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NBA BASKETBALL
NBA Trade Deadline Moves
<January 29, 2002>

The NBA trading deadline is fast approaching. All teams are talking but which ones can make a deal happen ? Some teams are looking for an extra player for the push to the playoffs, other teams are looking to next year and hoping to pick up some draft picks. There are teams trying to get cap-space while many teams have soon to be free agents that they won't be able to keep next year.

A trade deadline blockbuster can help turn a team around. Remember the gigantic trade several seasons ago, Dallas sent an entire starting 5 (Sam Cassell, Jim Jackson, George McCloud, Chris Gatling and Eric Montross) to New Jersey for Shawn Bradley. With more additions since then, both teams are now finals contenders. Miami also successfully rejuvenated their roster a few years back, adding Tim Hardaway, Chris Gatling and Walt Williams at the deadline.

Here is a look at each NBA team as they decide what to do in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, which is February 21.

Looking to Next Year

Golden State - Golden State will be receiving calls from many teams. They have a young player in Hughes who has great talent, but he will soon be a restricted free agent. After matching the Houston offer for Marc Jackson, the Warriors will hope to find a new home for him soon. Golden State need to land a steady point guard and to reduce the number of players they have.

Houston - Are they wishing they hadn't signed Maurice Taylor to that big contract extension? With Kenny Thomas and Eddie Griffin producing there will be a problem next year. Houston should look to move Taylor, Detroit could be a possible destination. Houston do have assets to trade. Kevin Willis and Walt Williams are experienced players who could help a playoff team. Their contracts end this year which gives Houston some options. They can trade them for a pick or a younger player or they can keep them around, and clear around $8million off the cap.

Denver - The Issel era is over. Denver need to start afresh. They should follow the example of Phoenix in the late 80s who within a year had turned over their entire roster, everyone except Hornacek. Denver should keep Posey and Avery Johnson, maybe Bowen too. Raef LaFrentz is their most valuable commodity, even more than McDyess. There are not many centers who block 3 shots and hit a three pointer every game. It will also be easier to trade LaFrentz now, because during the offseason he will get a big increase in salary making him a base-year player.

Memphis - They are young and talented and should look to next year with anticipation. They are rumoured to want Marc Jackson, but with Wright, Swift and Gasol there isn't a need. Although not the best motivation to perform, if Memphis improve too much they will give their lottery selection to the Detroit Pistons.

Atlanta - Injuries ruined this year but also gave them a chance to see what some of their other players could do. With the exposure Dion Glover has received, maybe Atlanta should see what they can get for him. Next year his position could get a bit crowded with Kukoc, Chris Crawford and Johnson. Point guard is probably their weakest spot. They should have a look at Minnesota's Williams Avery, they could send Bowdler in exchange.

Cleveland - They have Miller and Ilgauskas. But there is little difference between their 3rd best player and their 15th. Tyrone Hill isn't going to be part of the Cavs' future so a trade is possible. Person is playing very well so now is the time to move out his contract too.

Chicago - Do you think there might be some Western Conference teams who could see a use for Oakley and Brad Miller ? The Oak would relish a move to a contending team. Chicago would look for a pick and some ending contracts in return. Brad Miller has been the Bulls' most consistent performer but is always rumored to be going somewhere.

Miami - The interesting collection of early 90s lottery picks can't get it done. Jim Jackson, Kendall Gill and LaPhonso Ellis are not the answer for Miami. The decision should be centered around Mourning. What can Miami get in return for Zo ? Should Riley move Mourning to power forward, but who does he trade Grant for then. Maybe Riley needs to relieve himself of the managerial duties. His draft picks recently have been Tim James, Charles Smith and Martin Muursepp.

New York - It's over in New York. It is barely the new year and the playoffs are nearly out of reach. The coach left, so obviously it is the players that are the problem. Looking at their main players, the Knicks have 3 point guards, 3 shooting guards and 4 power forwards. Not the best combination. Camby, Sprewell, Thomas, Harrrington and Ward all have value. The Knicks need to look towards the future and acquire younger players and draft picks.

Playoff Contenders

Portland - When Portland were seemingly finals bound they had Sabonis and Brian Grant up front. Now they have Dudley and Kemp. Let the rebuilding begin. Rasheed Wallace could be one of the top 5 players in the league, but it won't happen in Portland. A Wallace trade could bring in a high draft pick and a very good player. Wells, Davis and Stoudamire could be moving too.

