NBA Rumors from ESPN Insider

[Guest Snappy Nappy Dugout]

Is Kidd headed to the Alamo?

 

Who: Jason Kidd, Nets

Interested: Nets, Spurs, Sonics

Feb. 10 - Jason Kidd looks like he's ready to bolt the Nets for the Spurs this summer. Sources told Insider that he's been buddying up with Tim Duncan all weekend and has hinted to several players, for the first time, that his decision will be between New Jersey and San Antonio.

 

Couple that news with the fact that the Spurs recently discontinued talks with the Hawks about Shareef Abdur-Rahim (his contract would've prevented the team from signing Kidd) and his comments to the media this weekend concerning the Spurs and Duncan and the writing may be on the wall.

 

While Kidd insists that he's happy in New Jersey, he says his decision will be based on which team will give him the best shot at winning an NBA Championship. "San Antonio happens to be one of the teams ... that I feel that I can help that team win a championship," Kidd told the media. "But we have to see come July 1. . .It would be hard to turn down playing with a big man like Tim Duncan. ... But I'm happy with the guys that we have in K-Mart [Kenyon Martin] and R.J. [Richard Jefferson] right now. But come July 1, I will see what the Alamo has to offer."

 

 

Who: Tyrone Hill, Cavs

Interested: Magic, Sonics, Lakers

Feb. 10 - Can Tyrone Hill help a contender? Plenty of teams think so, but Cavs GM Jim Paxson is having a tough time getting a deal done. Interest has waned since Paxson ordered coaches to bench Hill in favor of young players like Chris Mihm and Carlos Boozer. It also hasn't helped that word leaked out of Cleveland this week that the team will likely waive Hill if a trade can't be made before the Feb. 20th deadline. Considering that Paxson is looking for either young players or guys in the last year of their contracts in return -- chances are teams like the Magic and Sixers will wait him out and then try to recruit Hill on their own once he's waived.

 

 

Who: Andre Miller, Clippers

Interested: Just about everyone

Feb. 6 - Coach Alvin Gentry feels his players have given up on team basketball in order to pursue personal agendas to increase their value on the free-agent market this summer. "Well, I would say we have now," Gentry said. "Obviously, we've shown we can't win with this group [of starters]. The only thing left is to try the other guys."

 

Genty's wrath has known no limits, but the focus of his frustration has centered on Miller. After putting up all-star-caliber numbers in Cleveland last season, he has just been awful since the New Year. Miller's ineffectivness, combined with the strong play of rookie Marko Jaric and third-year guard Dooling, continues to fuel speculation that Miller could be gone by the Feb. 20 trade deadline.

 

Several teams, including the Jazz and Nuggets plan on making a run at Miller this summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. Will a capped out team like the Knicks, Wizards or Magic try to beat them to the punch?

 

 

Who: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Hawks

Interested: Spurs?, Sonics, Lakers, Bulls, Heat, Nuggets

Feb. 6 - Numerous GMs around the league now claim that everyone on the Hawks' roster is available. And they mean everyone. Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff, Jason Terry, Nazr Mohammed, rookie Dan Dickau and even the newly acquired Glenn Robinson all have been attached to at least one trade rumor this week. Last week the hot rumor had the Hawks talking to the Spurs about Abdur-Rahim for Steve Smith and Danny Ferry.

 

However, Spurs coach Gregg Popovitch said the team doesn't want to make any deal that would compromise the salary-cap space they have cleared to sign free agents this summer. "We're not giving it up," Popovich told the San Antonio Express News on Thursday. "We're not." Popovitch said the team is unwilling to take on his contract as long as they believe they have a shot at landing free agent Jason Kidd this summer.

 

Of course other teams, without as much cap room this summer may still be interested. The Lakers, who have roughly $11.3 million in salaries, could also make a deal. So could the Sonics, who could send a package of Kenny Anderson and Vladimir Radmanovic. The Sonics almost dealt Gary Payton for Abdur-Rahim two seasons ago. Could they get him for much less now? The Bulls have been searching for veteran help and have plenty of young players -- Jamal Crawford, Marcus Fizer -- to trade. If the Cavs really want to start winning now, a combination of Tyrone Hill and Darius Miles from the Cavaliers could jump start the process.

