Expiring Contracts in Demand This Trade Season
While trading season seems to be heading towards full swing, it's become clear that teams aren't just looking for players to improve their organizations this year, but also for cap space to help lure in free agents in coming years. The following are some of the more notable expiring contracts that could be moved before this year's deadline:
Drew Gooden, Chicago Bulls, $7.1 million – It's no secret the Bulls need to make a move, and Gooden's expiring deal may be necessary to help sweeten up offers. Chicago seems like they'd rather keep him, but if they want to get something big done they may have to part with him.
Wally Szczerbiak, $13 million & Eric Snow, $7.31 million, Cleveland Cavaliers – While Wally Z is the big name being discussed in a possible Cavs trade, Snow has some value as well. But why mess with a team who's only lost five games?
Allen Iverson, $21.94 million & Rasheed Wallace, $13.68 million, Detroit Pistons – It is absolutely possible that A.I. could be moved again before the deadline, but an even easier contract to move would be 'Sheed's. But could the Pistons stomach it?
Rasho Nesterovic, Indiana Pacers, $8.4 million – The Pacers may never be rid of Jamaal Tinsley, but would a team have a little more interest if there were some cap relief involved? It's not like Rasho is a huge piece in Indy, so why not cash him out?
Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers, $11.4 million – Some days the Lakers look like the best team in the NBA, and others it looks like they could use a move. If they do make one, you can rest assured that Odom will be involved in it.
Shawn Marion, Miami HEAT, $17.18 million – Marion is one of those double-whammies where if you keep him you've got a great player, but if he doesn't work out you can let him walk. Of course, that's more a reason for Miami to keep him than trade him.
Andre Miller, Philadelphia 76ers, $10 million – Miller was talked about a lot earlier this season but buzz on him seems to have died down quite a bit. It's not that there aren't teams that could use a point guard, just that interest seems to have waned. Or, Philly has just stopped fielding calls on him. That doesn't mean both those things couldn't change in the next month.
Raef LaFrentz, Portland Trail Blazers, $12.72 – Along with Szczerbiak in Cleveland, LaFrentz is the grand prize in this year's expiring contract sweepstakes. You wouldn't think Portland would need a splashy move, but injuries may dictate otherwise at some point.
Celtics Seem to Have Many FA Options
Despite the fact that Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo showed serious interest in playing for the Celtics, he said Danny Ainge never tendered him an offer. That doesn't mean Boston isn't looking at free agent options to shore up their bench.
Stephon Marbury rumors aside, there are some other guys the C's seem to be sniffing at. Despite the fact that P.J. Brown has said he's retired for good, some sources have indicated they'd still be interested in bringing him back if he changed his mind. They could also look into Alonzo Mourning and see what he's up to, or they could wait to see if Joe Smith got bought out in Oklahoma City. He'd be exactly the sort of veteran piece the Celtics would love to add.
One thing's for certain though—Boston is looking to add a piece. We'll have a better sense of who that piece is in the coming weeks.
Knicks and Grizzlies Ready to Add Long-Lost Pieces
Darius Miles has officially served his time and is now eligible to play his first game in the NBA as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. He had a suspension to serve, but has been playing very well with the team's second unit during practices and seems ready to go. He could debut as early as tonight.
Steve Francis is also reportedly on his way to Memphis (finally) and should join the team shortly.
In New York, Eddy Curry seems poised to play his first game this season, creating a torrent of questions as to how he'll work out in Mike D'Antoni's offensive system considering the center has checked in at over 300 pounds. The Knicks could use a boost, so hopefully Curry's it.
