Posted by jaydh:
If you are trading Lee with an expiring contract you better get something better than that.
I tend to agree although the trade's not bad McK1 - I like both Mike Miller as a player and the idea of getting another pick in this deep draft. So we're on the right track here.
How about this - I posted this the other day:
Lee, Balkman and a resigned Randolph Morris (in the $900,000 - $1,000,000 range) to Sacramento for Shelden Williams and pick #12.
Knicks - We turn pick #12 into JaVale McGee. Love his size (legit 7'), length, skill set and potential. Gotta give Briggs some love on this - he's been talking about this kid for a while now. This could be our center for the next 12 years. The kid's a late bloomer and obviously has some things to work on but the potential this kid has is just disgusting. Would make perfect sense especially if we wind up finding any takers for Eddy Curry. And we get Shelden Williams who slides right into the David Lee role. He's bigger and more rugged than Lee and much better equipped to guard the interior - one of our biggest weaknesses for the last few seasons now (legit NBA PF size/can play some C, can rebound and actually block a shot or two). The fact that Williams might be considered a bust at this point further intrigues me - we probably wouldn't have to pony up as much money to secure him as we would for Lee when the time comes as Lee's the more established vet between the two at this point. With playing time though (which hasn't been there for him yet) Williams could be a major contributor. The guy's got Antonio Davis/Dale Davis written all over him and those were two excellent role players. He just needs more than 10 mins. a night to show it. You don't become a star at one of the best college programs in America and get nicknamed 'the landlord' if you can't play, bottom line.
Kings - They get David Lee who we already know Geoff Petrie wanted from the beginning of last year when he was ready to deal Artest for him (reports at the time say that Isiah Thomas was the one that shot the deal down). Lee's smarts, energy, athletism, youth and double-double ability would be perfect for their aging frontcourt. It would give Theus the opportunity to rest guys like Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Kenny Thomas and Mikki Moore (assuming they bring him back) much more, keeping them all fresh for the stretch run & playoffs. Lee as a PF is better suited in the faster-paced Western Conference anyway imo. And they get Balkman who can provide more athletism and defense to a team already full of offensive firepower. Much like with the addition of Lee, Theus could now rest Artest more with Balkman on the court. And imagine what little defensive tricks Balkman could pick up playing with/practicing against Artest everyday. Scary stuff... Morris would just be filler at this point to make the trade work money-wise, but who knows, he could develop into something someday. The Kings suddenly become a much, much more complete team with this trade.
Any thoughts??
5/15/2008 8:08 PM