 

And don't forget the Heat and Nuggets. Abdur-Rahim is better than almost any free agent those teams could land this summer. The Heat have Alonzo Mourning's salary they could use to acquire Abdur-Rahim. The Nuggets have Juwan Howard's. If these teams were willing to take on another unwieldly contract (like Henderson's or Mohammed's) and throw in a prospect or a draft pick, would the Hawks do the deal?

 

 

Who: Brian Grant, Heat

Interested: Sixers

Feb. 6 - The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that in addition to Theo Ratliff and Latrell Sprewell, the Sixers have at least internally shown interest in Heat forward Brian Grant.

 

Coach Pat Riley is trying to find a new home for either Grant or Eddie Jones. The Heat need to move one of the two players to get far enough under the cap to make a run at a top tier free agent this summer. The Sixers could offer power forward Derrick Coleman, who's in the last year of his contract. That would allow the Heat to clear an additional $10 million in cap room next summer. If Riley can't make a move, the Heat are looking at only $4 to $5 million in cap space next summer.

 

 

Who: Austin Croshere, Pacers

Interested: Lakers, Warriors, Sonics, Sixers

Feb. 6 - The Pacers are working the phones trying to find a home for Croshere or Ron Mercer. They need to get at least one of those salaries off the books to have a realistic shot at signing Jermaine O'Neal, Reggie Miller and Brad Miller this summer. They'd prefer to move Croshere, who has struggled to get playing time because of the team's depth at forward. O'Neal, Artest, Al Harrington and Bender are eating up all of his minutes right now and the Pacers would love to clear that logjam. They'd also love to dump the five years and $38 million remaining on his contract. If the Pacers could move Croshere this fall, they'd clear an additional $7.6 million from the cap.

 

The Indianapolis Star, quoting an Eastern Conference GM, said the Pacers and Warriors have been talking about a Croshere-for-Danny Fortson swap. That's surprising, considering the Pacers have been trying to dump Croshere in return for a player with an expiring contract.

 

The Lakers appear to be the other team most interested. Ideally, the Lakers would love to add a young, athletic power forward and point guard to the roster. However, Mitch Kupchak and company are fond of Croshere. Croshere has his real breakout series against the Lakers in the 1999-2000 Finals. Since then he's gotten the rep as a "Laker Killer." The Lakers are remiss to give up Robert Horry, but they probably don't have to. While the Pacers would prefer to land Horry for their own playoff run, a combo of Walker, Murray and Mark Madsen would be enough to get a deal done. That gives the Pacers the cap relief they're looking for and adds another solid player to the Lakers rotation. The Sixers, Rockets and Sonics have also shown some interest in the forward.

 

 

Who: Theo Ratliff, Hawks

Interested: Sixers, Raptors, Magic

Feb. 6 - The Sixers are still trying to re-acquire Ratliff, but they may have run into a snag. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Sixers ownership would allow the team to acquire Ratliff and the remaining two years, $21 million on his contract only if another major contract (read Keith Van Horn's) was subtracted.

 

That makes things much, much tougher. According to the Daily News, the Sixers did have interest in swapping Van Horn for Knicks swingman Latrell Sprewell several weeks ago, but nothing ever came of it. The Knicks, who are in lockdown mode concerning taking on extra salaries, aren't in any position to swallow Van Horn's contract either.

 

That means the Sixers may play it safe and just let power forward Derrick Coleman's salary come off the books this summer. Doing so would put the team out of the luxury-tax threshold and give it a payroll of around $48 million, excluding draft picks, next season.

 

 

Who: Mike Miller, Magic

Interested: Grizzlies

Feb. 4 - Two league sources told Insider Monday that the Grizzlies appear to be resurrecting talks with the Magic about a Mike Miller-for-Stromile Swift swap. The two teams have talked about this deal several times over the course of the last eight months. However, the Magic have been reluctant to pull the trigger because of the uncertainty surrounding Grant Hill.

 

So why are the Magic listening again when Hill's future has never been more hazy? The Magic have been trying to pry away Gooden to no avail. However, the Grizzlies are now apparently willing to include international sharp shooter Gordan Giricek to make the Magic whole. While Giricek isn't as accomplished as Miller, he, along with Pat Garrity, should be able to handle the workload at small forward in Hill's absence. Swift would give the Magic the young, athletic low-post player they've coveted for a while. While he isn't the star-caliber player they hoped to land, Swift is probably the best young talent that's actually available.

