Post by RManske2 on Feb 2, 2011 23:36:22 GMT -5
With a third of the season in the books and most teams around the league still in the playoff hunt, some teams have already made moves to either boost their rosters for this season or for the future. As the season progresses, look for more trades to happen as the trade deadline approaches. While some teams may look to maintain the status quo, others will be looking to sell with an eye on the future. With that said, here are some of the teams/players to keep an eye on.
Indiana Pacers[/u][/color]
While the Pacers are currently 8-20 and in last place in the Eastern Conference, this is a squad that is looking to the future. In addition to likely gaining a high lotto pick this coming offseason, the future for Indiana appears to be bright as Robert Swift finishes his second year in the D-League and could become the team's starting center next year. Combined with rookie power forward Andray Blatche, the Pacers could have their inside game secured for years to come if both players continue to progress and improve their game.
However, the Pacers are the focus here based on the fact their two most established players are on the trade market and could be had for the right price. First on the list is veteran point guard Ed Cota who is turning in a career year. In his first four seasons in the league, Cota did not break double digits in scoring average. The last three years though have been a different story as Cota has come into his own since joining the Pacers. This year Cota is averaging a career high 25.7 points along with 7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. With a nice offensive game and inexpensive contract, some teams may look to pick up the former Tar Heel to add some offensive firepower to the backcourt. Just as good as these things make Cota look, many teams around the league are likely scared away by his not so great defense. So while Cota can drop 25-30 a night on the opposition, it is just as likely he will give up the same amount.
In addition to Cota, the Pacers have forward Al Harrington on the market for the right price. With two years left on a deal that pays him $11.9 million this year and $12.75 million next year, this could scare some teams away. Even if this scares some teams, there are likely others that see Harrington as a key piece with his overall solid game as shown by both his ratings and his numbers this year. A two-time All-Star, Harrington is averaging 17.7 points per game along with a career high 12.2 rebounds at this point in the season and can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. While there is no questioning Harrington's skills, it remains to be seen what the Pacers can get in return for him in what appears to be a trade market that changes on a daily basis. In the event that both of these players are in a Pacers uniform next year, look for Indiana to show great improvement next season.
Eddie Jones[/u][/color]
Eventhough the Miami Heat are right in the middle of the playoff chase in the Eastern Conference, the team's front office is exploring possible deals for Eddie Jones. While some teams might be scared away by the fact Jones is 35 years old, there is no question he is a proven winner in the league with his two championship rings and two playoff MVP trophies to go with his rings. Even at his age, Jones is still playing at a high level by averaging 17.7 points this year to go with over 2 steals per game. With his ability to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions and provide a legitmate scoring threat, Jones would be a big addition to a lot of teams around the league.
While the Heat GM has stated he is looking for a starter in return a bit younger, and not expiring, it would not seem the price tag is that high to pick up the one time Temple Owl great. The issue for any team who wants to trade for Jones is just that, his price tag. As an expiring contract worth $21 million, nearly every team will be hard pressed to come up with a deal to match salary without either depleting their rosters or sending back large contracts that the Heat might be looking to avoid at this particular time. Based on this fact, I would not be surprised to see Jones finish up in a Heat uniform and resign for a much lower number in the offseason.
Alonzo Mourning[/u][/color]
Similar to what the Miami Heat are dealing with as it relates to Eddie Jones, the rebuilding Sacramento Kings are facing with aging veteran Alonzo Mourning. With a team looking to go to a youth movement, the veteran could be playing his last year with a bunch of kids, literally. In breaking down the Sacramento roster, the 36-year old Mourning is old enough to be the father of two of his teammates as both Amir Johnson and Yaroslav Korolev are both 19 years old. While the Kings GM as asked for either a young player or pick along with matching expirings, this is an offer that not many teams (if any at all) are jumping at. While the ratings say that Mourning could help a team out, the numbers could call that into question. Playing just 25 minutes a game, Mourning is on pace for the first time in his career to not average a double-double on the season as he is currently posting career lows in scoring (10.6 points), rebounds (8.1), and blocks (1.7). Based on these numbers, look for one of the greats in the league to retire at the end of this season or sign a one-year deal to likely serve as a backup next year.
