I think we should trade with Seattle.

[dvdbumpus]

Apparantly Nick Collison, Earl Watson, and Luke Ridnour are on the trade block, as they are trading away players for the future.

I would really like to have Nick Collison and Earl Watson. That would solve two of our problems - a big that can start and score in the post as well as a backup PG that can defend.

Collison did well last year when given the oppertunity(when Ray Allen went down with injury), averaging 15 points and 11 boards for the month of January (to go along with a block and only 1 TO average). He's also athletic and can run the floor, so I think he would excel with us.

With Seattle rebuilding, what do you think it would take to get 1 or 2 of the players mentioned? I could/would offer picks, Hollins, as well as expiring contracts (since they just did the same with Kurt Thomas) like Othella, etc. I'd consider Dudley as well.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...27_soni21.html

[twebb]

I think that we should hold on to dudley at least for a year. These guys would be great backups, especially ridnour at the point, but you never know about an unproven rook.

[dvdbumpus]

I think that we should hold on to dudley at least for a year. These guys would be great backups, especially ridnour at the point, but you never know about an unproven rook.

agreed about the rook, and I would like to hold onto him if possible. But to get a consistant double double threat that can run the floor, I'd strongly consider it.

[123together]

i would think collison would be a great addition to the team. i would take ridnour over watson tho cuz ridnour runs a better uptempo style offense. at oregon, he was the reason they were top 5 in the nation in scoring before him and luke jackson left for the league. with vincent going uptempo, i'd like ridnour as a backup ( he is horrible on D tho)

[tamburello]

I like Ridnour as a PG and take him over Watson any day. But I don't think he'll settle for back-up PG role. He's still 26 and I'm sure he wants to run a team on floor. That would cause a problem, just like Sonics faced last season between Watson and Ridnour.

But I don't think picks would work to set up a deal. Because Seattle has 5 first round picks in the next 3 years. They shouldn't be wanting more picks.

[Geraldmutumbo]

Honestly I do not really want to pursue anyone as high profile as Earl Watson as our back up. I would rather just sign a solid vet who can come in and hold us down for a year or two and search for a long term solution with our next draft pick.

[dvdbumpus]

ok, How about Nick Collison and Delonte West then? I'd like grabbing those two players. I can also pretty much assure that West doesn't have any misconceptions about thinking he's starter material. Now, what would that take?

Now, I hate to bring up Adam as he's always in talks, but I know he's probably one of the best bargaining chips to offer, being his home state and all. He could even compete with Jeff Green for starting SF spot. I'd love to keep him, but if we can get a solid backup PG and a double double machine starting PF that is young, athletic, and a good team guy, I'd strongly look into it.

After looking into it, I'd say that Seattle would probably try to pawn off Watson because of his salary(3 years 18.6 million which is nearly the same for Ridnour), and West's salary is 1.9 million. Let's hope they accept trading West...and here's how it might go.

Seattle gives:
West
Collison
2008 or 2010 Phoenix 1st round pick

Salaries = 7.65 million next year

Charlotte Gives:
Adam or Dudley (by far prefer swapping Dudley)
Othella or Primoz
Hollins or pick to be used for another trade

Salaries = 6-7 million; with all contracts being team options(adam), draft picks(not counting against cap), Othella or Primoz(expiring), Hollins(cheap and part of revamping), or draft picks(trade package piece).

Seattle is acting just like the 76ers, who want to dump salary and start the team over, while cutting salary to make a splash for someone else later. This year they are currently @ roughly 63 million, so the contracts will be helpful for cutting salary or as useful trade bait if they're competitive.


In turn, we get the 2 pieces we are looking for: a big man that can contribute and be reliable, as well as a backup point that can run the show for extended periods if needed. The contracts we'd pick up are all reasonable.
Please, provide feedback and let me know what you think we should do!

[dnbman]

I don't know if they'd trade West. He's a great all around player who will give them a lot of defensive tenacity in the backcourt.

Watson and Ridnour are both very high priced for backups.

Collison would be a great addition, but I don't see them trading a young PF for a question mark in Morrison and some journeyman. I'm not so sure Seattle has given up on Collison either.

You always put feelers out for trades, but I agree with Gerald: let's get a cheap pg for now and maybe draft a better backup later.

[dvdbumpus]

Who's probable to be in the NBA draft for the 2008 season as either a C or a PF that would fit our supposed style of play?

[dnbman]

Who's probable to be in the NBA draft for the 2008 season as either a C or a PF that would fit our supposed style of play?

I just glanced at http://www.nbadraft.net/ for mid rounders next year. They have Devon Hardin at 21. Check out his evaluation from a couple of years ago and look at his stats:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player...playerId=22477

Maybe DJ White out of Indiana:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player...playerId=22340

and the All-Name selection: Longar Longar

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player...playerId=22159

I'm not enough of a college fan to be able to say. But these three put up pretty good numbers and one of them might be available. We won't start to get a good picture of the draft until February though.

The good news is that next year's draft is looking heavy on pgs and bigs.


edit:

another one to watch:

Taj Gibson

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player...playerId=31775