The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive
Knicks Acquiring Sprewell Highlights Six Deal DayChauncey to Nuggets | Nuggets Continue Getting Younger | McIlvaine to Nets |
Knight for Battie | Bonzi to Blazers | Rockets deal Turkcan
January 21, 1999
“KNICKS ACQUIRE SPREE IN 4 PLAYER DEAL”
The New York Knicks acquired G Latrell Sprewell from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for G John Starks, swingman Chris Mills, and F Terry Cummings.
1998 - ‘99 Salaries:
Latrell Sprewell, NY:$8.3 M
John Starks, GS: $4.0 M
Chris Mills, GS: $3.6 M
Terry Cummings, GS: $1.15 M
Notes:
- Cummings is a free agent after this season.
- Sprewell has one more year on his contract after this season.
Who got the better of the deal?
Sanity wise: Golden State.
Basketball wise: NY.
Why?
If Knicks’ C Patrick Ewing can accept a lesser role in the offense and defer to Sprewell and shooting G Alan Houston, then New York should have a very effective offense. However, with Spree, Houston, Ewing, and F Larry Johnson, the number of shots each player receives per game could be a problem.
Sprewell gives the Knicks a great defender who can free up Houston to defend lesser offensive stars which won’t effect Alan’s offense. Spree will be the starting small forward which means the Knicks will only have one starter over 6’6 (Ewing). As a result, rebounding could be a problem.
It remains to be seen if Latrell can take less shots in New York and adjust his free lance style to the Knicks slower tempo.
Starks was a crowd favorite in New York. He will give the Warriors a toughness they’ve lacked. He is a very streaky shooter but a solid defender.
Mills joins the glut of small forwards (Donyell Marshall, and Antawn Jamison) on the Warriors. He is a good, not great, perimeter shooter.
Cummings’ career is winding down. He played effectively last season for the Knicks after he signed with Philly during the season. He should provide the young front court players (Erick Dampier, Jason Caffey, and Adonal Foyle) with experience and leadership.
“CHAUNCEY RETURNS TO COLORADO AS PART OF 3 TEAM TRADE”
The Denver Nuggets acquired G Chauncey Billups and the draft rights to G Tyson Wheeler (47th overall) from the Toronto Raptors who acquired G Micheal Williams, 2 first round draft picks, and the draft rights to C Zelko Rebraca (54th overall, ‘94 Draft) from Minnesota. The T-wolves acquired C Dean Garrett and G Bobby Jackson from Denver.
1998 - ‘99 Salaries:
Chauncey Billups, Den: $2.742 M
Tyson Wheeler, Den: $275 K
Micheal Williams, Tor: $2.975 M
Dean Garrett, Minn: $2.160 M
Bobby Jackson, Minn: $799 K
Notes:
- The Raptors will receive the more favorable of Denver's two 1999 first round draft picks (Denver, Milwaukee), and Minnesota's first round pick in either 1999 of 2000 (none of the draft picks are lottery protected).
- Rebraca is playing overseas this season; however, he reportedly wants an annual salary of $5 M per season to play in the NBA.
Who got the better of the deal?
Minnesota.
Why?
Minnesota obtained a dependable center in Garrett and a backup point guard for Stephon Marbury in Jackson.
Garrett, 7’0, does not require the ball in order to be effective on offense. He is a good rebounder and shot blocker. He left Minnesota and signed with Denver last season because the T-wolves could not pay him a lot under the old collective bargaining agreement. If all things were equal, Dean would not have Minnesota in the first place.
Jackson , 6’0, struggled in his rookie season last year; but, he his returning to Minnesota where he played college ball. If he can adjust to the pressure of playing in front of his friends and family, the T-wolves will have a solid backup.
Billups, 6’3, struggled big time last season in Boston and Toronto. He is a Colorado high school legend and returns more mature and in better shape. The club wants him to play more shooting guard behind starter Bryant Stith; but, also run the offense along with Corey Alexander and Nick Van Exel.
Wheeler, 5’10, is a long shot to make the club considering all the guards the Nuggets have on the roster.
Micheal Williams is not in the Raptors’ plans. Toronto is going to start Alvin Williams at the point and rotate guards Dee Brown, Doug Christie, and F Tracy McGrady on running the offense.
