<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jan 15 2008, 01:17 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jan 15 2008, 12:43 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Jan 15 2008, 12:17 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Blazers couldn't trade him last year and he was an expiring contract. The concept that he is a valuable trading chip is f'ing idiotic.</div>
no, it isn't. First, you don't know what the Blazers were asking for. Given the way they have rebuilt, I wouldn't be surprised if they were asking for a player plus a pick, and that will never happen. Second, the Nets' needs are different than the Blazers. The Nets--rightly or wrongly--are searching for that elusive combination of role players to put this team "over the top." An overpaid role player could be just what they need, given their record of success(?) in the free-agency market.
There are plenty of mediocre players with long-term deals that can be moved in a one-for-one deal. I have NO DOUBT about that. David Wesley was traded TWICE after he retired.
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Yes it is and yes I have decent knowledge of what the Blazers were asking (I have well functioning friend of a friend connection there that I don't talk about).
The Nets have ~55.5 million locked in salary to Kidd, Vince, RJ & Twin next season leaving them ~14.5 million in salary to fill at least 9 other spots and stay under the tax. Sean, Boone, Marcus and the Nets 2008 First rounder take ~5.1 million so that leaves ~9.4 million for at least 5 other roster spots. If Magloire is traded for an overpriced player making at least 3.2 million next season you are locking the Nets into a bunch of minimum contract guys and no use of the MLE.
Plus, to get an overpriced role player from another team, it would have to be somebody that is greatly underperforming, because at that price range (3.12 to 5.1 million) those are guys generally worth holding onto in this tax sensitive NBA.
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Nice analysis cpawfan, and I agree with what you said.
Although there might be a small chance though that they could find a team over the luxury tax, or afraid of going over that would trade a player who isn't underperforming to save money.