FanPost

Unconventional, season-justifying trade

The proposal: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ate748b

Analysis:

  • Denver is stuck in limbo. A team with tremendous talent but no focal point, the Nuggets get a superstar-level player in search of a system that George Karl is happy to provide. They make use of the trade exception created by dealing Nene, taking on additional salary but getting the veteran presence necessary to make the second-round of the playoffs.
  • Charlotte: Another team with no focus, the Bobcats would be well-served to solidify the inconsistent two-guard position around a six-time All-Star who, while overpaid, will give them a punchers chance instead of the abject hopelessness they feel when playing every other team besides the Wizards. A couple nice young throw-ins for their thin roster don't hurt.
  • Brooklyn has been a high-profile mess, but blowing up and starting over doesn't have to be all bad. Bringing in young guys who can actually help you now (especially in the back court) make this an appealing way to get under the luxury tax while making the team even more competitive in the short and long terms. If December hadn't been such a disaster, this deal never happens, but in the wake of hitting the reset button by firing Avery, gaining cap flexibility while making the team better on the court is a no-brainer.
  • Detroit is taking on considerable risk here (especially if it must contribute short- or long-term draft prospects to facilitate this trade), but there is a method. This trade remakes the Pistons roster toward ideals which, if as effective in practice as they appear to be on paper, will make this team the next up-and-coming contender in the East. The back court is now balanced with a versatile starting SG in Brooks to allow Stuckey to continue his effective play off the bench. Held in reserve is a young, 6' 6" PG who can eventually be at least a tremendous defensive stopper at the point. The much-maligned SF position now becomes a strength with an athletic, do-everything player in Wallace balanced by a similarly talented backup in Chandler. Thomas and Randolph have proven nothing in the Association, making them the perfect fliers to take - at the least, you have front court depth; at best, one young forward emerges as a true diamond in the rough. Taking on Thomas's salary is one of the critical pieces if there's any hope of making this deal worth it for Charlotte.

For the Pistons, at this point in their cycle, taking the risk on this much youth with this much upside is more than worth it.

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