The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Austin to Grizzlies | Hunter to Bucks for Owens

August 22, 2000

“Wizards send Austin to Grizzlies for 4 Players”

The Washington Wizards traded C Ike Austin to the Vancouver Grizzlies in exchange for F Obinna Ekezie, G Felipe Lopez, F / Cherokee Parks, and F Dennis Scott.

Notes:

• All 5 players are eligible to become free agents next summer.
• Austin has an option in his contract to become a free agent and the Wizards have the option on Lopez’s contract until October 31st.

2000 - ‘01 Player Salaries:

Ike Austin, Van.: $5.5 M.

Obinna Ekezie, Was: $0.332 M.

Felipe Lopez, Was.: $0.831 M.

Cherokee Parks, Was.: $2.2 M.

Dennis Scott, Was.: $1.21 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Washington.

Why?

The Wizards rid themselves of a disappointing center for 4 players whose contracts either expire or can be terminated next summer. If the Wizards don’t retain any of these 4 players, they would clear nearly $5 M off their payroll next summer.

“Ike was looking for a change and we were able to address his desires," Wizards President of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan said. "In getting Ekezie, Lopez, Parks and Scott, it gives us some depth and it also gives us a chance to get better.”

Scott, 6’8, is a three point specialist. His arrival should indicate Tracy Murray will get his wish and be dealt.

Parks, 6’11, is a decent big man with a good shooting touch. However, he’s not a very good rebounder nor a physical defensive presence.

Ekezie, 6’9, and 260 pounds is a young, skilled big man. He has more offensive skills than Don Reid who recently signed with Orlando. Obinna should back up Jahidi White at center.

Lopez, 6’6, can become a free agent next summer if the Wizards don’t exercise their option on his contract before October 31. He’s an athletic, slasher with a good work ethic and an improving perimeter game. He’s also a good perimeter defender.

“He gives us a very big body. He played for Chuck Daly (in Orlando). Chuck was very instrumental in setting up this trade,” Grizzlies president Dick Versace said. “Michael (Jordan) and I did the deal, but Chuck was the one who brokered the deal, so to speak.”

Versace didn't seem worried about Austin's poor second half to last season.

“I'm very impressed with his commitment to rededicate -- those are his words -- rededicate himself to being the kind of player that he once was,” Versace said. “He's only 31 years old. He's got a lot of basketball left in him.”

“I’m excited,” Austin said. “I feel real comfortable going to a young, talented team. It’s a matter of us blending on the court. I’m just excited about this year, whether I was going to be in a Wizards jersey or whatever.”

Recently, Ike also said, “There's a lot of centers in this league that don't have the talent that I have. I've gotten older and wiser and thinking about everything that I've learned, I really feel I'm going to be better and happier.”

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“Detroit Swaps Hunter for Owens”

The Detroit Pistons acquired swingman Billy Owens from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for G Lindsey Hunter.

Note:

• Owens will be a free agent next summer.

2000 - ‘01 Player Salaries:

Billy Owens, Det: $2.2 M.

Lindsey Hunter, Mil.: $2.65 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Milwaukee.

Why?

Both teams traded players who no longer fit with their former teams. Owens was merely a throw in for the Bucks in the 3 way deal involving Jason Caffey, Bob Sura, and Robert Traylor and others back in June. Hunter’s days in Detroit were numbered when the Pistons drafted point guard Mateen Cleaves with their first round pick in June and then acquired point guard Chucky Atkins from Orlando earlier this month.

Owens, 6’9, is basically a “rent a player”. The Pistons want Owens because he’s a free agent next summer; therefore, they’ll use his salary cap space to gain room under the salary cap. Owens has never lived up to his numerous skills. He’s been injury prone most of his career and he has never shown the work ethic to stay in shape and improve his skills.

Hunter, 6’1, is a scorer, not a point guard. For seven years, Detroit tried to make him a point guard which stunted his effectiveness. Lindsey is a 40 plus percent three point shooter and, usually, a very good on the ball defender. He’ll back up Sam Cassell with the Bucks and possibly see some time at shooting guard if Bucks’ head coach George Karl decides to utilize a small lineup.

Bucks’ GM Ernie Grunfeld said, “Lindsey is an excellent perimeter shooter and a good defender who adds depth and experience to our backcourt. He can play both guard positions for us, and at age 29, he's joining us in the prime of his career.”

Hunter added, “It was good while it lasted. I enjoyed it. It's good for both sides, especially for me to be able to get a fresh start from a team that wants me and it's a good team.”

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