This is what happens when you let a hockey guy run an NBA team.
We're less than 36 hours away from Thursday's NBA draft and Magic GM John Weisbrod, who happens to hold both the No. 1 pick and the NBA's hottest trading commodity, doesn't seem able to make up his mind.
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
67 28.0 6.0 5.5 .417 .796
Weisbrod, a former NHL player who was a team executive in both the American Hockey League and International Hockey League, took over from former Magic GM John Gabriel in March, and already finds himself in the eye of the hurricane.
The Tracy McGrady trade talk and the indecision it's creating over what Orlando should in the draft is wreaking total havoc in the league.
"This is nuts," one GM told Insider. "I've never seen such a high volume of trade talks in my life. Everyone's taking their shot at McGrady. Everyone's trying to move up or down. I'm not sure which way is up or down anymore."
As the picture gets fuzzier and fuzzier, we'll endeavor to pull things back into focus. Here's the latest around the league on the top 15 picks and the various scenarios in play:
Orlando Magic: The Magic are indeed seeking other offers for McGrady while simultaneously trying to work out an understanding with Houston's Steve Francis, who has said he doesn't want to play in Orlando.
As of this morning, nothing is settled. Though league sources continue to say the Magic are close to a trade with the Houston Rockets, Orlando's hottest talks Tuesday were with the Phoenix Suns, according to multiple league sources.
The Magic are trying to pry Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson and the No. 7 pick in the draft away from the Suns. According to several sources, the Magic believe the Suns have the most to offer. However, Phoenix wants to keep Johnson and is reluctant to put him in the mix, preferring instead to deal Marion, Casey Jacobsen and the No. 7 for McGrady.
The stumbling block to making that deal happen may not be Johnson or Jacobsen, however. McGrady is still insisting he'll only sign a long-term contract extension with the Rockets. The Suns could and probably should call his bluff. Phoenix is a great place to play, and the Suns would be a loaded team next year if they add T-Mac and are able to use the $14.1 million in cap space they'll have this summer to bring in a top free agent.
Al Harrington
Small Forward
Indiana Pacers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
79 13.3 6.4 1.7 .463 .734
The Pacers (with Al Harrington and Ron Artest as the bait) and the Heat (with Eddie Jones, Caron Butler and the No. 19 pick) also have tried to get into the mix. However, it sounds like the Magic aren't as high on either offer.
The Rockets obviously are still the most likely choice. Francis told his agent Monday he did want to play in Orlando. Francis' dig, combined with a flurry of criticism around the league about the lopsided deal, sent the Magic looking for alternative trade partners late Monday night.
The Magic spoke with Francis' agent, Jeff Fried, Tuesday, and feelings seem to be thawing a bit. The base-year compensation concerns about Francis are overblown, according to sources. There are workable combinations of players that would make Francis tradable immediately if the Magic choose to pull the trigger.
Okafor
HowardAll of this trade talk is creating enormous confusion around the league. According to several sources, the Magic are leaning toward taking Dwight Howard with the No. 1 pick if they make the trade with the Rockets. But if they instead decide to make the deal with Phoenix, Emeka Okafor appears to make more sense to Orlando, according to sources.
That's assuming the Magic keep the pick. There's also talk the Atlanta Hawks, who are desperately trying to get their hands on Howard, still are talking to Orlando about acquiring the No. 1 pick.
The Magic's indecision also is holding up several other deals.
While the Suns are dangling their No. 7 in trade talks with the Magic, sources claim they have several other potential deals in the works for that pick, as well.
The Pacers also are in limbo because of the deal. They've been trying to move up into the top 10 of the draft, using Harrington as trade bait. Their preference would be to get McGrady for Harrington rather than a draft pick, but at some point they'll have to cut their losses and try to get another deal with Harrington.
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls at three also are causing some trouble. It appears they've narrowed their choices to Luol Deng, Ben Gordon or Andre Iguodala. Deng and Gordon are both coveted by teams below them, which could put the Bulls in a good trade situation.
DengOne rumor that won't go away? The Bulls swapping the No. 3 pick to Washington for the No. 5 choice and Jarvis Hayes. The Wizards would then select Luol Deng at No. 3 and the Bulls would take Iguodala at No. 5. The Bulls also still are considering a trade of Scottie Pippen and the No. 3 pick to Indiana for Harrington. If the Pacers got the No. 3 pick, they'd likely take Shaun Livingston. The Bulls also might try to move down to get two first-round picks a little later. They, too, are high on Luke Jackson.
