The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 23, 1999

“Nets Acquire Newman from Clips”

The New Jersey Nets acquired veteran swingman Johnny Newman from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for G Eric Murdock.

Note:

• Newman can be a free agent next summer.

1999 - ‘00 Salaries:

Johnny Newman, NJ: $1.1 M.

Eric Murdock, LAC: $1.925 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Los Angeles.

Why?

The Clips needed to acquire a starting point guard and Murdock will handle that job. Eric is a much better player when he receives a lot of minutes. He has a tendency to force things when his minutes are limited.

“Eric is the type of player that looks to get people involved in the offense first before he looks for his shot,” Clippers VP Elgin Baylor said. “But he can hit the long-range shot, and you have to guard him. He's a tough kid defensively, too.”

Murdock should start along with Derek Anderson at big guard; Tyrone Nesby at small forward; Maurice Taylor (unless he’s dealt); and Michael Olowokandi at center. That starting five could be very effective; however, with Donald Sterling’s (Clips’ owner) refusal to extend Taylor’s contract, the team’s morale will be greatly effected.

Johnny Newman wouldn’t have seen many minutes with the Clippers. In New Jersey he’ll have a set role: backup small forward.

“We put our roster in better balance, Nets’ GM John Nash said. “We had three point guards under contract, including Stephon Marbury and Elliot Perry. We felt we needed another small forward in addition to Scott Burrell.

“Johnny Newman brings veteran savvy and leadership that we think will be very, very valuable.”