- May 23, 2012
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- Tottenham Hotspur, New Orleans Pels
Well, it's that time of the year again. The NBA trade deadline is less than three weeks away, and many teams are laying expensive junk out on the lawn in the hope that some poor sucker will haul it away.
Of course different teams will have different agendas. Those at the top of the tree will be out to see if they can't add some cream to their rather substantial cakes. Meanwhile those at the bottom will give away players almost as cheaply as they give away tickets for their games, while those caught in the ruck face the dreaded eternal question; stay the course, or blow it all to smithereens?
Here's a casual look at the expected modus operandi for all 30 teams re. the NBA's annual trash & treasure market, with the help of some old friends.
The rich get richer
That's crummy old Kawhi Leonard on the left and a delicious George Hill in his pre-peroxide days.
Golden State Warriors
Could use: Another ivory back-scratcher. Perhaps another big who can shoot a little - hello Brandon Bass?
Could lose: Mo Speights and Jason Thompson are getting $10 mil to sit on their arses... but is anyone dumb enough to take 'em?
San Antonio Spurs
Could use: A little youth and verve when the tempo lifts. Another guard capable of getting to the bucket wouldn't go astray. Jeff Teague or Ty Lawson would be optimal, but probably too hard to land.
Could lose: Danny Green seems a good candidate to be the next George Hill/Tiago Splitter, although he'd leave a defensive hole. Jonathan Simmons could be useful as a sweetner.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Could use: Another big, particularly one who can help guard the paint. Bass would be a fit here too.
Could lose: Mozgov is on thin ice and soon to be out of contract - perfect bait.
OKC Thunder
Could use: A 3 & D wing - all their role players either do one or the other. Might be forced to shop in the Gerald Henderson/Randy Foye discount store unless they really roll the dice/
Could lose: Waiters is out of contract, Augustin is out of the rotation. Kanter or Ibaka if they're brave.
Searching for that ticket to paradise
Doc Rivers puts together L.A.'s bench
Los Angeles Clippers
Could use: A new GM. Small forward is a bit of a revolving door, while they're awfully thin at PF.
Could lose: Jamal Crawford at 35 is their best bait... welp. Sending Lance to Brooklyn for Joe Johnson would be a true lottery-ticket move.
Chicago Bulls
Could use: A small forward, unless they believe (against all evidence) that Dunleavy/McBuckets/Snell can get them where they want to go.
Could lose: Take your pick: nobody save Jimmy and possibly Portis should be off the table. Taj is their safest bait, while Mirotic might blossom elsewhere. The Bulls don't do trading though.
Memphis Grizzlies
Could use: a new shooting guard, a big with athleticism (Thad Young?) unless Brandan Wright's ready to go. Could they cobble something together for K-Mart?
Could lose: Lee, Green and/or Allen aren't likely to fetch enough to cure what ails 'em. Mike Conley (tick tick tick) could, but that's robbing Peter to pay Paul. Already spent a future pick to buy Green...
Dallas Mavericks
Could use: a dependable third wing to spell Matthews & Parsons. A big who can shoot and block shots wouldn't go astray either (Alexis Ajinca or Terrence Jones?)
Could lose: Ain't got much on the shelf, unless old point guards count. Dwight Powell would have to be included to get anything even half-decent.
Toronto Raptors
Could use: An upgrade at power forward - Markieff Morris anyone?
Could lose: Could probably stomach moving Patrick Patterson as part of any upgrade. James Johnson could be a nice sweetner for any team with problems at the wing.
Miami Heat
Could use: Another guard with speed and athleticism. Could also use another big unless McBob, STAT or Birdman somehow make a miraculous recovery. Bass would work here too.
Could lose: Face a real dilemma with Whiteside, they could be tempted to deal. Could be tempted to move Deng or Dragic if they were serious about making a real splash.
Detroit Pistons
Could use: More depth at guard and forward - the starters have been ridden into the dirt thus far.
Could lose: Jennings is an intriguing trade option if they decide a bird in the hand is the way to go. Will be linked with the likes of Morris and Anderson, though whether SVG bites is far from certain.
Charlotte Hornets
Could use: Another big - someone like Biyombo would be handy (oh, wait). A healthy MKG would be nice too.
Could lose: Big Al was a nice story in Charlotte, but the marriage has run its course. The Hornets under MJ would probably like to make another splash, so spending picks might come into the equation.
Steady as she goes
Chicago's front office for the last decade in action.
Indiana Pacers
Could use: Another big guy wouldn't go astray, nor would a true point guard. Would love Teague.
Could lose: Rodney Stuckey seems obsolete on this roster. They'll have to spend picks to land quality.
Boston Celtics
Could use: A legit centre. A little more shooting power would come in handy too.