Meanwhile, the Arlington Daily Herald reported Wednesday that the Bulls and Celtics were talking about Paul Pierce for the No. 3 pick and Tyson Chandler. That trade doesn't even come close working salary-wise, and it seems like an awful deal for the Celtics -- regardless of who they'd pick at No. 3. If the Celtics did the deal, they'd have to take back one more burdensome salary from the Bulls -- likely either Jerome Williams or Eddie Robinson. The deal would be a slam dunk for the Bulls, who have wanted to trade the No. 3 and Chandler all along.
Los Angeles Clippers: There's still a ton of confusion over who the Clippers will draft at No. 4. The growing consensus is they're leaning toward Ben Gordon, who shut down the rest of his workouts after a stellar performance in L.A. Sunday. However, other sources insist the Clippers haven't made a decision yet and are still considering Wisconsin's Devin Harris (of whom coach Mike Dunleavy is very fond) and Shaun Livingston (considered one of the top two or three prospects in the draft). Why do the Clippers matter? Several veteran teams are trying to trade into the top 10 in an effort to land Livingston. If the Clippers take him at four, there's no use. If they take Gordon, there could be a deal made below that.
Washington Wizards: The Wizards aren't going to find anything at No. 5 that makes a lot of sense for them. They too have been active in trade talks, either trying to move up (to Chicago for the No. 3) or to possibly move out of the first round all together. The Pacers, Rockets and Mavericks all have been talking with Washington about a swap of the No. 5 for a veteran.
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks still are licking their wounds after watching the Bobcats pull off the deal they couldn't -- moving up to get the No. 2 pick. Atlanta wanted Howard desperately and still is talking with the Magic in an effort to get the No. 1 pick. It probably isn't going to happen. At No. 6 and No. 17, the returns begin diminishing. Everyone assumes the Hawks will take Livingston if he's still on the board at No. 6, but don't be surprised if they end up moving the pick for a veteran. They have enough cap space to absorb just about any salary a team wants to throw at them. If Josh Smith doesn't go here, he could be in free fall.
Phoenix Suns: If the Suns land McGrady, the No. 7 is going to Orlando. If they don't, there's still a decent chance they'll move their pick. Suns sources told said Tuesday they might end up sending their pick to a team under the cap who's willing to give up a good player and absorb a contract or two (Howard Eisley, anyone?), giving the Suns more cap flexibility down the road.
Toronto Raptors: Portland has targeted the Raptors as a possible trade partner, as have the Jazz and the Pacers. The Raptors are said to be leaning toward taking Luke Jackson at No. 8. For teams like Indiana that are trying to grab Jackson, this may be the place they have to be to land him.
Philadelphia 76ers: They're still trying to move up to No. 3 in a deal with the Bulls. However Chicago is asking for Samuel Dalembert, a steep price. The Sixers aren't trading Dalembert. If the 76ers stay at No. 9, the word around the league Tuesday night was that they're might select Latvia's Andris Biedrins.
Biedrins blew off the Sixers for a meeting Tuesday in an apparent effort to get him to drop to Golden State, but the Sixers are saying they still are considering drafting him. If that happens, Stanford's Josh Childress could be a guy who starts free-falling.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The trade for Aleksandar Pavlovic Tuesday night addresses Cleveland's need for a swingman. The Cavs have been in heavy trade talks with several teams about moving the No. 10 pick. The Celtics are trying to get up here to make sure they land Robert Swift. The Pacers and Mavericks also have had their eyes on this pick.
Golden State Warriors: The 76ers could select Biedrins and significantly alter the Warriors' plans. The Warriors essentially have promised Biedrins they'll take him at No. 11. Biedrins quit working out a few weeks ago with a "foot infection." If he's off the board, there's a lot of talk the Warriors may go ahead and grab Swift here. That's the worst scenario for the Celtics and Jazz.
Seattle SuperSonics: Again, the team prefers trading the pick. They may find a willing partner in Utah or Boston. Utah would give the Sonics No. 16 and No. 21 in a heartbeat to get to No. 12. The Sonics probably could get their two targets -- Al Jefferson and Anderson Varejao -- with Utah's picks.
Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers acquired the No. 22 pick from New Jersey and now own three picks in the first round. They'd like to package two and move up, but so far they've been stymied. Would they select Sebastian Telfair at No. 13? That's the other question that seems to be swirling around the league. The Blazers want him and aren't convinced he'll be there at No. 22.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz appear to be the most set team in the draft. There's roughly six guys they're seriously considering with their three picks. Sergei Monya and Rafael Araujo appear to be locks if they're on the board at Nos. 14 and 16. Swift is also in the mix. Kris Humphries, Al Jefferson and Anderson Varejao are the three players that will get a look at No. 21. The Jazz still could move up, but as of Tuesday night, that appeared unlikely.
