The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication
by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.

The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Seikaly Dealt in 5 Player Deal

February 19, 1998: "Seikaly Traded Again; this Time to the Nets"

The Orlando Magic traded C Rony Seikaly and F Brian Evans to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for G Kevin Edwards, F David Benoit, C Yinka Dare, and the Nets’ 1998 first round draft pick.

1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

Rony Seikaly, NJ: $4 M.

Brian Evans, NJ: $634 K.

Kevin Edwards, Orl.: $2.64 M.

David Benoit, Orl.: $600 K.

Yinka Dare, Orl.: $1.9 M.

Notes:

  • the Nets waived the requirement that Seikaly report within 48 hours or pass a physical. The Nets also revealed that Seikaly may have a stress fracture of the ankle.
  • Seikaly has two years remaining after this season for $8.5 million, but the money is not guaranteed.
  • Edwards and Benoit are free agents this summer.

Who got the better of the deal?

New Jersey.

Why?

``He (Seikaly) wanted to be in New Jersey. That was his No. 1 choice,'' Nets coach John Calipari said.

``His agent volunteered to us six weeks ago that if he was going to be moved, he wanted to be here. He apparently has some family members here,'' Nets GM John Nash said.

If Seikaly’s ankle is healthy, he’ll give the Nets the low post center they’ve lacked all season. Seikaly will allow Jayson Williams to play at his natural position of power forward and move rookie Keith Van Horn to small forward. However, Seikaly’s new teammates have to have some questions about a player who refused to report to a team (Utah) because of money.

Brian Evans is a very good outside shooter who probably won’t get many minutes this season.

Orlando wanted to get rid of Seikaly. They got rid of the head ache and his big contract. They obtained virtually nothing in return except salary cap room this summer.

Dare stopped attending practices and games once Calipari told him he had no use for the 7 foot center. His career has been a huge flop!

Edwards and Benoit may give Orlando some needed scoring punch but not much else.  It's doubtful Orlando would re - sign either player in the summer thereby freeing up more salary cap room.