LA Clippers - They have a lot of swingmen. Will they keep them? The Clippers have to decide about keeping free agent Piatkowski, extending Odom's contract and what direction they will go with at the center spot. The Clippers will also be the recipient of the Hawks draft pick, from the Lorenzen Wright trade. The Clippers have plenty of options but keeping the team together will probably give them the best results.

Phoenix - The Suns are unlikely to change their team during the season. But if the right offer comes one of their starting guards could go. An inside offensive player is needed, but Marion is the only player they could offer to get an impact player back.

Seattle - Seattle keep going along with Payton, and are still getting the same results. But now they can add the name of Rashard Lewis to that of Vin Baker and Payton who are all players Seattle could trade. If Lewis is leaving as a free agent at season's end it would make sense for Seattle to explore deadline trades that so they can move Baker's contract and get something for Lewis.

Utah - It is unlikely that Malone and Stockton reach the finals but there is a much more remote chance of Malone being traded. It would help in the long run but teams are reluctant to trade their heroes. The center position is still a problem, it has been since Mark Eaton retired. Maybe a trade for Jahidi White could help.

Charlotte - Charlotte have plenty of big men and one of their reserves could go to land them another guard.

Detroit - Possibly their early season form was a mistake. They have gone from leading the conference to now fighting for the last playoff spot. While they would like to add Rasheed Wallace they don't have anything to offer. They might be able to land a first round draft pick for Corliss Williamson, his high percentage scoring this season has increased his value.

Indiana - The injury to Harrington may change the Pacers' plans for trading forward Austin Croshere. They are looking for a big center so O'Neal can play more power forward and Best or even Jalen Rose could be offered to acquire one.

Toronto - The problem Toronto have is the great play of Keon Clark, they probably can't afford to keep him. He will be a restricted free agent and expect a big pay rise. But the Raptors spent plenty of money on power forwards Antonio Davis and Jerome Williams. If an athletic swingman like Corey Maggette or a dependable point guard was available then Clark might be moved.

Philadelphia - The 76ers have changed so much from the team that lost in the finals that any more moves are unlikely. Their addition of defensive stopper Derrick McKey was a good move. With everyone finally healthy they are set for a good post-season run.

Orlando - So many of their moves have been for the future and organizing their salary cap. The Bo Outlaw trade is an example. But now their only long-term contracts are for Hill and McGrady so further trades for this reason won't happen.

Washington - The Wizards have cleared plenty of salaries and may be able to land a quality free agent if they can free some more. Although Richmond and Vaught were bought-out they still count against the cap. Courtney Alexander could be available. With Hamilton, Jordan and Davis his opportunities will be limited for the next few seasons.

Boston - The Celtics are not going to add any salaries as they have Pierce's extension starting next year. Although Kenny Anderson has played consistently so far this year the Celtics would trade him for ending contracts, especially now that they have added guard Erick Strickland.

Finals Bound

LA Lakers - The most likely reason for a Laker trade is to decrease their salary cap. Fox and Horry would be the players who could go. If there is a position the Lakers would look to fill it is reserve center. They have had good results with Walker, Medvedenko and Madsen but could use more offense there.

Sacramento - Sacramento have nearly everything they need. Possibly one more big, interior defender could help. The trade for Cleaves hasn't had an impact so maybe Cleaves gets traded again.

Minnesota - Minnesota are playing their best ever basketball and won't want to mess that up.

San Antonio - The Spurs could use another big body, but they would have to trade Parker or Daniels so it won't happen.

Dallas - The Mavericks are always ready to trade. Juwan Howard could be valuable to a team wanting to clear $20million after season 02/03. But Howard is also the main low post option for Dallas.

Milwaukee - The Bucks think they have the team to get to the finals. They have plenty of scoring, but compared to last year they have the defense of Mason. Przybilla has matured and is capable in the middle defensively too. This could make Greg Foster expendable, who could be shopped for a reserve point guard.

New Jersey - At the halfway point the Nets are the best in the East. The Nets are healthy and playing unselfish basketball. If they do make a move it could be for a backup at point guard.




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