The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

November 16, 2001

The Phoenix Suns acquired forward Charles “Bo” Outlaw, a 2002 first round draft pick and cash from the Orlando Magic in a three team deal. Orlando acquired swingman Jud Buechler from Phoenix and the Suns also dealt guard Vinny Del Negro to the Los Angeles Clippers. Orlando gave an undisclosed amount of cash to the Clippers and acquired an option to swap second-round picks with the Clippers in the 2005 draft.

Notes:

• The first-round draft pick acquired from Orlando is the remaining selection that Phoenix sent to Orlando as part of the sign-and-trade deal to acquire Penny Hardaway in 1999.
• Orlando gave Phoenix about $100,000 in cash.
• Del Negro was waived by the Clippers on 11/16.
• Outlaw has a “trade kicker” in his contract which boosted his salary an additional 10 percent.

2001 - ‘02 Player Salaries:

Bo Outlaw, Pho: $6 M.

Jud Buechler, Orl: $3.6 M.

Vinny Del Negro, LAC: $2.8 M.

Who got the best of the deal?

Phoenix.

Why?

The Suns needed someone who actually enjoys playing defense in the frontcourt. Bo Outlaw not only enjoys playing defense; he’s very good at it, too. Bo gives maximum effort on the court. His teammates love him for his effort; his coaches love him for doing the little things; and fans love him because he goes all out everytime he plays.

“Bo Outlaw should immediately impact the energy level of this basketball team,” Suns president Bryan Colangelo said. “He has proven to be an effective defender, rebounder and shot blocker. He can change the flow of the game.”

Orlando wanted to clear room in the future for signing a free agent. Outlaw has four years remaining on a contract that pays him about $6 million per year. Buechler has two years left on his contract.

Colangelo acknowledged that the deal puts the Suns in danger of being subject to the NBA's luxury tax at the end of the season, but future moves could be made to get the team under the tax limit, which has yet to be determined.

The Magic unloaded a significant contract and now have the flexibility to be anywhere from $13 million to $16 million under the salary cap in two years, when some prominent free agents (re: San Antonio’s Tim Duncan) become available.

Buechler, 6’6, has three championship rings from his days with the Chicago Bulls; so, he does have championship experience. In addition to his “winning” experience, Jud is also a good stand-still three point shooter and a solid defender. Therefore, with Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady breaking down defenses, Jud will be a good fit in Orlando’s offense. Jud is a slightly shorter version than his new teammate 6’9 forward Pat Garrity.

The Clippers got involved with this deal in order to free up salary cap space. Despite point guard Keyon Dooling being placed on the injured list with a high ankle sprain, the Clips waived the veteran guard Del Negro even though Vinny could probably help fill Dooling’s role on the team.