“NUGGETS CONTINUE GETTING YOUNGER WITH DEAL WITH THE MAGIC”
The Denver Nuggets acquired F Johnny Taylor and the draft rights to F Keon Clark (13th overall) in exchange for a first round pick in the 1999 NBA Draft.
1998 - ‘99 Salaries:
Johnny Taylor, Den: $1.037 M
Keon Clark, Den: $1.199 M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Orlando.
Why?
The Magic used the salary cap room created with the deal to sign free agent C Ike Austin who will start.
Taylor, 6’7, hardly played last season for the Magic. He was injured early and never fit in last season. He’ll back up Eric Williams and Eric Washington at small forward.
Clark, 6’11, has had problems off the court in the past; however, he is very athletic and runs the court very well. He’s also an excellent shot blocker. He’s left handed and has a decent jump hook and perimeter shot. He’ll back up Antonio McDyess and rookie Raef LaFrentz.
“WALLY'S FOLLY GOES TO JERSEY FOR CAGE AND MACLEAN”
The Seattle Sonics traded C Jim McIlvaine to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for C / F Michael Cage and F Don MacLean.
1998 - ‘99 Salaries:
Jim McIlvaine, NJ: $4.2 M
Michael Cage, Sea: $2.35 M
Don MacLean, Sea: $2.46 M
Notes:
- Cage was waived on 1 / 22 to free up cap room which the Sonics used to sign free agent F Billy Owens..
Who got the better of the deal?
Seattle.
Why?
Jim McIlvaine didn’t perform in Seattle. Former head coach George Karl didn’t like GM Wally Walker signing Mac to begin with; as a result, Karl played McIlvaine sparingly and had no confidence in Jim whatsoever.
The Nets hope McIlvaine can provide shot blocking and some rebounding while coming off the bench. He won’t play more than 15 minutes a game behind Jayson Williams and Rony Seikaly.
MacLean has had problems staying healthy throughout his career. He only played 9 games last season due to knee tendinitis. When healthy, he is a good spot up shooter with a quick shot release; however, his limits may be limited since the Sonics signed free agent F Billy Owens.
“KNIGHT RETURNS TO LA FOR BATTIE”
The LA Lakers acquired C / F Travis Knight from the Boston Celtics for C / F Tony Battie.
1998 - ‘99 Salaries:
Travis Knight, LAL: $2.238 M
Tony Battie, Bos: $2.4 M
Who got the better of the deal?
Lakers.
Why?
Travis Knight is not a good fit for Celtics’ head coach Rick Pitino’s trapping system. Knight had a good rookie with the Lakers and became a fan favorite coming off the bench with his rebounding and hustle.
Battie is better suited to Pitino’s style because he’s more athletic than Knight and a better shot blocker; however, Battie didn’t play well last season in Denver. He put to much pressure on himself and never played well on a consistent basis.
“BONZI HEADS TO PORTLAND”
The Detroit Pistons traded the draft rights to G Bonzi Wells (11th overall) to the Portland Trailblazers in exchange for a conditional future first round draft pick.
1998 - ‘99 Salary:
Bonzi Wells, Port: $1.329 M.
Note:
- If the pick is in the top four, the Blazers will get to keep it and give the Pistons its first-round pick in 2000. If the pick is Nos. 20-29, the Blazers, in addition, will give Detroit their second-round pick in 2000 or 2001, at the Blazers' discretion.
Who got the better of the deal?
Detroit.
Why?
The Pistons traded Bonzi to free up cap room to sign free agents Loy Vaught and Christian Laettner.
Bonzi, 6’5, is athletic and a good defender who plays the passing lanes very well. He’s not a great shooter; however, the Blazers hope to bring him along slowly.
“ROCKETS SEND TURKCAN’S DRAFT RIGHTS TO PHILLY”
The Houston Rockets traded the draft rights to F Mirsad Turkcan (18th overall) to the Philadelphia 76ers for a conditional first round draft pick.
Notes:
- Turkcan is playing overseas this season and, reportedly, may sign a multi year contract and stay overseas.
- Philly acquired the first round pick from Detroit in the Stackhouse deal (12 / 18 / 97).
Who got the better of the deal?
Houston.
Why?
The Rockets traded Mirsad to free up salary cap room in order to sign free agent F Scottie Pippen.
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