Posted by TMS:

Posted by TheSage:

I thought there was a 24-48 hour window in which a player could be signed and then traded. If that is so then the prior comment using Atl as an intermediary could come into play. Anyone have any info on such a window?

i think that's correct...the same thing happened last year w/Rasheed Wallace pretty much...the Hawks got Sheed from POR for Rahim, & then traded him a couple days later for ending contracts & picks to DET...theoretically, the same could happen here, but the Knicks don't have much to offer ATL now that their ending contracts are gone.

ON EDIT: actually, i think the rules are different when it comes to signed FA's...anyone have any clarification on that?

[Edited by - TMS on 08/06/2004 10:36:47]

You're right about the window, otherwise three way trades could never happen.

But I think you're also right about the Free Agent part. Otherwise, being under the cap would be EXTREMELY valuable. If this were the case, Atlanta probably would have signed and traded Damps to Memphis for Stromile and Bonzi or something.

Only GSW can sign and IMMEDIATELY trade Dampier. Everyone else must wait until Dec 15th. I don't think Damps wants to sign with Atlanta because he knows he will most likely be traded in December, possibly to Memphis, but his problem is what if he gets traded somewhere he doesn't want to go? Like Portland for SAR, or Boston? Then he's screwed for a nice new 6 yr deal. As we all know, the best laid plans are always destroyed by Danny Ainge.