Could lose: Lee's the perfect salary dump option for a extra help. Could surely afford to move one of their plethora of young guards also.
Washington Wizards
Could use: Kevin Durant. A new coach. Bottom line is they'll wait until July.
Could lose: Nene's as good as gone, Hump needs a new home. A Beal sale would spark a land-rush.
New York Knicks
Could use: Their 2016 pick. A competent point guard (Teague or Conley sound like an idea).
Could lose: Lack trade capital, although Fisher is wasting KOQ. Will accordingly wait 'til July.
Utah Jazz
Could use: Another point guard, possibly an extra wing with shooting ability.
Could lose: Trey Burke and/or Alec Burks could bring an intriguing return - it's unlikely though. The Jazz will continue to hit the draft for the time being, something they're doing pretty well.
Milwaukee Bucks
Could use: An actual NBA bench. Someone besides Middleton who knows how to shoot a three.
Could lose: Before this season OJ Mayo might have been a candidate to help a contending team. MCW and John Henson are the most likely candidates to move if a shake-up is deemed necessary.
Denver Nuggets
Could use: Another point guard, unless they plan to keep playing Nelson forever.
Could lose: Would love to lose JJ Hickson and Foye. Would hate to lose Arturas Karnisovas, who has sped up their rebuild most impressively.
Portland Trail Blazers
Could use: Another guard, and a contract extension for Terry Stotts while they're at it.
Could lose: Gerald Henderson will be more available than Pricey's mum. The Blazers aren't in a hurry.
Should I stay or should I go?
When it comes to some NBA teams, it's better to burn everything just in case.
Atlanta Hawks
Could use: A time machine to re-locate All-Star backcourt Teague & Korver.
Could lose: The clock is ticking on Teague, especially with Horford out of contract. Schroeder similarly might fetch something, but would it be enough to catapult this team into contention?
Orlando Magic
Could use: Moar shooting. A backup PG in CJ Watson's absence. Also need to find their Biyombo.
Could lose: Evan Fournier makes for tasty trade-bait. In reality nobody on this roster screams 'untouchable', although there's a nice array of talent. Overall it's time to sh1t or get off the potty.
New Orleans Pelicans
Could use: A new medical team. Somebody interested in playing defence would help too.
Could lose: Brow if they don't shape up soon. Everybody bar AD and Holiday should be on the table, Ryno, Reke and Gordon among the more interesting candidates as trade bait.
Houston Rockets
Could use: See Pelicans, New Orleans re. defence. Chemistry in the starting line-up. Chemistry on the bench.
Could lose: Terrence Jones is well past his Houston expiry date. Ty Lawson probably needs to go too, although he won't garner much. The Rockets would love to lose Brewer if they could find someone silly enough to take him on that fat contract. Would they think about moving Dwight?...
Sacramento Kings
Could use: A person under 6'10 who knows how to defend even vaguely. A shooting guard who can fill his job description.
Could lose: Rudy Gay's the obvious one, and contrary to some reports his contract is reasonable. Could trade anyone from Boogie through Belinelli in reality, because Kings.
Big sale, bad location
There's no solid proof that Hinkie ever tried this move for a couple more second round picks.
Phoenix Suns
Could use: A priest and a new owner.
Could lose: Their sanity unless Kieff is dealt soon. Chandler sadly might prove difficult to move - the Clippers could be an option, or maybe Boston. Moving Knight would signal a major rebuild.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Could use: A breath of fresh air at the top of the organisation. Some non-geriatric role players.
Could lose: K-Mart and Pek are in the shop window, but no-one's buying.
Brooklyn Nets
Could use: Divine intervention and a break from Billy King.
Could lose: Bropez and Young would actually be of interest to many teams, if the Nets were interested in really driving the tan... oh wait, nevermind.
Los Angeles Lakers
Could use: More TV exposure. Also more ex-Lakers in prominent positions - it's totally the way to go.
Could lose: Brandon Bass seems like a good guy, and doesn't deserve this fate. Uh, Swaggy P anyone?
Philadelphia 76ers
Could use: A shooting guard who can do one of those two things, 'cos Stauskas does neither.
Could lose: The Okafor/Noel dynamic is one to keep an eye on. If the Sixers fancy a sneaky raid in a buyer's market, they certainly have the necessary draft assets to play with.
Games of the Week:
Monday: Hawks @ Heat - somebody has to win the Southeast division, even by default.
Tuesday: Bulls @ Jazz - if you like watching the big fellas, this is your game.
Wednesday: Celtics @ Knicks - Primetime Pricey is already counting down the hours.
Thursday: Warriors @ Wizards - the last time the Dubs were in Washington it was to meet Obama.
Friday: Lakers @ Pelicans - another week, another Laker game on TNT. Try Pistons/Knicks instead.
Saturday: Spurs @ Mavs - no lesbians allowed.
