Trade Deadline - 2/19

[AJ_II]

It'll be interesting to see if any big names get traded here in the next couple of days. Shawn Marion for Jermaine O'Neal was pretty big last week. Aaron's Hornets traded away Tyson Chandler today to the Thunder. Some other big names being thrown out there in rumors include Amare Stoudemire, Caron Butler, and Richard Jefferson.

And a rumored trade that I REALLY hope will end up happening, Vince Carter for Tracy McGrady. T-Mac has worn out his welcome in Houston.

 

[Aaron]

Any idea why the Hornets traded Chandler? He was much improved as a Hornet. :idunno:

Think T-Mac will ever win a playoff series... :scratch:

 

[AJ_II]

It looks like their motivation was to get rid of some salary. Here's a write-up about it at ESPN - Tyson Chandler headed from New Orleans Hornets to Oklahoma City Thunder - ESPN

If McGrady ever wins a playoff series, it won't be because of him. In other words, he'll never lead a team to playoff success like he could have in the past. His time as an elite player in the NBA is well behind him. He's just too fragile, can't stay on the court.

 

[Wolf]

I really don't want to see Amare Stoudemire be traded but if there anyway to improve the Suns? There also talks of maybe including Shaq.

 

[AJ_II]

Good news for you Wolf if you don't want to see Amare leave Phoenix. The latest word is that Stoudemire will probably remain a Sun - Sources: Phoenix Suns unlikely to trade Amare Stoudemire - ESPN

 

[Aaron]

What about Stephon Marbury? It's obvious he won't play again this year. Would you want him on your team for next year? I certainly wouldn't. :icon_eek:

 

[AJ_II]

Well Boston just opened up a roster space by trading Sam Cassell to the Kings. If "Starbury" plays anywhere this year, it'll probably be with the Celtics. Though I'm sure New York will do everything they can to keep him away from Beantown.

 

[AJ_II]

Well so much for trading McGrady. He announced last night that he needs microfracture surgery on his left knee and his season is over. I'm so tired of this guy, Les Alexander needs to ship him out of town the first chance he gets. One of the most overpaid athletes in all of sports.

But, the good news (for Rockets fans) is Von Wafer has been a very pleasant surprise this year for Houston. He's filled in nicely for T-Mac so far, I hope he can continue to do so.

 

[AJ_II]

Well Aaron, Tyson Chandler is a Hornet once again. Apparently he failed his physical and the Thunder backed out of the trade. If you're Chandler, how do you go back into that locker room knowing management doesn't want you there? Has to be a little awkward, doesn't it?

It reminds me of former Rocket Robert Horry. They attempted to trade him to Detroit for Sean Elliot back in '94 I want to say. But Elliot ended up failing his physical. Horry said he came back to the Rockets a new player...he hung up his would-have-been Piston jersey above his bed for motivation.

Anyway, here's the Chandler story - Tyson Chandler back to New Orleans Hornets after trade rescinded - ESPN

 

[Aaron]

I guess if Chandler finishes the season with the Hornets, then it was meant to be. We need his presence in the middle if we have any shot at going deeper in the playoffs. But, yeah, that has to be awkward for the player and for the team.

 

[AJ_II]

Phoenix is back to playing its up-tempo style of ball, which is probably why they'll end up keeping Amar'e Stoudemire. They scored 140+ for the second game in a row last night. It was also the second night in a row they played the Clippers...might have something to do with it. But Alvin Gentry has them playing more like D'antoni did before he split for New York.

And don't feel too bad for Terry Porter. Yes, he only got a little over half a season before he was fired, but he walked away with a $6 million parting gift. Not bad for 3 or 4 months of work.

 

[Steel Cranium]

It was also the second night in a row they played the Clippers...might have something to do with it.

Good. Maybe the Clips will give up and trade Marcus Camby to the Cavs for Wally Szczerbiak. The Cavs have enough shooters and Wally has an expiring contract. Wouldn't hurt the chemistry too much since he doesn't really fit in with the running style when they decide to play that way. Camby would provide another defensive shot-blocking option for the Cavs.

 

[AJ_II]

I think the Clips gave up a long time ago...

I hope the Cavs can make a big splash. Camby (or Stoudemire in a perfect world) seems to be the best fit since they need a big man. I also see they have been talking to Washington about Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. And Milwaukee about Richard Jefferson.

If the Rockets can't get there - which I admit is very unlikely - I'd prefer to see a Laker/Cavalier Finals. I think David Stern would too. Kobe vs. LeBron would be easy to market.

 

[AJ_II]

I just read that Danny Ferry has offered Phoenix Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic for Shaquille O'Neal. LeBron and The Diesel would be very interesting...

 

[Steel Cranium]

I just read that Danny Ferry has offered Phoenix Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic for Shaquille O'Neal. LeBron and The Diesel would be very interesting...

Sasha's hurt, and will be out for a while (foot in a boot, ankle injury in the last Laker's game). I believe that adding Shaq might be a chemistry issue -- big town guy in a small (and cold) market. A guy like Camby would fit into a role easier.

 

[Wolf]

I rather keep Shaq over Ben Wallace anyday!

 

[AJ_II]

Well Phoenix didn't trade Amare Stoudemire yesterday, but he still won't be playing for the Suns...at least for a couple of months. He had to have eye surgery to repair a partially detatched retina and he'll be sidelined for about 8 weeks. Too bad for the Suns. Looked like Alvin Gentry might have had them them poised to make a run. But good for teams like Utah, Dallas, and Houston.

 

[AJ_II]

What about Stephon Marbury? It's obvious he won't play again this year. Would you want him on your team for next year? I certainly wouldn't. :icon_eek:

Well Boston just opened up a roster space by trading Sam Cassell to the Kings. If "Starbury" plays anywhere this year, it'll probably be with the Celtics.

The Knicks are nearing are a buyout of Marbury, and all signs point to him signing with Boston. Buyer beware with him though. I'd be wary if I were the Celtics about disrupting team chemistry. Marbury isn't exactly the model of a team player.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3931801

 

[MM]

It could be closer than we think:

Marbury bought out; source says he will join Celtics - Celtics Blog - Boston.com

 

[Aaron]

It's official... Marbury signs with Boston Celtics

I hate to see that trouble-maker get rewarded like this! :banghead: