By now you may have heard about the most interesting trade rumor that has circulated around the net in some time. It began on Phoenix radio station KTAR a few days ago, and included the Suns and Bulls making a deal that would send the current Celtics starting back court(Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen) along with this years first round pick to Phoenix for Amare Stoudmire and Leandro Barbosa. While on the surface, this deal makes you scratch your head if you are a Celtics fan, but lets take a deeper look at the teams and players involved.
Starting in Phoenix, it’s no secret that Stoudemire is being shopped around prior to the draft. The Suns have had some light conversation with the Washington Wizards, and a deal that was proposed would send Caron Butler/Javale McGee and Nick Young to the Suns for Amare. Washington did not want to give up their 5th pick in this year’s draft, as if they are able to secure Stoudemire, they can draft a new slashing scorer to replace Butler with number 5, such as Demar DeRozan or James Harden. While other teams like the Bulls have shown interest, the Wizards and Celtics are the front runners for Stoudemire. Boston would allow the Suns to be competitive next year, and bringing in Rondo would make Steve Nash trade bait.
If you are Boston, what would Amare do for you? Stoudemire, who plays the same position as Kevin Garnett, would ideally play on the front line alongside KG and Paul Pierce, and Boston would bring Kendrick Perkins off the bench, similar to how the Lakers brought Andrew Bynum when they started Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Barbosa wouldn’t make much sense for Boston, and trading Rondo away with getting no point guard back in return doesn’t seem legit. If I were a betting man, I would expect Amare to Washington is more realistic, while moving Ray Allen’s expiring contract seems to be Boston’s one move to alter their rotation drastically.
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The NBA’s Perfect Fantasy -Ups is a list of players that are still in free-agency in fantasy leagues and should be picked up IMMEDIATELY! Add these players to your fantasy team, and you will have yourself a great run at making the playoffs.
Aaron Brooks (PG, HOU)- OWNED in 14% of CBS Leagues
With Rafer Alston shipped to Orlando, Brooks will likely benefit the most fantasy wise. He has potential to light up the scoreboard each and every night, and is finally getting the chance to do so. Brooks is still available in a majority of leagues and should be picked up, as he can turn into a huge second half fantasy star.
Leandro Barbosa (SG, PHX)- OWNED in 61% of CBS Leagues
Barbosa has come back to his true form with head-coach Alvin Gentry now in charge. He is starting to average more consistent minutes, 32.0 MPG during his last five games and is putting up great fantasy numbers all across the board, 21 PPG, 5.0 APG, 4.8 RPG, 3.6 SPG, and 11 3PTM during that span as well. Barbosa should be picked up immediately if still available in your fantasy league.
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Delonte West (SG, CLE)- OWNED in 38% of CBS Leagues
West made his debut last night after missing 16 games due to a broke right wrist. He put up 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and hit 5 three-pointers in 33 minutes of action. West is obviously a player that should be picked up because of his consistent fantasy production that he has put up throughout this season.
Roger Mason Jr. (SG, SA)- OWNED in 36% of CBS Leagues
Mason is a player that should be picked up as a stop-gap in the absence of shooting-guard Manu Ginobili who is out for the next two to three weeks. Mason is known for his outstanding three-point range and could put up a solid amount of points night in and night out. Consider added Mason to your fantasy team if you are in need of a guard.
Ryan Gomes (SF, MIN)- OWNED in 64% of CBS Leagues
Gomes has certainly picked up the slack for the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves as of late and is averaging 19.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, and has hit 10 3PTM in 35.8 MPG during his last five contests. Those are exceptional numbers for the big man and could easily continue to rise for the rest of the NBA season. Pick up Gomes right now if he is still on the waiver wire.
Rasual Butler (SF, NOH)- OWNED in 20% of CBS Leagues
Butler has now scored in double-digits in each of his last four games, including a 31 point (6 3PTM) performance. Since being placed into the starting line-up, Butler has become a viable fantasy player and should continue to log starting minutes, 34.8 MPG over his last five games. Rasual can help your team with points and three-pointers made and should be considered a decent pick-up for the fantasy weeks to come.
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