Sunday: Thunder @ Warriors - a thrilling showdown between Antipodean behemoths.
Of course different teams will have different agendas. Those at the top of the tree will be out to see if they can't add some cream to their rather substantial cakes. Meanwhile those at the bottom will give away players almost as cheaply as they give away tickets for their games, while those caught in the ruck face the dreaded eternal question; stay the course, or blow it all to smithereens?
Here's a casual look at the expected modus operandi for all 30 teams re. the NBA's annual trash & treasure market, with the help of some old friends.
The rich get richer
That's crummy old Kawhi Leonard on the left and a delicious George Hill in his pre-peroxide days.
Golden State Warriors
Could use: Another ivory back-scratcher. Perhaps another big who can shoot a little - hello Brandon Bass?
Could lose: Mo Speights and Jason Thompson are getting $10 mil to sit on their arses... but is anyone dumb enough to take 'em?
San Antonio Spurs
Could use: A little youth and verve when the tempo lifts. Another guard capable of getting to the bucket wouldn't go astray. Jeff Teague or Ty Lawson would be optimal, but probably too hard to land.
Could lose: Danny Green seems a good candidate to be the next George Hill/Tiago Splitter, although he'd leave a defensive hole. Jonathan Simmons could be useful as a sweetner.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Could use: Another big, particularly one who can help guard the paint. Bass would be a fit here too.
Could lose: Mozgov is on thin ice and soon to be out of contract - perfect bait.
OKC Thunder
Could use: A 3 & D wing - all their role players either do one or the other. Might be forced to shop in the Gerald Henderson/Randy Foye discount store unless they really roll the dice/
Could lose: Waiters is out of contract, Augustin is out of the rotation. Kanter or Ibaka if they're brave.
Searching for that ticket to paradise
Doc Rivers puts together L.A.'s bench
Los Angeles Clippers
Could use: A new GM. Small forward is a bit of a revolving door, while they're awfully thin at PF.
Could lose: Jamal Crawford at 35 is their best bait... welp. Sending Lance to Brooklyn for Joe Johnson would be a true lottery-ticket move.
Chicago Bulls
Could use: A small forward, unless they believe (against all evidence) that Dunleavy/McBuckets/Snell can get them where they want to go.
Could lose: Take your pick: nobody save Jimmy and possibly Portis should be off the table. Taj is their safest bait, while Mirotic might blossom elsewhere. The Bulls don't do trading though.
Memphis Grizzlies
Could use: a new shooting guard, a big with athleticism (Thad Young?) unless Brandan Wright's ready to go. Could they cobble something together for K-Mart?
Could lose: Lee, Green and/or Allen aren't likely to fetch enough to cure what ails 'em. Mike Conley (tick tick tick) could, but that's robbing Peter to pay Paul. Already spent a future pick to buy Green...
Dallas Mavericks
Could use: a dependable third wing to spell Matthews & Parsons. A big who can shoot and block shots wouldn't go astray either (Alexis Ajinca or Terrence Jones?)
Could lose: Ain't got much on the shelf, unless old point guards count. Dwight Powell would have to be included to get anything even half-decent.
Toronto Raptors
Could use: An upgrade at power forward - Markieff Morris anyone?
Could lose: Could probably stomach moving Patrick Patterson as part of any upgrade. James Johnson could be a nice sweetner for any team with problems at the wing.
Miami Heat
Could use: Another guard with speed and athleticism. Could also use another big unless McBob, STAT or Birdman somehow make a miraculous recovery. Bass would work here too.
Could lose: Face a real dilemma with Whiteside, they could be tempted to deal. Could be tempted to move Deng or Dragic if they were serious about making a real splash.
Detroit Pistons
Could use: More depth at guard and forward - the starters have been ridden into the dirt thus far.
Could lose: Jennings is an intriguing trade option if they decide a bird in the hand is the way to go. Will be linked with the likes of Morris and Anderson, though whether SVG bites is far from certain.
Charlotte Hornets
Could use: Another big - someone like Biyombo would be handy (oh, wait). A healthy MKG would be nice too.
Could lose: Big Al was a nice story in Charlotte, but the marriage has run its course. The Hornets under MJ would probably like to make another splash, so spending picks might come into the equation.
Steady as she goes
Chicago's front office for the last decade in action.
Indiana Pacers
Could use: Another big guy wouldn't go astray, nor would a true point guard. Would love Teague.
Could lose: Rodney Stuckey seems obsolete on this roster. They'll have to spend picks to land quality.
Boston Celtics
Could use: A legit centre. A little more shooting power would come in handy too.
Could lose: Lee's the perfect salary dump option for a extra help. Could surely afford to move one of their plethora of young guards also.
Washington Wizards
Could use: Kevin Durant. A new coach. Bottom line is they'll wait until July.
