Trade Deadline Primer

[Oregon Ownage]

Taking a look around the league, I looked at potential players that could be moved (and make a difference) on selling teams before the trade deadline and where I think they could end up.

Mark Eaton - Raptors
Raptors are currently the worst team in DASL but it is close between 4 teams so them selling an asset whose contract is expiring and aged 28 would be a shrewd move. Eaton is a beast in the post defensively (3 BPG, 10 RPG) and that type of player can help any team looking to win a championship. While he has shortcomings on offense, teams looking to acquire him dont need his scoring.

Teams where he would make sense (realistically) are the Grizzlies, Suns, Heat

Rick Mahorn - Bucks
Lower quality player to Eaton but Mahorn would be good off the bench to provide a presence in the paint. Bucks are set on a full rebuild so retaining Mahorn doesnt make sense. Mahorn can fit on all playoff teams but salary will be prohibitive to some teams which limits their options. Not a sexy pickup but one that could help with depth.

Greg Ballard - Bulls
Ballard is under contract for another three seasons so an acquiring team would not see Ballard as a rental. 25 PPG scorers dont grow on trees so Ballards ability to score increases his value, plus he is a great rebounder for the 3 (9 RPG). His downside is his age (30) so teams that are sniffing around, are limited, as only teams that are missing one piece would look to acquire him.

I see him fitting in nicely with the 76ers, Knicks, Rockets, or Grizzlies.

Sidney Moncrief - Hawks
Once a highly touted prospect, Moncrief hasnt achieved the high marks he received on draft night but he has found a niche as a defensive specialist and steady hand as a backup PG. Teams looking at Moncrief are in need of defense so that fits everyone. His high salary will turn teams away close to the hardcap but as an option off the bench come the playoffs, he wont hurt your team in crunch time and you know what you will get.

Jamie Benshoof - Pacers
Pacers are in a tough spot as they are without their 1st rounder this year so on one hand they have no reason to tank but they are also need to acquire assets moving forward. As we approach the deadline, the Pacers have been running hot and pulling themselves out of the top of the lottery so they can do with dealing one piece. Benshoof is similar to Mahorn, where he can provide a presence off the bench for a contending team.

All playoff teams could do with a Benshoof as a bench option.

Lafayette Lever/Jim Brogan - Pistons
Will the Pistons go into the off-season with these two players contracts expiring? With holes at other positions, one of these players could get moved in a swap to help better round out their roster or a team looking to make a move strikes now before the off-season. PG's are hard to find so the Pistons are holding the chips so this will be interesting to watch this off-season.

James Edwards/Michael Brooks - Clippers
Edwards is more on the level of Eaton than Benshoof/Mahorn as he can be a reliable scorer (3/4 option) and provides some steel in the post. Contract is an issue as well as his age but with only one more year on his contract, that shouldnt be too much of an issue. I can see Edwards being traded to the Pistons or the Suns.

Brooks is more obtainable (27 y/o and an ok salary for next season) and can step into many teams tomorrow with his above average offense and turnover ability on defense. He would be a good pickup for the Magic

Phil Hubbard - Spurs
With James Worthy being the future of the franchise (pending potential FA), Hubbard is expendable. He has an interesting skill set for the position (great rebounder and decent defender) with some offensive skill. On an MLE, he will cost effective for all teams and will be a great pickup for a team looking to win.

Dan Roundfield/Oscar Schmidt/Vinnie Johnson/Foots Walker - Kings
Vinnie Johnson and Foots Walker are decent backup options at PG and provide nice depth for teams. They wont make a huge difference to teams but in case of injury, they can help mitigate a drop in performance.

Dan Roundfield is a do it all bigman (15 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.5 BPG) but looks like a rental for the postseason at this point. Kings are in a rebuild so holding onto Roundfield into the offseason doesnt make much sense. He looks like a good fit for the Knicks, Celtics or Suns

Oscar Schmidt looks to be the crown jewel of the deadline but with that comes a heavy price. As a number one option, Schmidt has flourished to the tune of 25 PPG and 9 RPG. He fits any type of offense and that has value for all teams (rebuilding and contenders). While I dont see him moving now (offseason is more likely), he is on the block so you never know.

Rich Kelley - Mavericks
Recently acquired from the Bullets, Kelley hasn't fully jelled with his new team but presents a nice bench option or starter for teams looking for rebounding help in the post. I can see him on many teams.

[offtheheezy]

Haha I've actually had conversations about both Eaton and Ballard!

[duckyoubeavers]

Eaton is available lets see some offers

[Boom]

Asking price for half these guys have been ridiculous.

[Cellar-door]

Seems like it's going to be a dead market. A lot of deals happened early, and a lot of the lower playoff teams (myself included) are more likely to move a star out than pay a haul to bring one in.

[Oregon Ownage]

Haha I've actually had conversations about both Eaton and Ballard!

I have this power to see where other teams can improve while not being able to see my own

[Boom]

Haha I've actually had conversations about both Eaton and Ballard!

I have this power to see where other teams can improve while not being able to see my own

Ballard would have been really nice for you.

[lukeyrid13]

Ballard isn’t as good as his stats. That’s a skeleton crew, no one else on the Bulls at all.

[Oregon Ownage]

More votes!

[Oregon Ownage]

Patrick Ewing

Shot Blocking
Jump Shot
Def Reb

[Oregon Ownage]

Patrick Ewing

Shot Blocking
Jump Shot
Def Reb

Def went to A-

Done