The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Hill in 3 player Deal | T-Mac dealt | Harping - DeClercq deal

August 3, 2000

“Hill Leaves Detroit in Three - Player Deal”

The Detroit Pistons signed then traded F Grant Hill to the Orlando Magic in exchange for F / C Ben Wallace and G Chucky Atkins who were also signed first then dealt.

2000-2001 Player Salaries:

Grant Hill, Orl: $9.6 M.

Ben Wallace, Det: $4.0 M.

Chucky Atkins, Det: $3.0 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Orlando.

Why?

Losing Hill is a big blow to the Pistons; however, an argument could be made that Detroit didn’t win any playoff series with Hill; so, maybe it was time to move on and try a new approach.

Hill is one of the top 5 players in the league. He had a breakout year in scoring averaging 25 points per game last season. He’s skilled enough to run an offense; however, he won’t have to do that in Orlando because Darrell Armstrong is quite capable of running the Magic offense. Grant provides Orlando with another long, athletic player; however, his game is very polished and he still has the desire to improve.

Obtaining Wallace and Atkins via sign and trade allows Detroit to exceed the salary cap and keep the mid level salary exception of $2.25 M to sign another free agent. This trade also allows them to keep their current players instead of renouncing their rights which could affect Detroit’s flexibility to pursue other trades.

Wallace, 6’9, 240, is a very strong, physical presence. He’s a good rebounder and shot blocker. He should provide Detroit a toughness inside they’ve lack for years. He’ll probably be the starting center for the Pistons when the season begins.

Chucky Atkins, 5’11, is a point guard. He’s very good at pushing the ball up the court. He’s not a great shooter; but, he does have an aggressive style of play which should be well suited for Pistons’ Coach George Irvine’s style of coaching. In all likelihood, Atkins’ arrival signals the end of Lindsey Hunter’s career in Detroit. With Atkins and first round draft pick Mateen Cleaves, Hunter no longer seems to be a part of the Pistons’ plan.

Joe Dumars, Pistons’ President of Basketball Operations, has said he wants guys who are tough or talented or both. Well, Atkins and Wallace may not be the most talented; but, they are definitely tough.

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“Toronto trades McGrady to Magic”

The Toronto Raptors signed then traded swingman Tracy McGrady to the Orlando Magic for a conditional first round draft pick.

Note:

• Presently, the conditions surrounding the pick are unknown; however, Raptors’ GM Glen Grunwald stated “it'll probably be three or four years before we get the pick.”

2000 - 2001 Player Salary:

Tracy McGrady, Orl: $9.6 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Orlando.

Why?

In McGrady, Orlando obtained a young, up and coming star. McGrady, 6’8, is only 21; but, he’s been in the league 3 seasons. After a break out season last year, many people believe Tracy is ready to have a standout career.

He’s a long armed swingman who’ll probably play shooting guard while Grant Hill plays small forward. McGrady is an improving three point shooter who can play the passing lanes on defense as well as attack the basket on offense.

Toronto received a future draft pick and cap room. Clearly, they would have liked to keep McGrady; but, that wasn’t going to happen. As a result, the Raptors have about $6 M in cap room to offer someone like free agent forward Maurice Taylor.

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“Magic deal Harpring to Cavs”

The Orlando Magic traded F Matt Harpring to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for F Andrew DeClercq.

Note:

• If Cleveland doesn’t exercise their option by October 31, 2000, Harpring will be a free agent next summer.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Matt Harpring, Cle: $1.24 M.

Andrew DeClercq, Orl: $1.92 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Orlando.

Why?

The Magic got the better end of the deal for one simple reason: DeClercq was healthy last season and Harpring wasn’t.

Matt missed most of the season due to an injured ankle tendon. However, when he’s healthy, the 6’7 Harpring is a tough and skilled small forward. He has a good outside shot and is not afraid to attack the basket. Harpring has said he’s now 100% healthy and ready to have a return to the success he injured his rookie season 2 years ago when he was named to the All - Rookie team. He’ll back up Lamond Murray in Cleveland.

DeClercq got caught in a numbers game in Cleveland. With the recent acquisitions of Robert Traylor and J. R. Reid, the Cavs had a glut of power forwards and centers which included Shawn Kemp, rookie center Chris Mihm and 7’3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas. However, DeClercq, 6’10, is a very active rebounder and defender. His all out hustle makes him a fan and coach’s favorite. He has a decent mid range shot; but, he’s best known for his offensive rebounding and his all out effort. He should back up Bo Outlaw at the power forward spot for the Magic.

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