Support NeoGAF

[DMczaf]

matrix nothing will top DM dropping 30+ on me in inside drive 2004 with a guy named ryan bowen.

he's the one in blue. i couldn't stop him

Ryan Bowen!!!

He has his own wallpaper too!

Real picture of Bowen after his 30 pt bomb on FMT!

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

Denver trades: SF Ryan Bowen (0.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.4 apg in 7.5 minutes)
Denver receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 65 games)
C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 67 games)
Change in team outlook: +44.5 ppg, +15.3 rpg, and +7.6 apg.

TRADE DECLINED --------- override, lakers reconsider

Due to Denver being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Denver had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did not happen here. This trade does not satisfy the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.... but it does satisfy the lakers quest for another championship. The Age of Bowen is upon us.

 

[Fifty]

"I believe this news"

 

[DMczaf]

Denver trades: SF Ryan Bowen (0.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.4 apg in 7.5 minutes)
Denver receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 65 games)
C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 67 games)
Change in team outlook: +44.5 ppg, +15.3 rpg, and +7.6 apg.

TRADE DECLINED --------- override, lakers reconsider

Due to Denver being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Denver had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did not happen here. This trade does not satisfy the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.... but it does satisfy the lakers quest for another championship. The Age of Bowen is upon us.

LOL!!!

 

[Fifty]

L.A. Lakers trades: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
L.A. Lakers receives: SG Grant Hill (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: -23.9 ppg, -5.5 rpg, and -5.1 apg.

Orlando trades: SG Grant Hill (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
Orlando receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 65 games)
Change in team outlook: +23.9 ppg, +5.5 rpg, and +5.1 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

 

[Matrix]

"I believe this news"

"Me too"

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

that looks like a fat T.O.

 

[Matrix]

"Do you miss this Fmt? I know you do"

 

[Miguel]

WTF! 9AM! YOU HAVE 3:45 to sleep!

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

:lol

 

[Matrix]

WTF! 9AM! YOU HAVE 3:45 to sleep!

Yea I know,I think I'll be half out of it when the dentist goes to work

 

[DMczaf]

Houston trades: PG Steve Francis (16.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
Houston receives: SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)

Minutes later...

Minnesota trades: PF Mark Madsen (3.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.4 apg in 17.3 minutes)
C Michael Olowokandi (6.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 0.6 apg in 21.5 minutes)
C Oliver Miller (2.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.8 apg in 10.5 minutes)
Minnesota receives: C Yao Ming (17.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 apg in 32.8 minutes)

TRADE ACCEPTED

.

 

[Miguel]

Houston trades: PG Steve Francis (16.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
Houston receives: SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)

Minutes later...

Minnesota trades: PF Mark Madsen (3.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.4 apg in 17.3 minutes)
C Michael Olowokandi (6.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 0.6 apg in 21.5 minutes)
C Oliver Miller (2.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.8 apg in 10.5 minutes)
Minnesota receives: C Yao Ming (17.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 apg in 32.8 minutes)

TRADE ACCEPTED

.

Holy crap...don't even!

 

[Matrix]

Hmmm might have to rethink the whole Tmac thing.That lazy eye in a Rockets uni might give me nightmares.

 

[Miguel]

Hmmm might have to rethink the whole Tmac thing.That lazy eye in a Rockets uni might give me nightmares.

FOO! NEVER FORGET!

 

[DMczaf]

Update!

Houston trades: C Kelvin Cato (6.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.0 apg in 25.3 minutes)
SG Cuttino Mobley (15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
Houston receives: SG Grant Hill (15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)

TRADE ACCEPTED

T-Mac - "Help me..."