 

The Grizzlies, who have a log jam at power forward with Gasol, Wright, Gooden and Swift, have coveted Miller for a while. To make the deal work financially, the Magic would have to throw in center Andrew DeClercq. That's great news for the Grizzlies. DeClercq has a team option on his contract for next season. If the Grizzlies aren't interested, they could clear over $3 million in cap space next summer by letting him go.

 

 

Who: Latrell Sprewell, Knicks

Interested: Lakers, Sixers

Feb. 3 - Just when you thought the Spree rumors were finally dead, the New York Daily News reported Monday that the Lakers have shown interest in adding Sprewell to the mix. The Lakers are looking for scoring and have a number of players with expiring contracts who they could offer to the Knicks in return.

 

This report comes on the heels of rumors earlier in the week that the Sixers had offered to swap Keith Van Horn for Spree. Given GM Scott Layden's "let's rebuild the state of Utah in Manhattan" rebuilding strategy, it's amazing they didn't grab Van Horn and immediately offer him a lifetime extension.

 

 

Who: Pau Gasol, Grizzlies

Interested: Everyone

Feb. 3 - A few more GMs commented to Insider this weekend that the Grizzlies are putting out word that they're willing to part with either Gasol or Drew Gooden. Whichever player brings the more lucrative bounty could be gone in the next couple of weeks, especially if a team is willing to agree to a package deal that rids the Grizzlies of the long-term contracts of Lorenzen Wright and Jason Williams. Jerry West is tired of being hamstrung by the salary cap and is apparently ready to pay a big, big price to get some flexibility this year or the next.

 

 

Who: Antonio Davis, Raptors

Interested: Blazers, Lakers?, Sixers?, Magic?

Feb. 3 - The Raptors, along with the Hawks, Magic and Heat, are among the most active teams as the trade deadline nears. GM Glen Grunwald already has made a pitch for the Blazers' Rasheed Wallace and the Hawks' Theo Ratliff. It's clear he is looking for a solid, young, athletic big man to take help share the scoring burden with Carter. His bait? Veteran big man Antonio Davis.

 

According to the Toronto Sun, the Raptors have been willing to listen to offers for Davis in recent weeks. While the team has not necessarily been shopping Davis, it has not waved away any phone calls and is pondering its options as far as Davis is concerned. A couple of obstacles stand in the Raptors' way. Davis is 34 years old, makes $12 million a year and has three more seasons on his contract.

 

 

Who: Marcus Fizer, Bulls

Interested: No one now

Feb. 3 - The Bulls learned this weekend that they've lost Fizer for the rest of the season. While GM Jerry Krause continues to deny that he's shopped Fizer at all, numerous GMs have told Insider over the past few weeks that the Bulls were still trying to work out a big package for another young stud that included Fizer and Jamal Crawford.

 

Several teams in need of low-post muscle and scoring, including the Sonics, T-Wolves, Raptors, Heat and Magic, were interested. But with Fizer out of the mix with a torn ACL, Krause's dreams of a big deadline deal seem to be fading quickly. After Saturday's news, Krause engaged in a little revisionist history. "We've got 15 players we like," Krause told the Chicago Tribune. "We weren't looking to trade Marcus. If we add somebody, we'd have to waive somebody and there's not a lot out there that I'd rather have."

 

Who: Elden Campbell, Hornets

Interested: Spurs, Knicks

Feb. 3 - Campbell is the latest player in the last year of his contract to hit the rumor mill. Campbell, who has struggled through injuries all season, lost his starting job to a younger and more athletic Jamaal Magloire. The Hornets aren't expected to re-sign him this summer and several teams have called about his availability.

 

Among the interested teams? The New York Daily News reports that the Hornets called the Sonics about a possible Kenny Anderson-for-Campbell swap but were turned away. Instead, the Sonics are trying to parlay Anderson into a young player or draft picks. Given the Sonics' desperate need for some low-post help, this is just more evidence that the front office is resigned to rebuilding the team. The Daily News also mentions the Spurs and Knicks as possible destinations for Campbell.

 

 

Who: Terrell Brandon, T-Wolves

Intersted: Heat?, Blazers?, Knicks?, Bucks?

Feb. 3 - According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, several teams are interested in trading for Brandon if there's an assurance that he's going to retire. If Brandon retires and is deemed physically unable to perform by an independent NBA doctor, his team could apply for and receive full salary-cap relief in February 2004 (two years from the date he was injured). That's not the immediate relief that most teams would like, but overall, it's not too shabby.

