The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

October 1, 1997: "Denver sends Dice to Phoenix"

The Denver Nuggets acquired 5 draft choices from the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers.  Phoenix acquired F Antonio McDyess from Denver for 2 first round picks and 2 second round picks.  Cleveland traded a future first round pick to Phoenix in exchange for G / F Wesley Person.  Cleveland also acquired G Tony Dumas from the Suns.  The Suns sent the first round pick acquired from Cleveland to Denver along with an additional $500,000.  Cleveland also sent Denver $500,000.

Notes:

• • • 1997 - 1998 Salaries:

      Antonio McDyess, Phoe.: $2.877 M

      Wesley Person, Clev.: $1.3 M

      Tony Dumas, Clev.: $1. 1 M

      Who got the best of the deal?

      Phoenix.

      Why?

      The Suns acquired a young player (McDyess) who has the potential to be a superstar.  By acquiring McDyess, Phoenix obtains their starting power forward.  The Suns also maintain the ability to re - sign Antonio to a contract at any amount next summer along with maintaining their tremendous salary cap flexibility of about $11 M.  As a result, Phoenix will be a running and gunning team this season; and, also, with the addition of super star free agents next summer, a lethal scoring team for years to come.

      Denver realized they could not sign McDyess to a contract extension for the $100 M McDyess and his agent were looking for.  Denver GM Allan Bristow flatly stated he did not believe McDyess was worth $100 M; consequently, instead of letting Antonio leave the Nuggets next summer without any type of compensation, Bristow made the deal and obtained five picks instead.  The deal also gives Denver more salary cap room for next season.  The Nuggets could have about $11 M of cap room next summer.

      Cleveland obtained two more players who are better suited for the up tempo style of offense.  The Cavs have long coveted Wesley Person for his tremendous outside shooting.  With a solid low post game, Cleveland realized it needed someone who could shoot from the outside.  Person should provide that.  Dumas, when healthy, gives the Cavs another slasher, scorer who attacks the basket.  With Bob Sura, Dumas, and rookie Derek Anderson, Cleveland has a tremendously athletic scoring trio.

      It’s still unclear who Cleveland will start at small forward:  Person, Danny Ferry, or newly signed Henry James.  Whoever starts, he is going to suffer going against the top small forwards (Grant Hill, Scottie Pippen, Glen Rice, etc.) in the Eastern Conference.