 

[Matrix]

FOO! NEVER FORGET!

hehe Sleepy zzzzzzzzzz

 

[Shinobi]

L.A. Lakers trades: C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 36.8 minutes)

L.A. Lakers receives: C Greg Ostertag (6.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.6 apg in 27.6 minutes)
SG Gordan Giricek (11.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.7 apg in 28.0 minutes)
SF Matt Harpring (16.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 36.6 minutes)
C Mikki Moore (4.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.6 apg in 12.4 minutes)
PG Mo Williams (5.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.3 apg in 13.6 minutes)
PG Raul Lopez (7.0 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.7 apg in 19.7 minutes)
PF Michael Ruffin (2.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.0 apg in 17.9 minutes)
PG Carlos Arroyo (12.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5.0 apg in 28.3 minutes)
SF Andrei Kirilenko (16.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.1 apg in 37.1 minutes)
SF Aleksandar Pavlovic (4.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.8 apg in 14.4 minutes)
C Curtis Borchardt (3.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.9 apg in 16.1 minutes)
SF Raja Bell (11.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 apg in 24.6 minutes)
PF Jarron Collins (6.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.0 apg in 21.4 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +85.8 ppg, +40.7 rpg, and +21.1 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

The Utah Shaq are going to dominate the midwest!

Man, some of these trade suggestions are funny as hell.

 

[Miguel]

Orlando trades:
SG Reece Gaines ( 1.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 9.6 minutes)
PG Tyronn Lue (10.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.2 apg in 30.7 minutes)
PF Juwan Howard (17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 35.5 minutes)
SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)

Orlando receives:
SG Cuttino Mobley (15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
C Kelvin Cato ( 6.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.0 apg in 25.3 minutes)
PG Steve Francis (16.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
6.9 Million Dollar Trade Exception (from the Rice for Amaechi deal last year)

Change in team outlook: -15.9 ppg, +1.7 rpg, and -2.2 apg.



Houston trades:
SG Cuttino Mobley (15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
C Kelvin Cato ( 6.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.0 apg in 25.3 minutes)
PG Steve Francis (16.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
6.9 Million Dollar Trade Exception (from the Rice for Amaechi deal last year)

Houston receives:
SG Reece Gaines ( 1.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 9.6 minutes)
PG Tyronn Lue (10.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.2 apg in 30.7 minutes)
PF Juwan Howard (17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 35.5 minutes)
SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)

Change team outlook: +15.9 ppg, -1.7 rpg, and +2.2 apg.

Trade Accepted (I don't see Houston using the Trade Exception anywhere else, so it'd probably have to be part of this deal.

Rockets look like this afterward

Yao
Taylor/Howard
Nachbar/Jackson/Padgett
TMac/Piatkowski/Gaines
Tyronn Lue/Mike Wilks

Ok fine, that one sucks.

 

[Matrix]

Houston trades:
SG Adrian Griffin (0.6 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.5 apg in 7.0 minutes)
SF Bostjan Nachbar (3.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.7 apg in 11.5 minutes)
SF Eric Piatkowski (4.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.5 apg in 14.3 minutes)
PF Maurice Taylor (11.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.4 apg in 27.8 minutes)
Houston receives: SF Vince Carter (22.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.8 apg in 38.1 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +3.2 ppg, -4.4 rpg, and +1.7 apg.

Thats hot.

 

[Fifty]

The Raps could use Mo off the bench...But I think we've got enough equipment men as is to need any other guys.

 

[Bowser]

Dallas trades:
PF Dirk Nowitzki (21.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.7 apg in 37.9 minutes)
PF Antoine Walker (14.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.5 apg in 34.6 minutes)

Dallas receives:
C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 36.8 minutes)

Change in team outlook: -14.3 ppg, -5.5 rpg, and -4.3 apg.

---------------------------------------------------------------
L.A. Lakers trades:
C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 36.8 minutes)

L.A. Lakers receives:
PF Dirk Nowitzki (21.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.7 apg in 77 games)
PF Antoine Walker (14.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.5 apg in 82 games)

Change in team outlook: +14.3 ppg, +5.5 rpg, and +4.3 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

Due to Dallas and L.A. Lakers being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Dallas and L.A. Lakers had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

From ESPN Insider

Option 4: That leaves us with the Mavericks. Reports out of Dallas claim owner Mark Cuban would give up anyone on his roster, with the exception of Dirk Nowitzki, for Shaq. That's bull. A source in Dallas told Insider over the weekend that the Mavericks absolutely would be willing to give up Nowitzki and Antoine Walker for Shaq.

Uh oh...

