Just as the approaching date of July 31st spurs talk of big trades in Major League Baseball, the beginning of February launches NBA teams into the “what do I need to contend” mode. For the teams that can afford it, they target what they want, and go out and get it. Then you have guys like Bulls GM John Paxson sit there with the trigger in his hand, but his finger on the side of the button.
Justin’s LA Lakers kicked off the 2008 trade season (non-baseball trade season that is) by pulling off what modest NBA fans consider the heist of the century. They traded two first-round draft picks (2008 and 2010 and more than likely in the high 20’s) along with Kwame Brown’s expiring contract, Javaris Crittenton, Mark Gasol, and Aaron McKie for one Pau Gasol. Gasol not only takes the spot of the injured Andrew Bynum, but he also becomes one half of the newer version of the twin towers in the NBA. When Bynum returns, the Lakers will be able to march out a lineup that includes two 7-footers that can score and rebound, a guy that can play four positions, but can dominate the 3 in Lamar Odom, the best 2-guard in the game in Kobe Bryant, and a savvy point guard that can bury the three in Derek Fisher. With the Spurs struggling to keep everyone healthy, the Lakers became the best team in the West in one fail swoop.
If you’re asking yourself why in the world the Grizzlies would make this trade, its simple: it’s all about the Benjamins. Memphis is a team in dire straights money-wise. Their owner is trying to sell the team because no fans show up because they don’t put any money in the team. Do you see the circle of life here? By trading the three years left on Gasol’s contract, for a couple young, cheap players, two draft picks, and an expiring contract, it makes the Grizzlies much easier to sell. But the Grizzlies really sold themself short in my opinion. They could’ve traded Gasol to the Bulls last year for a lot more than they got out of the Lakers, but they didn’t want any long-term contracts. That’s why I can’t stand the salary match rule in the NBA. All players traded have to have their cumulative contracts (for the year) come within 10% of each other. So in most NBA trades, there is a clear cut winner and loser talent-wise, and a clear cut winner and loser money-wise.
Speaking of clear cut trades, how about the reaction trade the Suns made. Trading Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O’Neal. I heard that trade and my jaw dropped. Number one, it came out of nowhere. Number two, what the hell are the Suns thinking? They run the floor non-stop. They shoot the ball with 20 on the shot clock. Hell, a book was written about them called “7 Seconds or Less.” Imagine Shaq playing for them. Shaq gets a rebound, outlet passes to Nash running the court down, kicks it out to Raja Bell who fires a three-pointer. Annnnnnd scene! Shaq is standing between the foul line and halfcourt line back on the other end! Then again, where the heck have the Suns gone in the last two years? They haven’t made the NBA Finals, and that means they haven’t won the trophy. So when you ask Steve Kerr what the heck he’s thinking, he’ll respond by stating he’s trying to win at all costs. They only gave up Shawn Marion (who was going to leave after the season anyway) and a point guard in Marcus Banks that didn’t play meaningful minutes for them. The downside to this trade is that Shaq is owed 20 million for this season, plus two more. Money isn’t a big deal to Phoenix, but you can’t throw that kind of money around to a player that’s 4 years past his prime. He does give them a big presence inside that they’ve lacked for years, but he isn’t even healthy right now. I guess the Suns are banking on the fact that he’ll be healthy by March and April, and could contribute 30 minutes of great defense and rebounding while dumping in 12-14 points per game.
For the Heat, the trade was amazing. They get a player like Marion who can do so many different things, doesn’t have a deal as long as Shaq’s, and may even leave after the season – allowing the Heat to go after a free agent or two. While they get Marion’s services, they also get Marcus Banks, who immediately becomes the best PG on that team, and could potentially make a name for himself there. Saving money now and later, while also gettin rid of a chronically injured player is the best of both worlds if you’re a Heat fan. They just went from being in the gutter for three years minimum, to being able to rebuild on the fly, and possibly get to the playoffs in 2009 in the weak Eastern Conference.
It pains me to say this, but the Lakers are the favorites. Justin has to be jumping for joy because his team can win games right now without one of their best players, and could be amazing when he comes back. Quite simply – you give Phil Jackson certain players, he’s going to win you a ring. He’s proven it nine times over.
