gay would put them over the bump to make the playoffs. Give up 2 picks but they already have a lot of young guys and they have cap space and financial flexibility to give him big contract extension. The "why didn't they trade for him last year" argument ignores MEM wanted financial flexibility which CHA could not offer as Gordon contract had to be included.
Why for Milwaukee?
Lowry>Ridnour, DD>Giannis
Bucks in constant state of win now. They are all about the playoff games revenue. They are trying to build an arena. Essentially they are getting much better now for potential in 'Po. Even if Lowry walks at end of year, it is essentially DD for Giannas and 2nd round pick. They get to keep Knight. Two very interesting lineup possibilities:
1:
PG - Lowry
SG - DD
SF- Bulter
PF- Ilyasova
C- Sanders
backup PG - Knight
6th man - Mayo
first big - Henson
2:
PG - Lowry
SG - Mayo
SF- Bulter
PF- Henson
C- Sanders
backup PG - Knight
6th man - DD
first big - Ilyasova
Why for Chicago?
Cheap owners. They paid tax last year for first time. They are on track to pay it this year. If they pay it next year they pay the repeated tax which adds another $1 to every level over tax. Yes, they can amnesty Boozer this summer but that requires writing him a $16.8M cheque to go away. By making this trade they are under the luxury tax this season and they free up nearly $16M of cap space for next year to sign Mirotic and possibly another significant free agent. Also they remain super competitive with Gibson taking over starting duties, T as backup, and Udoh gives depth. Yes there is a significant price here: 2 first round picks but the Raptors save them over $30M and give them a lot of financial flexibility this summer - keeping Deng becomes a real option then too.
Why for Toronto?
1) Draft:
2014 draft could have up to 6 picks (4 1sts, 2 2nds) - own, POR top 12 protected, CHA top 10 protected, DET top 8 protected
2015 guaranteed multiple draft picks. (own, CHI and any of 2014 not conveyed).
2016 guaranteed multiple draft picks. (own, NY, and all picks not yet sent are unprotected).
2) Financial flexibility:
2014: Raptors have $42M committed to 7 players with options totaling $3.8M on 4 more players. Add rookie contracts and they could be looking at upwards of $8M in cap space with a bump in the cap to $60M. However, this is not for free agency. This would be for facilitating trades and acquiring assets from teams looking to shed salary for whatever reason. Lots of expiring contracts as well for trades.
2015: nearly $35M coming off the books and possibly over $40M in cap space. Free agency? Trades? Carry over until 2016?
2016: JV's extension and maybe Ross due but still enough cap space assuming no big FA in 2015.
2017 onwards: Bird Rights to resign free agents... luxury tax be damned.
3) A solid foundation to build and grow for the next decade or more.... rather than looking to rebuild with a JV in his prime in 3-4 years.
Total speculation on my part but when I am talking about blowing it up, the above is what I mean. Is any of the above possible? Highly unlikely but these are the type of moves I hope to see. Please don't split hairs over "That will never happen!" I know it won't. The concept is what matters here: accumulate prospects, picks, cap space for 2 years, acquire talent, use Bird Rights to keep it, never face an OKC situation.
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