Boston Celtics: With three first-round picks and two of them (Nos. 24 and 25) losing value by the day, the Celtics are trying to salvage something out of what they once believed was a deep draft. The Celtics appear convinced Swift, the guy they want, won't be on the board at No. 15. They're trying to move up, but they're not getting a lot of interest in No. 24 and No. 25.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
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Tuesday, June 22, 2004
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
The Bobcats (finally) are in the house. After a year of planning, scouting and strategizing, the Charlotte Bobcats added the first key pieces of their franchise Tuesday in the NBA expansion draft.
Charlotte actually got a head start Monday night when it shipped its No. 4 and No. 33 picks in the regular draft to the Clippers for the No. 2 pick and Peja Drobnjak. By virtue of the trade, which was completed last night, Drobnjak officially becomes the first Bobcat.
On Thursday, the Bobcats will cap the week with the No. 2 pick. It's no secret Bobcats general manager Bernie Bickerstaff prefers the Magic take Dwight Howard and leave Emeka Okafor for Charlotte. But if Howard falls to them, the Bobcats can live with it.
Tuesday night's expansion draft added seven likely pieces to the Bobcats' puzzle. The team selected 19 players, nine of whom were restricted free agents. Under the rules of the expansion draft, those players now become unrestricted free agents and are free to sign with the team of their choice.
A few other of the expansion picks, including Aleksandar Pavlovic and Zaur Pachulia, will be traded to other teams. Insider reported Tuesday that Pavlovic will be sent to the Cavaliers for a future first-round pick. Bickerstaff mentioned in Tuesday's telecast that Pachulia likely would be moving on, as well.
Several other prominent players, including Drobjnak and Jahidi White, were taken as part of larger deals. The Bobcats received the No. 2 pick in the draft for taking Drobjnak. The team got $3 million in cash and a future first-round pick from the Suns (actually a lottery-protected pick the Cavs owe the Suns) for drafting White. Neither player is expected to be on the Bobcats' roster at the start of the season.
That leaves seven players likely to don those bright orange uniforms. The biggest name on the list was the Kings' Gerald Wallace, who was once pegged as the top high school player in the country. The Cavs Jason Kapono, the Grizzlies Theron Smith and the Celtics' Brandon Hunter are all considered up-and-coming players who could find a future in Charlotte.
Bickerstaff stayed true to his word by not selecting any "big-money players." The Bobcats passed on big names like Antoine Walker, Penny Hardaway, Eddie Jones and Jerry Stackhouse in an effort to conserve cap space.
Here's a look at what they did Tuesday and what it means to the franchise.
EXPANSION DRAFT KEEPERS
Pick Pos./Name Team Contract Comment
1
SG Gerald Wallace Kings 1 year, $1.7 million Wallace fits the description of the type of player the Bobcats want more than anyone on this list. He is a player with huge upside who just never really found his groove in Sacramento. At one time he was considered the best high school player in the country. The Bobcats could give him a starting role and lots of shots next season.
2
SF Jason Kapono Cavs 1 year, $620,00 Kapono is a skilled, big-time shooter who got some valuable playing experience in Cleveland last year. He's likely to make the roster given his minimum salary.
3
SF Theron Smith Grizzlies 1 year/$620,040 (team option) Bickerstaff call Smith the "sleeper" of the expansion draft. I think they're right. Smith is very versatile, and physically, he's strong and athletic and has a real nose for the ball. Expect him to make the roster.
4
PF Brandon Hunter Celtics 1 year, $620,000 (team option) Hunter had a stretch in late February where he looked like a real keeper. Obviously the expansion list wasn't littered with serviceable big guys. He's a little undersized for the position, but he's worth a gamble.
5
C Primoz Brezec Pacers 1 year, $1.5 million Brezec is a talented big man who just didn't get a chance to play in Indiana the last few years. The Bobcats needed some size, and given how short his contract is, Brezec is worth the risk. If he pans out, he's a great pick. If he doesn't, no big loss. The Pacers, however, are upset they lost him.
6
PF/C Jamal Sampson Lakers 1 year, $695,000 (team option) He's long, can play the four and the five and is a decent defender. He has progressed nicely in Los Angeles the past year. The Lakers didn't want to lose him. Again he's a nice player to give some minutes and see what happens.
