With the eyes and ears of the pro basketball world set in Phoenix this weekend, the league is buzzing with excitement over what could be one of the most furious few days of trade activity in years. While one big deal has already gone down, with Shawn Marion moving to Toronto for Jermaine O’Neal, there are many others being talked about amongst executives of teams on a hourly basis. Here is the latest on all the big names.
1. Where will Amare wind up?
Yahoo! Sports writer Adrian Wojnarowski reported late Friday night that the Cleveland Cavaliers offer of rookie J.J. Hickson, Wally Szczerbiak, and a first round pick was declined by the Suns. Cavs GM Danny Ferry had hoped to pair Amare with fellow all star Lebron James to establish the Cavs as one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Cavs will now turn their eyes on landing the Clippers forward/center Marcus Camby. Expect a similar package offered, minus the first round pick. As for Amare, The Grizzlies, Kings, and Bulls seem to still be in the running as we enter the final few days till the deadline. Sacramento can offer young talent and future draft picks, with this years potentially being the number one overall. The Bulls can offer a combination of young talent and expiring contracts, and the Grizzlies can offer an explosive young player on the wing in Rudy Gay. If someone were to put a gun to my head right now and say what team will Amare be playing for this time next week, my best guess would be…still with Phoenix.
2. What team will make the move from pretender to contender?
Watch out for the Blazers. Portland has the talent needed to exchange with a number of teams for an impact player. Word is Portland is looking to upgrade the point guard position, with names such as Baron Davis thrown around lately. The Blazers enter the All-Star break at 32-20, and in position to make the playoffs, however the Western Conference margin of error is very small, and one may feel with the contract of Darius Miles now on their books, the Blazers will not be able to be as active as they wanted to be in free agency. One rumored deal would send Sergio Rodriguez along with Raef Lafrenz’s expiring contract to the Clippers for Davis? Baron’s big contract is the only thing holding back this deal.
3. What move, if any can the Celtics make?
Paul Pierce told the Boston Herald earlier this week that he wants the team to make a move, yet in order to do that someone on the 15 man roster would have to go. The Celtics are strapped for cash, and would only be able to offer a veteran the NBA equivalent of minimum wage. Right now, aside of Stephon Marbury being released before March 1, Boston will be holding steady.
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