The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive
Three Draft Day Deals Become Official; Pistons Get RebracaKidd Dealt to Nets | Pistons Acqure Robinson from Suns | Reef Dealt to Hawks | Pistons Acquire Rebraca
July 18, 2001
The Phoenix Suns dealt G Jason Kidd and C Chris Dudley to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for G Stephon Marbury, G / F Johnny Newman, and C Soumalia Samake.
Notes:
- Dudley’s contract contains a $2.4 M buyout which New Jersey is expected to utilize.
2001 - 2002 player salaries:
Jason Kidd, NJ: $8.45. M.
Chris Dudley, NJ: $6.2 M.
Stephon Marbury, Pho.: $11.25 M.
Johnny Newman, Pho.: $2 M.
Soumalia Samake, Pho.: $0.348 M.
Who got the better of the deal?
New Jersey.
Why?
Jason Kidd is the best all around point guard in the league. He’s 4 years older than Marbury (Kidd is 28, Marbury is 24); however, Jason is much more of a team first, score second type of player while Stephon definitely has a scoring mentality from the point guard spot.
Nets’ President Rod Thorn said, “This is a significant transaction for the Nets franchise," said Thorn. "In Jason Kidd, we feel that we have brought to New Jersey the best all-around point guard in the NBA. He is an All-NBA performer on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, and has led the league in assists three consecutive seasons. Jason is a proven winner who will accelerate the development of our young players. Dudley is an experienced NBA veteran who is noted for his defensive presence in the middle.”
Despite Thorn’s comments about Dudley, New Jersey is expected to buyout Dudley’s contract.
Neither Samake nor Newman are expected to play for the Suns at all.
Marbury wanted out of New Jersey because he was tired of losing. He believes his exciting style of play will revitalize the Suns’ crowds at America West Arena.
Marbury is an explosive scorer capable of averaging 20 plus points per game. He is perceived to be a good who looks for his shot first; however, he did average 8 assists per game for the Nets last season.
“Suns Send Robinson to Pistons for Buechler and Wallace”
The Phoenix Suns traded F Clifford Robinson to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for G / F Jud Buechler and F John Wallace.
Notes:
- Wallace is a free agent after the 2001 - 2002 season.
2001 - 2002 player salaries:
Clifford Robinson, Det.: $7.66 M.
Jud Buechler, Pho.: $3.6 M.
John Wallace, Pho.: $2.4 M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Detroit.
Why?
This is the first “luxury tax” trade. Clearly, by acquiring Robinson for two reserves, the Pistons come out better in the personnel than Phoenix; however; the Suns don’t want to pay the dollar for dollar luxury tax; so, they made this deal.
Robinson, 6’10, 240, gives Detroit more versatility in the frontcourt. He can defend any of the frontcourt positions. Cliff should start alongside Ben Wallace and rookie Rodney White.
“We are excited to bring Cliff Robinson to the Pistons,” said Pistons’ President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.
“He's a talented veteran player that brings playoff experience and toughness to our roster. He will definitely give us added scoring in the post and on the perimeter.”
Robinson’s scoring ability should help ease Jerry Stackhouse’s scoring load.
Buechler, 6’6, played college ball at the University of Arizona; so, this is a sort of homecoming for him. Jud is a very good standstill three pointer shooter; and a decent defender.
Wallace, 6’9, has yet to live up to his potential. He possesses many offensive skills; but, he’s never been known for his defense. Perhaps new teammate Stephon Marbury can help Wallace maximize his talents on a game to game basis.
“Grizzlies Deal Shareef to Hawks for Knight and Wright”
The Memphis Grizzlies traded F Shareef Abdur - Rahim to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for G Brevin Knight, F Lorenzen Wright, and the draft rights to F Pau Gasol (the 3rd overall pick in the 2001 Draft). Also, the Hawks acquired G Jamaal Tinsley from Memphis and traded him to the Indiana Pacers for a future conditional first round draft pick.
Notes:
- Next year's pick is protected through the first 18 positions, meaning if the Pacers are to draft 1-18 they keep the pick.
- It is protected 1-15 in 2003 and 1-13 in 2004-07 and not protected in 2008.
2001 - 2002 player salaries:
Shareef Abdur - Rahim, Atl: $11.25 M.
Pau Gasol, Mem.: $3.1 M.
Brevin Knight, Mem: $4.65 M.
Lorenzen Wright, Mem: $5.31 M.
Jamaal Tinsley, Ind.: $0.749 M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Atlanta.
Why?
The Grizzlies are moving to a new city and management believed it was basically time to start over. The old contingent of players wasn’t successful; so, the Grizzlies decided to transform the team for its new fans.
Abdur - Rahim nearly averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds for his career with the Grizzlies; however, the team wasn’t successful. People began to question whether Shareef was merely a “good player on a bad team”. With the Hawks, Shareef starting frontcourt teammates should be Theo Ratliff and Toni Kukoc.
The threesome could become one of the most versatile and effective frontcourts in the eastern conference.
Hawks GM Pete Babcock had long stated his desire to obtain a young veteran who was a star without disrupting the Hawks’ plans for developing into a contender. Obtaining Shareef clearly meets Babcock's goal.
Memphis hopes to become a run and gun team. Management hopes the new up tempo style excites their fans and motivates their players.
Rookie pick Pau Gasol is only 21 years old; but, he’s 7 feet tall and he possesses small forward skills. He’s still trying to buyout his contract from F.C. Barcelona in Spain; however, he’s expected to have a very bright future in the NBA.
Brevin Knight is only 5’10; however, he is a very good point guard. He should complement Jason Williams’ flashy style very well. Two knocks on Knight are still his inconsistent outside shooting; and, his inability to defend taller, bigger guards.
Lorenzen Wright returns home. He played college ball at Memphis. He’s 6’11, 250 pounds; and, he’s versatile to play at power forward and center. Lorenzen isn’t a superstar; but, he always gives maximum effort while on the court. He’ll serve as a good source of competition for second year forward Stromile Swift.
Tinsley gives the Pacers a player who definitely thinks pass first. Jamaal is a point guard, period. He does have scoring ability; but, unlike current Pacer Travis Best, Jamaal is much more comfortable running an offense.
“He has a great feel for the game, said Pacers’ team President Donnie Walsh. “I don't know that you can teach how to be a great point guard. It's just there. You see the court, you see the openings, you see the game differently than most players.
“The other thing is if you look at his history at Iowa State, it's pretty remarkable. The year before he got there, they were 15-15. Then he got there and they went 32-4, and then last year they won their league. So he's been a winner, and we're certainly looking for guys who can do that.”
“Pistons Obtain Rebraca from Toronto”
The Detroit Pistons acquired the draft rights to C / F Zelijko Rebraca (54th pick in ‘95 Draft) from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2002 second round draft pick.
Who got the better of the deal?
Neither club.
Why?
Rebraca wasn’t going to play for the Raptors anyway; so, the Raptors were able to obtain some compensation for him.
Rebraca is 29 years of age. He’s played in Yugoslavia for years; so, playing for the Pistons will be his first stint in the NBA. He’s 7’0, 257 pounds; but, he’s more of a perimeter shooter. However, his size helps Detroit’s need for size in the frontcourt.
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