7
SG/SF Tamar Slay Nets Restricted FA Slay is a promising talent, but he became an unrestricted free agent once the team drafted him, making him eligible to sign with any team in the league. He's the one free agent on the list that I see the Bobcats trying to re-sign. He's long, athletic and is a proficient shooter. The Bobcats love him.
GONE IN 60 SECONDS
Pick Pos./Name Team Contract Comment
1
C Peja Drobjnak Clippers 2 years, $4.7 million Drobjnak was part of the trade that sent the Clippers' No. 2 pick to Charlotte, but he may not stay long. While the Bobcats like him, they might be able to work out a trade to a team that has lots of cap room. If not, he'll be the eighth guy on Charlotte's roster next season -- and possibly the most experienced.
2
C Jahidi White Suns 1 year, $6.2 million White's future in Charlotte will probably be short. How did the Suns convince the Bobcats to swallow this contract? They offered $3 million in cash and a future first-round pick, perhaps the one Cleveland owes them (that pick is lottery-protected, so Phoenix won't get it until the first year the Cavs make the playoffs). The Bobcats likely will either turn around and trade White to a contender or waive him to get his salary off the cap. Getting White off the books gives Phoenix roughly $14.1 million in cap space to make a run at a free agent this summer.
3
SG/SF Aleksandar Pavlovic Jazz 3 years, $4.3 million Charlotte already has agreed to trade Pavlovic to Cleveland, which will send a future first-round pick (one owed to them by the Raptors) to the Bobcats in return.
4
C Zaur Pachulia Magic 1 year, $620,046 Bickerstaff indicated the Bobcats likely will move Pachulia to another team in the next day or two. There are plenty of teams interested.
5
PF Marcus Fizer Bulls Restricted FA Fizer now becomes an unrestricted free agent. He's interested in playing in Charlotte. Will the Bobcats reciprocate? They can either dump him off the books, facilitate a sign-and-trade or re-sign him if the price is right. He'll probably be too rich for their blood.
6
G Jeff Trepagnier Nuggets Restricted FA He, too, becomes an unrestricted free agent, and the Bobcats will take a long look. He's a great athlete, and he'll play for cheap.
7
PF Lonny Baxter Wizards Restricted FA Another player who becomes an unrestricted free agent. It's unlikely he'll ever wear a Bobcats uniform.
8
PG J.R. Bremer Warriors Restricted FA Again, look for him to land elsewhere next season.
9
SG Maurice Carter Hornets Restricted FA The Bobcats like Carter and may find a roster spot for him somewhere. However, because he's a restricted free agent, he's free to sign wherever he wants.
10
SG Desmond Ferguson Blazers Restricted FA Ferguson doesn't have a real shot of re-signing with the Hornets.
11
PG Richie Frahm Sonics Restricted FA A very good shooter who has drawn some interest from the Bobcats. However, Frahm is eligible to sign with any team he wants.
12
C Loren Woods Heat Restricted FA Woods, like most of the other restricted free agents on the list, was drafted to cut cap. He won't be in Charlotte next season.
Building the Bobcats
Phase One
Under the rules of the expansion draft, Charlotte can waive White immediately and clear his $6.1 million salary completely off the cap. Chances are, they'll do just that. The Bobcats already have deals in place for Pavlovic and Pachulia, so you can take them off the roster, as well. It's also likely the Bobcats may move Drobjnak. The nine restricted free agents they selected won't count against their cap, either.
That means there are just six Bobcats with guaranteed contracts the team is likely to keep. This group includes Wallace, Kapono, Smith, Brezec, Hunter and Sampson. If the Bobcats keep all six, the total cap hit comes to just $5.4 million. If the team does not trade Drobnjak, add in another $2.6 million. That means the Bobcats have spent between $5.4 million and $8 million of their projected $29.6 million cap.
That's not bad.
Phase Two
Next, the Bobcats turn to the regular draft. With the No. 2 overall pick, they're looking at either Okafor or Howard. The Bobcats prefer Okafor, but can live with either one. Either way, they'll get their starting four in the first round.
Bickerstaff also has been trying to acquire a late-lottery or mid-first-round pick in an effort to draft Jameer Nelson. Given all the deals the Bobcats are looking to do, it seems possible they could get that done.
Phase Three
The Bobcats won't find everything they need in the draft, but given the cap space they preserved in the expansion pool, the team should have roughly $20 million to fill holes in free agency.
With young players such as Kenyon Martin, Mehmet Okur, Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, Stromile Swift, Rodney White and Hedo Turkoglu available, Charlotte might be able to land a couple of nice, young free agents.