 

"If you're a [luxury] taxpayer, it could be significant savings, especially if you're a taxpayer paying $11 million over," Rob Babcock, the Wolves' vice president of player personnel, told the Pioneer Press "If you've got him, and that takes you below the tax bracket, you're saving $11 million-plus in taxes, plus you're saving the 80 percent in salary [which insurance is currently paying]. So next year, it could have an $18 million significance to your overall costs, and that's a lot of money."

 

Trading Brandon could be a godsend to the T-Wolves. The team has been stripped of most of its first-round draft picks and has struggled to lure top-tier free agents to Minnesota. Brandon, who makes $10.1 million this year, could bring back an impact player like Latrell Sprewell, Eddie Jones, Brian Grant, Damon Stoudamire or Tim Thomas in return. Vice President Kevin McHale said it would be difficult, but he did concede that trading Brandon is a possibility. "Ideally, you'd like to have him playing, or if he can't play, you'd like to be able to replace him with an equal player," McHale told the Pioneer Press. "No matter how you slice and dice it, I think everybody would agree that he was probably a top-10 player at his position. You'd like to be able to replace him with another top-10 player... whether it's a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. It's hard to do."

 

 

Who: Keith Van Horn, Sixers

Interested: Knicks, Magic

Jan. 30 - That didn't take long. Apparently, four months of Van Horn is all that Larry Brown can take. Van Horn is the latest Sixer to have his name churned through the rumor mill. Last week it was Eric Snow and Derrick Coleman. Now, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brown has several other moves up his sleeve. According to the Inquirer, the Sixers have talked to the Knicks about trading Van Horn for Latrell Sprewell and to Orlando about swapping Van Horn for the injured Grant Hill.

 

 

Who: Jason Terry, Hawks

Interested: Lakers, Heat?, Blazers?

Jan. 30 - The latest rumor, courtesy of the O.C. Register, has the Lakers talking to the Hawks about trading for Terry. Hawks GM Pete Babcock acknowledged Tuesday that he's still looking to make a deal before the trading deadline. On his shopping list? A true point guard and some defensive help. So where does that leave Jason Terry? "[Terry] has improved and is doing a good job," Babcock told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "We're a team that has committed a lot of turnovers, but those turnovers have come from our forwards, not our point guard. Jason has kept his turnovers at [3.2] a game."

 

While no one in Atlanta wants to trade Terry, he may be their only asset that can fetch an impact player in return. And for all of the praise, privately the team still does not believe he's the long-term answer at point guard. Unless they find a way to land a big, physical point guard that allows Terry to play at the two, he may have to go. The challenge will be in getting equal value in return. Right now, the word around the league is that Babcock is trying to package Terry with some dead weight -- someone like Alan Henderson, Nazr Mohammed or Theo Ratliff. If the Hawks aren't going to win, ownership wants them under the luxury-tax threshold. The Hawks likely would have to move about $4 million in salaries off the books to escape paying the tax this season.

 

 

Who: Rasheed Wallace, Blazers

Interested: Raptors, Police Officers

Jan. 29 - Raptors GM Glen Grunwald has been talking to the Blazers about a deal that would ship Rasheed Wallace off to Canada, the Toronto Star reported. According to the report, Grunwald's offer was shot down by Blazers GM Bob Whitsitt. If nothing else, it shows that Grunwald is prepared to take extreme measures to shake up the lowly Raptors.

 

The problem the Raptors face is convincing someone to take one of their big contracts off their hands. In many ways, that's why the Wallace deal makes some sense. The Raptors could package Antonio Davis and someone like Hakeem Olajuwon, and the Blazers wouldn't have a problem swallowing the contracts. Davis would give the Blazers a solid citizen and low-post presence. Wallace is the type of star the Raptors need to help alleviate some of the pressure off Vince Carter.

 

 

Who: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cavs

Interested: Knicks, Blazers, Jazz

Jan. 27 - Ilgauskas has teams licking their chops for one reason -- when he's healthy, he's one of the two or three best offensive centers in the league. The big question, though, is how much longer he can stay off crutches. After missing two full seasons with foot injuries, Ilgauskas made a miraculous comeback midway through last season. Is there a team out there willing to take the risk?

