As for the Warriors' backcourt, two sources indicated the team will not pursue Allen Iverson, whom the Sixers have put on the trading block. Instead, the Warriors appear to be gambling that point guard Baron Davis can return to his All-Star form and remain healthy for an entire season.
A few weeks ago Philadelphia's trading partners were reported to be Minnesota, Denver, Golden State, Memphis, Atlanta and Boston. Since then the Timberwolves signed Mike James as a free agent, Denver had their offer of Camby and Andre Miller rejected, and Atlanta and Golden State have indicated they aren't interested.
Now, some of this may be posturing. At the same time it appears that market for Iverson is pretty small. All reports are that Billy King wants young talent and draft picks for AI, which is why he rejected Denver's offer. Who other than Boston has the interest and a bunch of young players to offer in return? Paxson hung up the phone half way the first time he was asked. Memphis could offer Hakim Warrick or possibly Rudy Gay with Eddie Jones' expiring deal. The only contracts Denver can match with Iverson Philly has already rejected.
When I posted on this a couple weeks ago I wrote that it made not sense for the Celtics to make this trade in July. In September King will be feeling far more pressure to make a deal happen, and AI is more likely to be pissed and aggitating to get out of dodge. There is no reason to make this trade for more than 40 cents on the dollar. King is a bad GM and has made a serious of bad, seemingly panic trades. Hold out for another one here.
One of: Ratliff, Szczerbiak
One or two of: West, Green, Rondo, 07 #1 pick
If only one of the former, at most one of: Gomes, Jefferson, Perkins
A deal like this would be highway robbery. But Iverson is a high-risk, 31 year old small guard whose trade value will only dimish with time and who at best gets you into the second round of the playoffs. If Philly won't take pennies on the dollar you walk away happy.
No comments:
Post a Comment