 

[Ninja Scooter]

i think i would take that deal (though it'd be sweet if we could get Dallas to throw in Howard). Even though 'Tione is a chump, his contract comes off the books after next season.

 

[Guzim]

What's the link to this fantasy trading site?

 

[AirBrian]

From ESPN Insider

Option 4: That leaves us with the Mavericks. Reports out of Dallas claim owner Mark Cuban would give up anyone on his roster, with the exception of Dirk Nowitzki, for Shaq. That's bull. A source in Dallas told Insider over the weekend that the Mavericks absolutely would be willing to give up Nowitzki and Antoine Walker for Shaq.

Uh oh...

Yeah, the Dallas Morning News reported that Cuban would in fact trade Dirk for Shaq provided the Mavs didn't have to give up Nash as well.

 

[Bowser]

What's the link to this fantasy trading site?

www.realgm.com

 

[Guzim]

www.realgm.com

Thank you

 

[Guzim]

SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)
SG Grant Hill (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)

What the hell??? THEY HAVE THE SAME STATS!

 

[Cloudy]

http://cache.gettyimages.com/comp/5...098270C351ADC856E82AC5A93BA7A621B2AC3A62513D3

New Lakers Prez of Basketball Operations sighted at Dodgers/Yankees game....

 

[Guzim]

Vanessa's pissed that she didn't get better seats.

 

[Chesapeake Silt]

Let's solve everybody's problems with one trade:

L.A. Lakers trades:

C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 36.8 minutes)

L.A. Lakers receives:

PF Juwan Howard (17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 35.5 minutes)
PF Drew Gooden (11.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 apg in 27.0 minutes)
SF Antawn Jamison (14.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.9 apg in 29.0 minutes)
SF Eduardo Najera (3.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 apg in 12.4 minutes)
SF Bostjan Nachbar (3.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.7 apg in 11.5 minutes)

Change in team outlook: +28.0 ppg, +12.6 rpg, and +2.2 apg.

Orlando trades:

SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)
PF Juwan Howard (17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 35.5 minutes)
PF Drew Gooden (11.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 apg in 27.0 minutes)

Orlando receives:

SF Tariq Abdul-Wahad (14.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.9 apg in 82 games)
PG Steve Francis (16.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.2 apg in 79 games)
SG Cuttino Mobley (15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg in 80 games)

Change in team outlook: -24.2 ppg, -9.5 rpg, and +0.8 apg.

Dallas trades:

SF Antawn Jamison (14.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.9 apg in 29.0 minutes)
SF Tariq Abdul-Wahad (14.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.9 apg in 29.0 minutes)
C Shawn Bradley (3.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.3 apg in 11.7 minutes)
SF Eduardo Najera (3.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 apg in 12.4 minutes)

Dallas receives:

C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 67 games)

Change in team outlook: +0.4 ppg, -0.1 rpg, and +1.3 apg.

Houston trades:

PG Steve Francis (16.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
SG Cuttino Mobley (15.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
SF Bostjan Nachbar (3.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.7 apg in 11.5 minutes)

Houston receives:

SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 67 games)
C Shawn Bradley (3.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.3 apg in 66 games)

Change in team outlook: -4.2 ppg, -3.0 rpg, and -4.3 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

This needs to happen just so we can have Bradley and Yao on the same team.

 

[Matrix]

Bradley could actually poke Yao's eye out during practice with one of his razor sharp elbows...good god that would be horrible.

 

[bionic77]

Basically you can't field a full team that has more then one other good player when you have Shaq on the roster. Dude needs to stay in LA and do some sort of salary cap magic so the Lakers can get a backup at center and a real point guard in god knows how many years.

 

[AirBrian]

Basically you can't field a full team that has more then one other good player when you have Shaq on the roster. Dude needs to stay in LA and do some sort of salary cap magic so the Lakers can get a backup at center and a real point guard in god knows how many years.

He'd be a pretty nice fit in Dallas. (I can't believe I'm saying that) Imagine Nash playing with Shaq though? He'd have 30+ assists a game.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

Houston trades: PG Steve Francis (16.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.2 apg in 40.4 minutes)
Houston receives: SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)

Minutes later...

