Just posted on Hoopsworld
Warriors Want to Deal: What does 7-17 at this point in the regular season get you? For the Golden State Warriors that puts just about everyone on the trading block. And not just sophomore forward Anthony Randolph, as has been heavily speculated, reported upon, and unofficially confirmed through various outlets and sources.
According to Marcus Thompson II of the Contra Costa Times, the Warriors have apparently put everyone up for trade, including their best player (Monta Ellis), the disgruntled (Randolph), and yes, even the rookie (Stephen Curry).
What it really boils down to is management would really like a completely different team. Of course, this management (and Coach Don Nelson) also handed out all the long-term contracts on the roster and seems to be able alienate just about anyone who puts on the Warriors uniform. It seems like they would really like to go after someone like Amar'e Stoudemire and have just realized how much it actually costs to get someone of that caliber.
Thompson makes an excellent point.
There is also this: putting everybody on the table could mean Riley has been striking out. Three of his key pawns are hurt (Biedrins, Wright, Azubuike), two out for the year. If he is going to lure an Amar'e Stoudemire, a David West, a Chris Bosh, a Caron Butler or whoever, he probably learned it's going to take more.
But why Ellis in the mix?
His trade value will likely never be higher. You almost have to see what he gets you, right?
But an Ellis trade is risky. His current play is only showing you need multiple stars. Why consider giving up the one sure one you have? Seems they did that already. (Imagine Baron and Monta together now)
The thing is, none of those players is actually available right now. Why would the Phoenix Suns trade Stoudemire when they are currently 16-8, fourth in the Western Conference? Perhaps the Hornets (West), Raptors (Bosh), or Wizards (Butler) may be more willing to trade since they are all on the wrong side of .500, but they are going to want talent in return. Randolph would be the starting point, to be sure, but the Warriors would need to add about $7-8 million to a deal (or more for Bosh) just to open up the lines of communication. What would be those other team's motivation?
Unfortunately for the Warriors they have dug themselves a serious hole. Teams negotiating from where they are – in a situation where the perception is they need to or are desperate to make a deal – typically don't make out very well. They did okay in the Stephen Jackson trade, but the last few moves have not been a good experience for them (what did they get for Jamal Crawford again?).
As bad as it is in Golden State, it's hard to see this not getting worse before it gets better.
No specific mention of the Knicks being involved, but one has to think that Donnie would be on the phone discussing what it would take to acquire Monta Ellis, Stephan Curry (the rookie we wish we had the opportunity to draft) and Anthony Randolph
12/15/2009 7:05 PM