Indiana Pacers[/u][/color]
While the Pacers are currently 8-20 and in last place in the Eastern Conference, this is a squad that is looking to the future. In addition to likely gaining a high lotto pick this coming offseason, the future for Indiana appears to be bright as Robert Swift finishes his second year in the D-League and could become the team's starting center next year. Combined with rookie power forward Andray Blatche, the Pacers could have their inside game secured for years to come if both players continue to progress and improve their game.
However, the Pacers are the focus here based on the fact their two most established players are on the trade market and could be had for the right price. First on the list is veteran point guard Ed Cota who is turning in a career year. In his first four seasons in the league, Cota did not break double digits in scoring average. The last three years though have been a different story as Cota has come into his own since joining the Pacers. This year Cota is averaging a career high 25.7 points along with 7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. With a nice offensive game and inexpensive contract, some teams may look to pick up the former Tar Heel to add some offensive firepower to the backcourt. Just as good as these things make Cota look, many teams around the league are likely scared away by his not so great defense. So while Cota can drop 25-30 a night on the opposition, it is just as likely he will give up the same amount.
In addition to Cota, the Pacers have forward Al Harrington on the market for the right price. With two years left on a deal that pays him $11.9 million this year and $12.75 million next year, this could scare some teams away. Even if this scares some teams, there are likely others that see Harrington as a key piece with his overall solid game as shown by both his ratings and his numbers this year. A two-time All-Star, Harrington is averaging 17.7 points per game along with a career high 12.2 rebounds at this point in the season and can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. While there is no questioning Harrington's skills, it remains to be seen what the Pacers can get in return for him in what appears to be a trade market that changes on a daily basis. In the event that both of these players are in a Pacers uniform next year, look for Indiana to show great improvement next season.
Eddie Jones[/u][/color]
Eventhough the Miami Heat are right in the middle of the playoff chase in the Eastern Conference, the team's front office is exploring possible deals for Eddie Jones. While some teams might be scared away by the fact Jones is 35 years old, there is no question he is a proven winner in the league with his two championship rings and two playoff MVP trophies to go with his rings. Even at his age, Jones is still playing at a high level by averaging 17.7 points this year to go with over 2 steals per game. With his ability to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions and provide a legitmate scoring threat, Jones would be a big addition to a lot of teams around the league.
While the Heat GM has stated he is looking for a starter in return a bit younger, and not expiring, it would not seem the price tag is that high to pick up the one time Temple Owl great. The issue for any team who wants to trade for Jones is just that, his price tag. As an expiring contract worth $21 million, nearly every team will be hard pressed to come up with a deal to match salary without either depleting their rosters or sending back large contracts that the Heat might be looking to avoid at this particular time. Based on this fact, I would not be surprised to see Jones finish up in a Heat uniform and resign for a much lower number in the offseason.
Alonzo Mourning[/u][/color]
Similar to what the Miami Heat are dealing with as it relates to Eddie Jones, the rebuilding Sacramento Kings are facing with aging veteran Alonzo Mourning. With a team looking to go to a youth movement, the veteran could be playing his last year with a bunch of kids, literally. In breaking down the Sacramento roster, the 36-year old Mourning is old enough to be the father of two of his teammates as both Amir Johnson and Yaroslav Korolev are both 19 years old. While the Kings GM as asked for either a young player or pick along with matching expirings, this is an offer that not many teams (if any at all) are jumping at. While the ratings say that Mourning could help a team out, the numbers could call that into question. Playing just 25 minutes a game, Mourning is on pace for the first time in his career to not average a double-double on the season as he is currently posting career lows in scoring (10.6 points), rebounds (8.1), and blocks (1.7). Based on these numbers, look for one of the greats in the league to retire at the end of this season or sign a one-year deal to likely serve as a backup next year.