Minnesota trades: PF Mark Madsen (3.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.4 apg in 17.3 minutes)
C Michael Olowokandi (6.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 0.6 apg in 21.5 minutes)
C Oliver Miller (2.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.8 apg in 10.5 minutes)
Minnesota receives: C Yao Ming (17.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 apg in 32.8 minutes)

TRADE ACCEPTED

.

2 days later...

"I demand a trade to the Rockets! The Toyota Center damn well better have some wheelchair access!"

 

[bionic77]

He'd be a pretty nice fit in Dallas. (I can't believe I'm saying that) Imagine Nash playing with Shaq though? He'd have 30+ assists a game.

Only if Shaq gets in shape, otherwise he is only effective for like 30 minutes a game. Lakers are in a bad situation, Shaq clearly isn't worth the 30 million right now, but no one can really give them what they need in return. Dallas has zero big men, though they do need a good poing guard and Nash would come through in that department, but the Lakers also need an army of big men too.

I really thought getting embarassed last year would have motivated Shaq to get in shape over the summer, it obviously hasn't. So either he is a unmotivated big man (i.e. Coleman) or his injuries have pushed him over the hill. Either way, I wouldn't take Shaq if I was a GM, he isn't worth 30 freakin million dollars.

 

[Matrix]

2 days later...

"I demand a trade to the Rockets! The Toyota Center damn well better have some wheelchair access!"

LOL

 

[AirBrian]

Only if Shaq gets in shape, otherwise he is only effective for like 30 minutes a game. Lakers are in a bad situation, Shaq clearly isn't worth the 30 million right now, but no one can really give them what they need in return. Dallas has zero big men, though they do need a good poing guard and Nash would come through in that department, but the Lakers also need an army of big men too.

I really thought getting embarassed last year would have motivated Shaq to get in shape over the summer, it obviously hasn't. So either he is a unmotivated big man (i.e. Coleman) or his injuries have pushed him over the hill. Either way, I wouldn't take Shaq if I was a GM, he isn't worth 30 freakin million dollars.

Shaq is definitely past his prime, but he still is the most dominant player in the game. Honestly, I wouldn't trade Dirk for Shaq, but Cuban is completely unpredictable and I wouldn't put it past him. Whether Shaq is just lazy now or injured, he still can bring a team a championship within 2 years if he's traded (provided the coach actually uses him @ Phil ). If LA accepted a Dallas trade with just the 'Twans (and maybe Bradley -- yeah, right) Dallas has enough scorers to allow Shaq to only play 25-30 minutes a game and still be a sick team. I don't see Buss doing a trade to Dallas without Dirk though.

 

[Guzim]

Chicago trades: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 32.1 minutes)
SF Eddie Robinson (6.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 20.1 minutes)
PF Jerome Williams (6.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 24.1 minutes)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 22.4 minutes)
SF Chris Jefferies (4.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.3 apg in 9.3 minutes)

Chicago receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
PG Gary Payton (14.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.5 apg in 34.5 minutes)
PF Karl Malone (13.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.9 apg in 32.7 minutes)
SF Jerry Stackhouse (13.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.0 apg in 29.8 minutes)
PF Kwame Brown (10.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.5 apg in 30.2 minutes)

Change in team outlook: +44.7 ppg, +2.9 rpg, and +15.1 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

Due to Chicago, L.A. Lakers, and Washington being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Chicago, L.A. Lakers, and Washington had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Oh God...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[DMczaf]

Today's new ESPN Insider reports

T-Mac to the Clippers?

Shaq leaving. Kobe staying. What, you ask, does T-Mac have to do with all of this? He reportedly has told friends his ultimate desire is to play with Shaq. That's not going to happen in L.A. T-Mac has looked to Dallas as a possible destination. Unless the Magic are willing to swallow an equally bad contract in return -- and they're not -- it just doesn't make sense. They'd want Nowitzki for T-Mac the same way the Lakers would for Shaq. It's one or the other.

McGrady may be controlling the process -- no team will trade for him without a guarantee he'll sign an extension -- but the Magic are partners too. They don't have to trade McGrady right now. T-Mac wants out and knows he has to work with the Magic to make it happen. Where will he land?

