Time To Trade: Pacific Division
HOOPSWORLD wraps up its "Time to Trade" series with a look at the Pacific Division. With the Los Angeles Lakers (30-11) enjoying a comfortable 13-game lead over their nearest competitor (Phoenix Suns, 17-21) in the Division, one would surmise that the looming February 24th trade deadline weighs heavily on the minds of the other four teams.
Keep these items in mind when digesting the information herein:
-In general, players projected to be an integral part of a team’s future have not been included as potential trade assets
-Free agent cap holds and exceptions count toward the salary cap, but are not taxed unless utilized
Golden State Warriors - (16-23)
After a disappointing 2-16 run from mid-November to mid-December, the Warriors are showing positive signs having won seven of the past 12 games. With 13 of their next 15 games being played at home and a healthy roster, many believe the team can climb above .500.
The backcourt duo of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry has been offensively successful: Ellis is league-ranked second in total field goals (372), third in points per game (25.7) and third in steals (2.3) and Curry has 18.3 ppg/5.9 apg. Dorell Wright (16.6 ppg) has been a surprise contributor, connecting on more three-pointers than anyone else in the league (105).
Offense isn’t the problem (102.4 ppg/ninth in the league). Allowing opponents to score an average 106.3 points per game, league-worst rankings in defensive rebounding percentage and opponent free throws per field goal attempt, not to mention a general lack of aggressiveness, are the most pressing issues.
Rumors have swirled lately around the team; names such as Yao Ming, Tayshaun Prince and Zach Randolph have popped up. The Warriors are well-positioned to make noise to shore up defense with their favorable cap space situation. General manager Larry Riley recently shared with HOOPSWORLD that his team is "one really good player away from being able to compete for the playoffs." A good offensive post player would be a great place to start.
Notable Trade Chips: Brandan Wright (1 year/3.4 million, w/$4.6 million QO in 2011-12), Andris Biedrins (4 years/$36 million), Dan Gadzuric (1 year/$7.2 million), Vladimir Radmanovic (1 year/$6.9 million) and two 2011 second-round draft picks.
Salary Cap Situation: $12,931,097 over the salary cap and $3,386,292 under the luxury tax.
Trade Exceptions: $5,880,000
Los Angeles Clippers – (13-25)
While the Clippers record has failed to inspire thus far, they have won eight of their last twelve games, including a recent victory over the Miami HEAT. That improbable win put the brakes on Miami’s nine-game winning streak.
The story of the Clippers season is Blake Griffin; we knew he was good, but this good? The rookie is averaging 22.0 ppg and 12.7 rpg, plus he adds 3.4 assists and a nice .520 field goal percentage. His dismal free throw shooting (.602) can almost be forgiven. Leading team scorer Eric Gordon has seen a sharp increase in scoring (23.7 ppg) over last season (16.9 ppg). Disappointingly, injury has limited 28-year-old center Chris Kaman to just ten games; however, it has allowed DeAndre Jordan to show what he can do.
Despite (or perhaps, in spite of) some drama between Baron Davis and owner Donald Sterling, Davis has shown some terrific basketball playing of late. Over the past five games, he’s posted 16.6 ppg/7.4 apg vs. 10.5 ppg/6.8 apg over the 24 games he’s played this season. The consensus thought has centered on the Clips replacing Davis; have opinions changed with the energized play and serious bonding between the players?
Notable Trade Chips: Baron Davis (3 yrs/$26.9 million, w/$14.7 million Early Termination Option in 2012-13), Chris Kaman (2 years/$23.5 million), Rasual Butler (1 year/$2.4 million), Craig Smith (1 year/$2.3 million), one 2011 first-round draft pick and one 2011 second-round draft pick.
Salary Cap Situation: $4,197,193 under the salary cap and $16,460,193 under the luxury tax.
Trade Exceptions: None.
Los Angeles Lakers - (30-11)
While many were busy pushing the panic button after losses to Memphis, San Antonio, Miami and Milwaukee, the Lakers pressed on and have now won seven games in a row. Keep in mind that of the 41 games played so far, only nine of the teams had winning records.
Andrew Bynum finally began his season on Dec. 14th; after a rocky start, he has averaged 12.9 ppg and 7.1 rpg over the past seven games. These numbers fall below last years’ stats (15.0 ppg/8.3 rpg), yet he’s averaging exactly seven minutes less playing time. Kobe Bryant is league-ranked fifth in scoring (25.3) amid a recent disclosure that his surgically-repaired right knee is nearly bone-on-bone. And he hasn’t missed a game yet. Pau Gasol continues his path of greatness, posting 18.5 ppg and 10.9 rpg; while coach Phil Jackson continues his path of brutal honesty, calling the Lakers a "B-team" right now. Whether starting or coming off the bench (the latter being the case in the last ten games) Lamar Odom remains playing at a consistently high level (15.5 ppg/9.7 rpg/3.0 apg). And Shannon Brown is putting up some of the best numbers of his career.