 

He has been phenomenal for the Cavs through the first half, which is partly why Cleveland wants to trade him -- his value has never been higher. Cavs GM Jim Paxson is also concerned that the heavy minutes he logged under John Lucas's tutelage will eventually catch up with him. Add three young centers -- DeSagana Diop, Chris Mihm and Michael Stewart -- to the mix and you can understand the Cavs' motivation. They need their young bigs to get more playing time and would love to be out from under the remaining two years and $28 million of Ilgauskas's contract.

 

So, who is rumored to be interested? The Knicks could put together a package of Charlie Ward, Travis Knight and Othella Harrington that would put them in the picture. Ward only has $2 million worth of salary protection on his contract next season, Knight has just one more year left on his deal, and Harrington's salary won't do any major cap damage. The move would allow the Cavs to clear about $5 million in additional cap room for next summer and $11 million of cap space for the summer of 2004.

 

The Jazz could also be interested, possibly shipping Greg Ostertag, John Amaechi, Jason Collins and a No. 1 draft pick. And the Blazers, always willing to wheel and deal, have looked at moving soon-to-be free agents Scottie Pippen and Antonio Daniels to Cleveland for Ilguaskas, Tyrone Hill and Michael Stewart.

 

 

Who: Drew Gooden, Grizzlies

Interested: Magic?

Jan. 27 - It's hard to believe Grizzlies GM Jerry West, who proclaimed that Gooden a legit candidate for Rookie of the Year, would pull the plug on his first draft pick so quickly. However, the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Gooden is on the block. The problem for the Griz right now is fit. Pau Gasol is their power forward of the future, and Gooden has struggled to adapt to playing small forward. His struggles have led to decreased playing time. Gooden's pouting over his role with the team hasn't helped things. Smith suggests that the Grizzlies may be willing to rekindle talks with the Magic. This summer, the Grizzlies were trying to get the Magic to agree to a Stromile Swift for Mike Miller swap. Will they up the ante to Gooden for Miller?

 

 

Who: Hidayet Turkoglu, Kings

Interested: Bulls?

Jan. 27 - According to the Chicago Tribune, the Kings are looking for a lottery-caliber draft pick in return for Turkoglu. Many in Sacramento thought Turkoglu was poised to send Doug Christie to the bench after a solid off-season playing for the Turkish national team, but lately Turkoglu has struggled to find minutes in a deep rotation that includes Keon Clark and second-year guard Gerald Wallace. Turkoglu becomes a restricted free agent after next season and according to Smith, the Kings have spread the word that he's available.

 

 

Who: Gary Payton, Sonics

Interested: Pacers, Blazers, Hawks, Bucks, T-Wolves, Warriors

Jan. 27 - The Sonics are reeling and team president Wally Walker acknowledged last week that the team is listening to trade offers, including ones for veteran Gary Payton. "To say that we're listening, that means that there are people out there that might have some interest in our players," GM Rick Sund told the Seattle Times. "I told our players this: No one is untouchable. No one, and that's true."

 

Coach Nate McMillan gave even more evidence on Sunday why Payton's antics no longer fit with the rebuilding program he's trying to put into place. McMillan feels that his young players, especially Rashard Lewis, need to be taking control in the deciding moments of games. Will he really get the opportunity with the ultra competitive Payton on the floor? "If you're going to be a go-to kind of guy, the kind of guy Gary has been for us for years, then you have to take those shots," McMillan said. "I want Rashard taking those shots. That's what he wanted and that's what we want. You learn from your defeats and he's no different. He'll be better the next game and the game after that because he's taking those big shots."

 

Payton is in the final year of a seven-year deal and becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season. Payton's agents made claims before the season about their unwillingness to re-sign with Seattle after overtures for a contract extension were denied. Even though team owner Howard Schultz has reiterated that he wants Payton to retire a Sonic, the writing on the wall is becoming clear in Seattle -- the Sonics aren't ready to compete right now for a championship. That means anyone not named Rashard Lewis and Desmond Mason is expendable.

[Guest Choken One]

Jason Kidd WILL Leave for San Antonio and it'll be the biggest DUO bust in years.

 

Seattle will blow it and lose Payton to Free agency and Payton will sign with Minnesota and be the final piece of the Wolves' Puzzle...

 

Sprewell isn't going anywhere...

[Guest the pinjockey]

If the Grizz trade Pau Gasol without getting a franchise player in return they should just fold the team.