Option 1: The Rockets are rumored to be in the lead, offering a combo of Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato for McGrady and Juwan Howard. That sounds like a fantasy trade that every other owner would veto. We know John Weisbrod is a hockey guy, but even he should know this is a terrible deal for the Magic. If the Rockets pull this off, pencil them into the Western Conference Finals.

Option 2: The Pacers want to get something done but aren't giving up Ron Artest, Al Harrington, Jonathan Bender and Jamaal Tinsley for T-Mac. It's just too much. The deal would be Harrington and either Artest or Bender. That's as far as they're willing to go. The team doesn't really want to trade either Artest or Bender, and they certainly won't ship away both players -- even for T-Mac. Add Harrington and Bender to a front court with Emeka Okafor, and the Magic could be set for a long time. They'd have to seriously consider it.

Option 3: The Suns are willing to give up Shawn Marion, Casey Jacobsen and either the No. 7 or Joe Johnson for T-Mac. Marion is an all-star caliber small forward. With the No. 7 pick, the team could land a top-notch point guard like Devin Harris, Ben Gordon or Shaun Livingston. Jacobsen is serviceable at the two. Put that together with the No. 1 pick -- an Okafor/Gordon reunion, perhaps? -- and the Magic would be back in the playoffs almost immediately.

Option 4: The Clippers may have the best package to offer, but would T-Mac play there? One source close to McGrady told Insider he'd "consider it." Why? Because the huge media market would make his endorsement opportunities much more lucrative. The Clippers also would have a pretty strong starting group with Elton Brand, McGrady, Chris Kaman, a re-signed Quentin Richardson and Marko Jaric. The team would be willing to give up Corey Maggette, Chris Wilcox and the No. 2 to get McGrady. That's a slam dunk for the Magic, who could draft Okafor and either Dwight Howard or Shaun Livingston to make one of the best young teams in the NBA. If McGrady believes the Clippers will keep spending, it would be an opportunity he'd have to consider. It may be the only way the Clippers are willing to do the trade.

Which way will the Magic go? The Suns, Clippers and Pacers all look like they could make offers that might make Weisbrod pull the trigger. Some of it will come down to T-Mac's preference. He wants to play in Houston, but the Rockets' offer isn't close to those of the other three teams. At the end of the day, I see either the Suns or Clippers landing him.

Shaq to Big D?

Shaquille O'Neal's demand to be traded has less to do with Kobe than it does with his desire to tack an extra two years, $60 million onto his current contract, which has two years left. Sources told Insider that owner Jerry Buss doesn't even want to discuss such a large extension. That decision, not the end of the Phil Jackson tenure, prompted Shaq to demand a trade. Shaq knows his window to cash in one last time is closing. He's 32 now and will be 34 when his contract is up. Does anyone believe Shaq can get that type of extension two years from now? It's now or never, which is why Shaq wants to be traded to a team willing to cut the check.

Sources claim the Lakers don't really want to trade Shaq but are willing to move him if they can get a young superstar plus cap relief for next summer in return. Four teams look like they could be possible trading partners for the Lakers.

Option 1: The Pacers aren't parting with Jermaine O'Neal. A combo of Al Harrington and Ron Artest might make the Lakers notice, but having to swallow the contracts of Scot Pollard and Austin Croshere as part of the deal make it less desirable. But would Donnie Walsh & Co. really be willing to break up the team for Shaq? And would the owners be willing to commit the extra $60 million to keep the big fella happy?

Option 2: The Grizzlies could combine Pau Gasol, Bonzi Wells, Bo Outlaw and Lorenzen Wright to create a package that would work a bit better for the Lakers. Wells and Outlaw come off the books next season, freeing up significant cap room. But this is a potential straight-up Gasol-for-Shaq deal. Is that enough value to get back for Shaq? The Grizzlies probably would be willing to do the extension. Jerry West has been searching for a dominant big man since he got to Memphis, and we all know that he has a great relationship with Shaq.