If I were Bickerstaff, I'd conserve cash and offer nice deals just above the mid-level exception to restricted free agents Swift and Crawford. Both are young, immensely talented and really need a change of scenery. If you offered both a starting salary around $5.5 million to $6 million a year, chances are Memphis and Chicago wouldn't match.
I'd use the rest on a few well-placed veterans who know how to win and play hard. Players such as Brian Cardinal, Bob Sura, Bruce Bowen, and Michael Curry would all be good fits on an expansion team.
If the Bobcats follow that blueprint -- and if other teams and players cooperate -- here's what their lineup could look like come October.
Point guard: Jamal Crawford, Jameer Nelson
Shooting guard: Gerald Wallace, Bob Sura, Tamar Slay
Small forward: Jason Kapono, Brian Cardinal, Theron Smith
Power forward: Stromile Swift, Brandon Hunter, Jamal Sampson
Center: Emeka Okafor, Primoz Brezec
That's a pretty decent team to put on the floor in year one -- high-octane, fun to watch, with a real eye toward developing some young stars for the future.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN.com's Insider.
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Wednesday, June 23 Updated 10:28 AM EST
Magic, Suns discuss McGrady deal
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Tracy McGrady
Magic
Rockets
Suns
Pacers
Clippers
Grizzlies Jun. 23 - As Insider first reported Tuesday morning, the Magic are indeed seeking other offers for McGrady while simultaneously trying to work out an understanding with Steve Francis, who has said he doesn't want to play in Orlando.
Orlando's hottest talks Tuesday were with the Phoenix Suns, not the Houston Rockets, according to multiple league sources. McGrady is still insisting he'll only sign a long-term contract extension with the Rockets. The Suns could and probably should call his bluff. Phoenix is a great place to play, and they would be a loaded team next year if they add T-Mac and are able to use the $14.1 million in cap space they'll have this summer to bring in a top free agent.
The Rockets obviously are still in the mix. Monday, Francis told his agent he did not want to play in Orlando. Francis' dig, combined with a flurry of criticism around the league about the lopsided deal, sent the Magic looking for alternative trade partners late Monday night.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Paul Pierce
Celtics
Bulls Jun. 23 - The Daily Herald is reporting that Paul Pierce has been mentioned in a trade with the Bulls that would send Tyson Chandler, the No. 3 pick and another player to the Celtics. Earlier in the week, the Boston Globe mentioned that Pierce was one the block, but no one payed much attention because of quotes like this from Boston general manager Danny Ainge: "Paul is huge. He's our best player. He's the greatest asset our franchise has. He's not untradeable. There's no such thing. I would be asking about Paul Pierce. He's worth the money. He fits the criteria everyone is looking for." But this is the same Ainge who said Antoine Walker was staying in green and then traded him along with fan favorites Tony Battie and Eric Williams.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Al Harrington
Pacers
Knicks
Bulls Jun. 23 - Unable to get the expansion Bobcats to help them get Antoine Walker or Malik Rose, the Knicks are now after Al Harrington of the Indiana Pacers. "I would do business with Indiana," former Pacer head coach and current Knick general manager Isiah Thomas said in the Bergen Record. "I would have no problem making a trade or doing business with them." Harrington's name is being mentioned a lot because he wants to start and the Pacers already have Ron Artest at his position. The Bulls, who own the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, have also been mentioned as a potential home for Harrington.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Rasheed Wallace
Pistons
Pistons
Knicks Jun. 23 - Isiah Thomas has already given his concession speech and it looks like the Pistons will retain Rasheed Wallace. "I would say we have maybe a 1 percent chance -- maybe," Thomas said. "I'm sure Detroit is going to do everything it can to keep him. It's a great situation for him." Earlier in the month, Wallace said that while he liked playing for the Pistons, his wife and kids would have final say on his free agency and they were leaning toward New York. Thomas then entered the fray saying he would be pursuing Wallace with everything he had. Since then, cap realities have hit Thomas and the Knicks and several rumors have fallen by the wayside.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Karl Malone
Lakers
Retirement? Jun. 23 - Salt Lake Tribune columnist Gordon Monson, who covered Malone in Utah for more than a decade, is saying that barring a miracle, Malone will retire having never won an NBA title. Malone opted out of his deal with the Lakers recently and said he would return only if his knee heeled 100 percent, which seems unlikely at his advanced age. Monson quotes an unnamed source saying that there is a "70-30 that things will stay that way" and that it would take a "complete 360" to change his mind.
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