 

Also if the Sixers trade anything for Grant Hill they deserve to lose. What the Sixers really need to do is trade Iverson. You can not put another talented scorer with him so this team will never get better.

[Guest bravesfan]

Who: Hidayet Turkoglu, Kings

Interested: Bulls?

Jan. 27 - According to the Chicago Tribune, the Kings are looking for a lottery-caliber draft pick in return for Turkoglu.

 

For Turkoglu?!?

 

 

 

Who: Rasheed Wallace, Blazers

Interested: Raptors, Police Officers

 

Cute.

[Guest Snappy Nappy Dugout]

Jason Kidd WILL Leave for San Antonio and it'll be the biggest DUO bust in years.

 

Seattle will blow it and lose Payton to Free agency and Payton will sign with Minnesota and be the final piece of the Wolves' Puzzle...

 

Sprewell isn't going anywhere...

Yeah, I just going the say the same thing. If Kidd goes to S.A., It will suck. And to me, It won't help S.A or Tim and the team doesn't need any help. And besides, I HATE DUNCAN!

 

And do see Keith getting out of Philly. The Pale Rider has to much talent to be on that team(And plus "Ballhog" A.I. shoots to much) and I could see him be a future leader. But sprewell is staying.

 

 

Austin is going to the Lakers next year. With Robert Horry gone(I've heard that he wants to go to the Rockets and retire there) they need a good Power Forward. So I see why not.

[Guest the pinjockey]

I dont see why the Spurs would pay the max for Jason Kidd when they have Tony Parker at a HUGE bargain for the rest of his deal and he has been averaging 20 a game recently as a freaking 20 year old. I would put that money towards a center that they will need next year so Duncan can stay at the 4 or get a small forward.

[Guest Snappy Nappy Dugout]

I dont see why the Spurs would pay the max for Jason Kidd when they have Tony Parker at a HUGE bargain for the rest of his deal and he has been averaging 20 a game recently as a freaking 20 year old. I would put that money towards a center that they will need next year so Duncan can stay at the 4 or get a small forward.

I Can see the spurs getting the Kandiman, since he wants out of L.A. Altough It won't help getting the spurs a championship, It's a start.

[Guest the pinjockey]

I think I read somewhere that the Spurs will have enough money in the off season to get Olowakandi and give someone else a max contract. That would be ideal to get Kandi and a max 2 or 3.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

The T'Wolves will have a difficult time signing Payton if he ends up a free agent. Unless Garnett signs a new deal that frees up money, and Brandon retires, they don't have alot to give Seattle if they have to trade.

 

If I'm the Spurs I'm hesitant to sign any of those players except Kidd. They already have Parker like someone mentioned, do they sign another PG.

[Guest bob_barron]

Man-

 

If Kidd leaves I'm gonna be PISSED. The Nets must do everything they can to keep him

[Guest bravesfan]

To reiterate what has been said -

 

Why would San Antonio want Kidd in the first place?

[Guest Human Fly]

Since they don't have draft picks if the T-Wolves can trade Brandon for any sort of warm body they should do it.

 

One of the players that they mentioned was Sprewell. That would be great for them I think. They could plug him in at the 3, he would be the #2 scorer and Wally would be a good #3 scorer.

[Guest Tony149]

To reiterate what has been said -

 

Why would San Antonio want Kidd in the first place?

To help take some pressure off of Duncan. Tim's a great player but he can't do it all by himself. For the last 10+ years or so, the Spurs have been about one player (David Robinson, now Duncan) and a bunch of role players. When the Spurs won the NBA Championship in '99, Bob Costas refered to them as "misfits and rejects," which was true. I'm not exactly sure, but I believe the Spurs would be able to re-sign Duncan (whose a free agent after the season), keep Parker, sign Kidd, and still have some money left-over to sign Michael Olowkandi, although he wouldn't make the kind of money he could somewhere else.

[Guest razazteca]

well the local news from San Antonio reports that Jason Kidd for Tony Parker + draft picks might happen. I think that this would be a big mistake as Parker is young and already proven himself as a good starting Point Guard that can score when needed. Jason Kidd is one the pontential MVPs of the league and can instant success to an average team as he has done with the NETS but if the trade did go through it would be just a short term expensive fix.