Option 3: The Blazers also could put together a package of Theo Ratliff, Damon Stoudamire, Zach Randolph and the No. 13 pick in the draft for Shaq. Stoudamire comes off the books next year, Randolph was the Most Improved Player of the Year at the four, and Ratliff is still one of the best shot-blockers in the league. Paul Allen wouldn't hesitate to spend the cash for Shaq. But if the Blazers give up this much for Shaq, will they have enough players around him to win a title?

Option 4: That leaves us with the Mavericks. Reports out of Dallas claim owner Mark Cuban would give up anyone on his roster, with the exception of Dirk Nowitzki, for Shaq. However, a source in Dallas told Insider over the weekend that the Mavericks absolutely would be willing to give up Nowitzki and Antoine Walker for O'Neal. The Mavs aren't going to win a championship without a real presence in the middle. No one else they have can command a decent big man back in a trade. This is Cuban's best chance to win a championship. Nowitzki is a high price to pay, but it's worth it. The Mavs would field a team that still had Steve Nash (they'd re-sign him for sure, to play with Shaq), Michael Finley, Josh Howard and Antawn Jamison. Put Shaq in the middle, and it's the best team in the NBA -- more formidable, in my mind, than the team the Lakers fielded this year. Even if Shaq only plays well for two more seasons, a real shot at a championship is worth the risk.

Would the Lakers bite on any of those options? The trade with Dallas makes the most sense by far. The Lakers add a young versatile All-Star forward to work with Kobe. They clear Walker's $14.5 million salary off the books next summer. Given that Gary Payton, Rick Fox and Derek Fisher also will be gone in a year, the Lakers would be looking at $10 million-plus to use in the 2005 free agent market. The Lakers have had zero trouble recruiting free agents in the past. With a core of Kobe and Nowitzki, the Lakers can salvage their team and their image. All of the other options leave the Lakers struggling for credibility.

It's a deal made in Mark Cuban heaven. Don't be shocked if Cuban and Buss pull the trigger

 

[AirBrian]

Chicago trades: PF Antonio Davis (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg in 32.1 minutes)
SF Eddie Robinson (6.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 20.1 minutes)
PF Jerome Williams (6.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.1 apg in 24.1 minutes)
PF Tyson Chandler (6.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 0.7 apg in 22.4 minutes)
SF Chris Jefferies (4.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.3 apg in 9.3 minutes)

Chicago receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
PG Gary Payton (14.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.5 apg in 34.5 minutes)
PF Karl Malone (13.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.9 apg in 32.7 minutes)
SF Jerry Stackhouse (13.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.0 apg in 29.8 minutes)
PF Kwame Brown (10.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.5 apg in 30.2 minutes)

Change in team outlook: +44.7 ppg, +2.9 rpg, and +15.1 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

Due to Chicago, L.A. Lakers, and Washington being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Chicago, L.A. Lakers, and Washington had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!! Not even funny.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

i like that trade. Gives Kobe a nice 2nd fiddle in Dirk, and then we can give Antione the boot and use that extra cap space to sign a bigman in 05.

 

[Cloudy]

Tmac reportedly will be traded as early as today...

To Houston for Mobley, Francis, and Kato...

 

[Bowser]

I'd have to make Houston my secondary team if T-Mac is traded to them They already have Yao which gives 'em that East Coast Flava

 

[Matrix]

*BOING*

 

[Bowser]

From ESPN Insider Mock Draft

It now looks like a foregone conclusion that the Clippers are going to trade this pick. Whoever moves up will want Howard, so we're taking him out of the No. 4 doghouse. The front runner, according to several league sources, is the Bobcats. They're willing to offer the No. 4 and a future first (that they'll pick up in the expansion draft), and they also are willing to swallow a bad contract or two to make the Clippers' cap situation more desirable. The Hawks have been trying to get this pick as well, (offering the No. 6 and No. 17), but two things are working in the Bobcats' favor. One, they're willing to make a deal now, and they'll take either Okafor or Howard, whoever falls to them. The Hawks only want Howard. Two, the Clippers have some concern that the guy they want may not be around at No. 6. Grabbing the Bobcats' fourth pick is a safer proposition.

 

[bionic77]

Tmac reportedly will be traded as early as today...

To Houston for Mobley, Francis, and Kato...