Could lose: Nene's as good as gone, Hump needs a new home. A Beal sale would spark a land-rush.
New York Knicks
Could use: Their 2016 pick. A competent point guard (Teague or Conley sound like an idea).
Could lose: Lack trade capital, although Fisher is wasting KOQ. Will accordingly wait 'til July.
Utah Jazz
Could use: Another point guard, possibly an extra wing with shooting ability.
Could lose: Trey Burke and/or Alec Burks could bring an intriguing return - it's unlikely though. The Jazz will continue to hit the draft for the time being, something they're doing pretty well.
Milwaukee Bucks
Could use: An actual NBA bench. Someone besides Middleton who knows how to shoot a three.
Could lose: Before this season OJ Mayo might have been a candidate to help a contending team. MCW and John Henson are the most likely candidates to move if a shake-up is deemed necessary.
Denver Nuggets
Could use: Another point guard, unless they plan to keep playing Nelson forever.
Could lose: Would love to lose JJ Hickson and Foye. Would hate to lose Arturas Karnisovas, who has sped up their rebuild most impressively.
Portland Trail Blazers
Could use: Another guard, and a contract extension for Terry Stotts while they're at it.
Could lose: Gerald Henderson will be more available than Pricey's mum. The Blazers aren't in a hurry.
Should I stay or should I go?
When it comes to some NBA teams, it's better to burn everything just in case.
Atlanta Hawks
Could use: A time machine to re-locate All-Star backcourt Teague & Korver.
Could lose: The clock is ticking on Teague, especially with Horford out of contract. Schroeder similarly might fetch something, but would it be enough to catapult this team into contention?
Orlando Magic
Could use: Moar shooting. A backup PG in CJ Watson's absence. Also need to find their Biyombo.
Could lose: Evan Fournier makes for tasty trade-bait. In reality nobody on this roster screams 'untouchable', although there's a nice array of talent. Overall it's time to sh1t or get off the potty.
New Orleans Pelicans
Could use: A new medical team. Somebody interested in playing defence would help too.
Could lose: Brow if they don't shape up soon. Everybody bar AD and Holiday should be on the table, Ryno, Reke and Gordon among the more interesting candidates as trade bait.
Houston Rockets
Could use: See Pelicans, New Orleans re. defence. Chemistry in the starting line-up. Chemistry on the bench.
Could lose: Terrence Jones is well past his Houston expiry date. Ty Lawson probably needs to go too, although he won't garner much. The Rockets would love to lose Brewer if they could find someone silly enough to take him on that fat contract. Would they think about moving Dwight?...
Sacramento Kings
Could use: A person under 6'10 who knows how to defend even vaguely. A shooting guard who can fill his job description.
Could lose: Rudy Gay's the obvious one, and contrary to some reports his contract is reasonable. Could trade anyone from Boogie through Belinelli in reality, because Kings.
Big sale, bad location
There's no solid proof that Hinkie ever tried this move for a couple more second round picks.
Phoenix Suns
Could use: A priest and a new owner.
Could lose: Their sanity unless Kieff is dealt soon. Chandler sadly might prove difficult to move - the Clippers could be an option, or maybe Boston. Moving Knight would signal a major rebuild.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Could use: A breath of fresh air at the top of the organisation. Some non-geriatric role players.
Could lose: K-Mart and Pek are in the shop window, but no-one's buying.
Brooklyn Nets
Could use: Divine intervention and a break from Billy King.
Could lose: Bropez and Young would actually be of interest to many teams, if the Nets were interested in really driving the tan... oh wait, nevermind.
Los Angeles Lakers
Could use: More TV exposure. Also more ex-Lakers in prominent positions - it's totally the way to go.
Could lose: Brandon Bass seems like a good guy, and doesn't deserve this fate. Uh, Swaggy P anyone?
Philadelphia 76ers
Could use: A shooting guard who can do one of those two things, 'cos Stauskas does neither.
Could lose: The Okafor/Noel dynamic is one to keep an eye on. If the Sixers fancy a sneaky raid in a buyer's market, they certainly have the necessary draft assets to play with.
Games of the Week:
Monday: Hawks @ Heat - somebody has to win the Southeast division, even by default.
Tuesday: Bulls @ Jazz - if you like watching the big fellas, this is your game.
Wednesday: Celtics @ Knicks - Primetime Pricey is already counting down the hours.
Thursday: Warriors @ Wizards - the last time the Dubs were in Washington it was to meet Obama.
Friday: Lakers @ Pelicans - another week, another Laker game on TNT. Try Pistons/Knicks instead.
Saturday: Spurs @ Mavs - no lesbians allowed.
Sunday: Thunder @ Warriors - a thrilling showdown between Antipodean behemoths.