 

But of course the Spurs are always looking for the quick fix to get over the Lakers. They got rid of local fan favorite Avery Johnson, with intentions of Antonio Daniels as the future but that never panned out. Then they brought in Anderson from the Clippers but he got injuried and lasted 1 season in SA, then the surprise draft pick of Parker and now they want to trade him for a Veteran?

 

If the trade does go through it would be like 1999 all over again, champions one year then the veterans get old and injuried......David Robinson and Mario Ellie were key players during this title run but old age finally caught with them.

 

The Spurs still need somebody to play back up FC as Kevin Willis cannot do it alone. The 4 and 5 spots seem to be on a specialist rotation as Bruce Bowen is the Defender, Willis is the muscle, and Rose rebounds or scores alittle.

 

Another week spot is for the team is the Shooting Guard as the 3 players who work this position also seem to be injuried proned as Steve Smith just sits on the bench and Manu Ginolibi and Stephan Jackson have hot & cold streaks.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

First of all I think the Spurs need one more All-Star caliber player to seriously contend.

 

But besides Kidd. I have too many question on alot of these players. Like are they team players. San Antonio plays great team basketball. Abdur-Rahim is good, but I don't think the effort is there all the time. The same goes of Olawakandi, he was emerging has one of the better Center's in the league, this year he's disappeared. Eldon Campell's the other big man mentioned. He's shown in the past he can be a great player. The problem is more times than not he's been an underachiever.

[Guest Lethargic]

Here is something else from Chad Ford on ESPN Inisder that pretty much nails my opinion on the Kidd to Spurs story....

 

I recently read various columns discussing Jason Kidd's future and the likelihood that he would be a Spur next year. Given the current state of the Western Conference, do you really believe this move would make the Spurs a championship team?

-- Dominic DeCecco, Birdsboro, Pa.

 

FORD: That's a great question Dominic. I'm not sure what the Spurs or Kidd are thinking. I do believe a Duncan-Kidd combo would be second only to Shaq and Kobe in the NBA. But like the Lakers, if the Spurs went that direction and then were unwilling to pay the luxury tax, they'd have serious depth issues. You really can't afford to have two max contracts on your roster if you don't want to pay the luxury tax.

 

If the Spurs kept Duncan, then acquired Kidd via a sign-and-trade with the Nets for Tony Parker, they'd be left with only about $3 million to $4 million in cap room left. Would a combination of Kidd, Emanuel Ginobili, Bruce Bowen, Malik Rose and Duncan be enough tp put the Spurs over the top?

 

They'd be a good team, but they'd also be one Kidd or Duncan injury away from the lottery. Look at the problems Boston and Orlando have had with the same model. The only teams that have successfully done well with that model in recent years are the Lakers and Jazz.

 

I think Kidd probably would be better off either signing for a little less with the Sonics or sticking with the young nucleus the Nets have put together. As for the Spurs, I think they should keep Parker and try to use their $16 million or so in cap room to add a couple of potential stars to their roster.

 

For example, adding a combination of Michael Olowokandi and Lamar Odom or Corey Maggette to the team makes more sense. Olowokandi isn't a superstar, but he's one of the best young centers in the league and would probably blossom playing alongside a dominant big man like Duncan. Odom has had his fair share of problems, but he still has the potential to be a top-five player in the NBA. If the Spurs are too risk averse, Maggette is another great option. All three players have their problems, but it's nothing some discipline can't solve. They'd get that in San Antonio. I think, long term, a line-up of Parker, Ginobili, Odom, Duncan and Olowokandi has a lot better shot at winning a title.

[Guest Human Fly]

I think, long term, a line-up of Parker, Ginobili, Odom, Duncan and Olowokandi has a lot better shot at winning a title.

 

Forget long term they could contend with that line-up next year.

 

 

I think Kidd probably would be better off either signing for a little less with the Sonics

 

Where did this come from? I've never heard any rumors of Kidd going to Seattle.

[Guest Lethargic]

Kidd to Sonics rumor has been out there just as long as the Spurs rumor has. About a year. Evidently he's good friends with the Sonics owner which has added fuel to it.

 

This is what will truly show what kind of player Kidd is. He says he wants to only go to a team that has the chance of winning a title. If he stays where he is or goes to Spurs, OK, I believe him. But if leaves the Nets to go to the Sonics, there's no chance of a title there. I always love it when players say they only wanna play for a team that will give them the chance to win a title, but then sign with whatever shitty team offers 1 million more than the good team.