Orlando wins on that trade, that is like Houston's entire team. Granted Stevie is a shitty PG, but point guards are just as hard to replace as big men in this league.

 

[Matrix]

Orlando wins on that trade, that is like Houston's entire team. Granted Stevie is a shitty PG, but point guards are just as hard to replace as big men in this league.

Fisher > Francis Shit Brent Barry over Francis at point,sign one of those guys and the Rockets are set.Tmac fills the Mobes void in a sec and from what I have heard the Rockets will get atleast one big guy in return..Cato sucks anyway and I wont miss his horrible shot and contract one bit.

from clutchcity board...
I was just listening to the Dan Patrick show on my XM Radio and they had the head coach of the Pacers, Rick Carlisle on as a guest and the subject of various trade talk across the league came up. Eventually the discussion went towards T-Mac and Patrick asked him if he wanted T-Mac, etc. Carlisle said that they had talked to the Magic, but from everything he has heard "Down in Houston they are putting together a blockbuster." Patrick then said, "Yeah, Francis and Cuttino Mobley," and Carlisle said something like "Well, yeah, but maybe more than that" (not an exact quote--but very similar) and he seemed to suggest that there could be more involved that we haven't heard about. The Rockets were the only team that Carlisle even mentioned in regards to Tracy McGrady.

 

[AirBrian]

Fisher > Francis Shit Brent Barry over Francis at point,sign one of those guys and the Rockets are set.Tmac fills the Mobes void in a sec and from what I have heard the Rockets will get atleast one big guy in return..Cato sucks anyway and I wont miss his horrible shot and contract one bit.

from clutchcity board...
I was just listening to the Dan Patrick show on my XM Radio and they had the head coach of the Pacers, Rick Carlisle on as a guest and the subject of various trade talk across the league came up. Eventually the discussion went towards T-Mac and Patrick asked him if he wanted T-Mac, etc. Carlisle said that they had talked to the Magic, but from everything he has heard "Down in Houston they are putting together a blockbuster." Patrick then said, "Yeah, Francis and Cuttino Mobley," and Carlisle said something like "Well, yeah, but maybe more than that" (not an exact quote--but very similar) and he seemed to suggest that there could be more involved that we haven't heard about. The Rockets were the only team that Carlisle even mentioned in regards to Tracy McGrady.

Sweet. This could be one of the best summers in blockbuster, superstar, free agency ever.

 

[All Hail C-Webb]

Sacramento trades: Peja Stojakovic ( ppg, rpg, apg in minutes)
SG Doug Christie (10.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.2 apg in 33.9 minutes)
C Vlade Divac (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.3 apg in 28.6 minutes)
Sacramento receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +31.9 ppg, +1.8 rpg, and +1.1 apg.

L.A. Lakers trades: C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 36.8 minutes)
SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
L.A. Lakers receives: Peja Stojakovic ( ppg, rpg, apg in games)
SG Doug Christie (10.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.2 apg in 82 games)
SG Michael Finley (18.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 72 games)
SF Antawn Jamison (14.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.9 apg in 82 games)
Change in team outlook: -1.9 ppg, -2.2 rpg, and 0.0 apg.

Orlando trades: SG Tracy McGrady (28.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg in 39.9 minutes)
Orlando receives: C Vlade Divac (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.3 apg in 81 games)
Change in team outlook: -18.1 ppg, -0.3 rpg, and -0.2 apg.

Dallas trades: SG Michael Finley (18.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 38.6 minutes)
SF Antawn Jamison (14.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.9 apg in 29.0 minutes)
Dallas receives: C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 67 games)
Change in team outlook: -11.9 ppg, +0.7 rpg, and -0.9 apg.

TRADE ACCEPTED

That's the Ultimate trade right there.
Divac for Mcgrady probably wouldn't work, but the Kings could (sign and) trade him to another team who needs a center, and end up with a decent package to trade to Orlando. Maybe throw in Bobby Jackson too. Why couldn't I be the Sacramento GM??

Starting Lineup
Mike Bibby
Tracy McGrady
Kobe Bryant
Chris Webber
Brad Miller

It would be like the Yankees of Basketball.