{AUTHOR_BOX}Consistency is not what Derek Fisher, Ron Artest and Steve Blake have shown this season. Matt Barnes is out for the next two months after knee surgery.
Trade Chips: Shannon Brown (2 years/$4.5 million), Matt Barnes (2 years/$3.7 million), Luke Walton (3 years/$16.7 million), Ron Artest (3 years/$20.4 million w/$7.7 million Early Termination Option in 2013-14), Theo Ratliff (1 year/$1.4 million), Joe Smith (1 year/1.4 million) and three 2011 second-round draft picks.
Salary Cap Situation: $44,224,090 over the salary cap and $20,074,756 over the luxury tax.
Trade Exceptions: $5,475,113
Phoenix Suns – (17-21)
The Suns have struggled mightily in the post-Amar’e Stoudemire era and thankfully ended the 25-game Hedo Turkoglu experiment.
In a rather surprising twist last month, the Suns traded then-leading scorer Jason Richardson (19.3 ppg), Turkoglu and Earl Clark to the Orlando Magic and received Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat and Mickael Pietrus in return. Clearly the team needs time to mesh; perhaps winning three of the last four games will mark a turning point. Carter has jumped to leading scorer status (17.8 ppg) in nine games, and his leadership on the floor is a welcomed sight, but how long will he stay?
The Suns give up more points (109.0) than any other team in the league, but they average 106.2 points per game (third in league). They are second in field goal percentage (.473) and fifth in three-pointers (326), but rank 29th in total rebounds, 28th in blocks, 27th in steals and 27th in opponent effective field goal percentage (.511).
Fortunately, Steve Nash is still Steve Nash, showing no signs of slowing as he faces his 37th birthday next month. He’s averaging 17.2 ppg and 10.8 apg (ranked second in the league) with a free throw percentage of .908. Those pesky Nash trade rumors won’t go away though, even with his recent "I signed up for this" proclamation, in addition to the front office saying he’s not going anywhere.
Last summer’s Josh Childress acquisition has not met expectations, but no takers have been secured yet.
Trade Chips: Josh Childress (4 years/$25.8 million w/$7.6 million Player Option in 2014-15), Vince Carter (1 year/$17.5 million w/$18.9 million non-guaranteed in 2011-12 however, it’s only guaranteed for $4 million if waived by June 30, 2011), Goran Dragic (2 years/$4.1 million), Mickael Pietrus (2 yrs/$11.9 million), Robin Lopez (2 years/$4.7 million w/$4 million QO in 2012-13) and a 2011 first-round draft pick.
Salary Cap Situation: $11,465,724 over the salary cap and $4,357,157 under the luxury tax.
Trade Exceptions: $9,715,371
Sacramento Kings - (9-28)
The Kings have the worst record in the Western Conference, and things aren’t looking good with a 4-13 record over the past 17 games. The reigning Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, has struggled with injuries, missing five games this season. His scoring has dropped to 16.9 ppg (leading the team) vs. 20.1 ppg last season; Evans has also posted decreases in assists, rebounds, free throw percentage and field goal percentage (a dismal .389 versus .458 last season).
With defensive upgrading in mind, the Kings acquired Samuel Dalembert in the offseason and 2010 overall fifth draft pick DeMarcus Cousins.
Coach Paul Westphal is now dealing with whispers of possible termination. Rumors of locker room discord and the team’s unstable arena situation aren’t helping matters. The Kings are fielding calls on Omri Casspi, and such trade would likely have Francisco Garcia’s long-term contract attached. Carl Landry is, by far, the most likely to be moved by the deadline.
Trade Chips: Carl Landry (1 year/$3 million), Samuel Dalembert (1 year/$13.4 million), Omri Casspi (3 years/$4.9 million w/$3.3 million QO in 2013-14), Jason Thompson (2 years/$5.2 million w/$4.1 million QO in 2012-13), Francisco Garcia (4 years/$23.8 million), Donte’ Green (2 years/$3.1 million w/$3 million QO in 2012-13) and a 2011 second-round draft pick.
Salary Cap Situation: $13,455,452 under the salary cap and $25,718,452 under the luxury tax.
Trade Exceptions: None.
Expect movement in the Pacific division in the coming weeks. There are a huge amount of options available for the four below .500 teams. Now that we are around the halfway mark of the 2010-11 NBA season, teams are looking for deals.
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