Evening Scoop: Camby Deal Done

By: Travis Heath Last Updated: 7/15/08 9:38 PM ET | 818 times read

Adjust font size:

As first reported exclusively by HOOPSWORLD earlier in the day, the Denver Nuggets have agreed in principle to send Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers. The two teams will also exchange second round picks in 2010 as opposed to the Clippers simply sending a second round pick to the Nuggets as has been widely reported. As a result of the trade, the Nuggets also received a $10,000,000 trade exception, which can be used until one year from the completion of the deal.

The move was almost purely a cost-cutting move for the Nuggets. The team now has more financial flexibility moving forward and is in a position where the organization may not have to pay the luxury tax depending on how the rest of the summer shapes up.

The move will also likely ensure the team will have the ability to match an offer sheet extended to restricted free agent J.R. Smith. However, it strips the Nuggets of one of the league's best shot blockers just days after the team lost hustle man Eduardo Najera via free agency to New Jersey.

"Marcus was definitely a great player for us and is still a great player," George Karl told HOOPSWORLD on Tuesday evening in Las Vegas. "We're going to miss him a lot."

The Clippers end up getting something of value for virtually nothing, which is certainly a decent play. That said, Camby has a long history of injury and at 34 years old isn't getting any younger.

This is a move which will likely not be very well received in the Mile High City considering the Nuggets basically just gave away its starting center. It also raises questions as to whether or not the Nuggets might be more focused on cutting payroll and hoping for addition by subtraction next season. It will also likely fuel speculation that this is the first in a series of moves the team is preparing to make.

Check back to HOOPSWORLD in the coming hours for more thorough analysis of the deal.

Trade Winds Blowing in Sac-Town

HOOPSWORLD had the chance to chat with good friend Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee earlier in the day, and it's clear the Kings are looking to wheel and deal this offseason. Perhaps the biggest sign of this is what's going on with Kenny Thomas. Yes, the same Kenny Thomas who has been a virtual non-factor for the team since his arrival.

Why, you ask?

Simple, the Kings are insisting any team who wants Ron Artest take back the bloated contract of Thomas as well. For his part, Thomas basically already has his bags packed in anticipation of the move. He's also working extremely hard to make himself relevant again in a new setting.

The most likely destination mentioned for Artest according to league sources continues to be the Los Angeles Lakers. And if Thomas is ready to go, he could slide into the vacancy left by Ronny Turiaf if the Lakers opt not to match Golden State's offer sheet.

A trade to the Lakers isn't anywhere close to being a done deal yet, but it does appear both Artest and Thomas will be playing together in a city other than Sacramento next season.

In a related note, it appears Shareef Abdur-Rahim may retire this offseason as a result of persistent knee problems.

Rockets Set to Deal?

According to multiple sources a "minor deal" is imminent for the Houston Rockets. The question that remains is who exactly is leaving Houston and where are they headed?

Joey Dorsey has not signed with the team yet and was not in uniform today for summer league play in Las Vegas. There are rumblings that he could be involved in the deal. In addition, word is the trade could also include either Steve Novak or Luther Head.

No definitive word yet on who the Rockets may be wheeling and dealing with, only that a deal is likely on the way.

Stay tuned to HOOPSWORLD for the latest.

Also On HOOPSWORLD Today:

Do the best passers come from Queens? Lamar Odom, Rafer Alston, and Ron Artest weigh in.

Joakim Noah and Al Horford are making the University of Florida look good every time they step on the floor.

With the New York Knicks signing Jonathan Bender, Alex Raskin takes a look at some of the more intriguing reclamation projects and comebacks around basketball.

Noted NBA analyst and CBA expert Larry Coon laid out his "class syllabus" for his course here at HOOPSWORLD U.

HOOPSWORLD told Life As A Rookie stories for Boston's Lester Hudson, New Orleans' Marcus Thornton, and Toronto's DeMar DeRozan.

About the Author: TRAVIS HEATH
Travis Heath has covered the NBA for HOOPSWORLD for three years, powering HOOPSWORLD.COM. He is a member of the Professional Basketball Writer's Association and has been featured as an analyst on networks such as CNN, Altitude TV, NBA Radio on Sirius, ESPN Radio, and Fox Sports Radio.


Comments (7 posted)	Post your comment
Please be respectful of the writers in your comments or they will be removed
posted By DeeBee, 15 July 2008 9:43:03 PM Travis when can we expect Ron to be a Laker? shouldn't it be this week with Ronny's decision coming? posted By Travis Heath, 15 July 2008 9:54:40 PM No real timeframe has been established. It's not like the Lakers have to make the deal right after a decision is made on Turiaf. I expect the Kings to let this thing play out a little bit to see if they can get a few different teams into a bidding war of sorts. All that said, I have heard Artest's named linked to the Lakers from the last couple of games of The Finals until now. I've also been told both Phil and Kobe want him badly. The Lakers certainly aren't the only suitor, but I've been told they will make as strong a run at Ron-Ron as any team in the Associaion. Thanks for reading. posted By andrew, 15 July 2008 10:24:57 PM so is marcus camby going to take over kamans starting position, play pf, of come off the bench ? posted By Travis Heath, 15 July 2008 10:32:45 PM I see Marcus starting at the four next to Kaman. One thing about Marcus... he's not a low-post guy. He prefers to hover around the high-post on offense and then either slash to the basket or shoot the 15 foot jumper. In contrast, Kaman is more of a low-post player, so I actually think Camby will be a pretty good fit next to Kaman. The big thing is Marcus has to stay healthy, which he has the past couple of seasons. posted By csg1922, 15 July 2008 11:55:19 PM I really hope the rockets don't get another plaer above 30 years old. posted By edrock13, 16 July 2008 6:00:13 AM Any chance the Clips acquired Camby to use him as a trade chip for Marion? posted By Travis Heath, 16 July 2008 9:02:05 AM Doubtful, edrock13. I think the Clippers envision Camby playing alongside Kaman. Keep in mind, too, that Camby's base salary is just $8 million for next season and could rise to $10 million if he hits certain performance bonuses where as Marion's salary is a little over $17 million for next season. That means it would take much more than just Camby to get Marion. My guess is that Camby will be in LA next season.