07/04/2007 - 02:03 AM
Read these articles
Clippers pick could mean Maggette trade
http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/clippers/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_clippers_29.4044476.html
Heat talking trade for Bibby, Artest, Maggette
http://www.miamiherald.com/594/story/157694.html
Clippers eye Francis
Break it down for us in these rumors for us.
I think the Maggette trade rumors are just a bunch of speculation/scenarios thrown out there by sports writers and possibly other organizations who want Maggette. As far as Francis goes it's a real possibility. The trade became official yesterday, so hopefully Portland will make a decision soon on whether or not to buyout Steve's contract.
Portland is after a passing PG - we should be too! I'm guessing they look for Brevin Knight or Steve Blake. Francis will be available.
For Clips, Francis may be an ok fit. We need to stretch the defense for Brand, Kamen, and Thorton to have 1-on-1 chances. Last year this did not happen - and won't with Livvy or J. Jordan.
I agree with David - the Maggette trades are mostly sportswriters talking the fat. Tony Meijia of cbs.sportsline.com graded the Clippers draft and said Maggette being traded was the talk of last season and with the drafting of Thornton people will continue to talk of Maggette being traded this year.
I think that a trade involving Maggette is very real. If you look at the forward position, the Clippers are stacked between Mobley, Al, and Maggette. Clearing Maggette should free up that log jam and allow the Clippers to gain talent at the guard spot. Of course the Clippers will try to keep mum about it. They don't want to tip their hand too early or cast an ugly shadow over Maggette (again). When you publicly say you're going to trade a player, it means you won't get equal value on it. By keeping shut the Clippers have much more freedom.
I wonder though, with the Clippers so needy at the PG spot they should've opted for the Laker's pick, Javaris Crittenton instead.
Todays rumor was the Miami Heat seeking a trade for Maggette. But that report came out of Florida. The Clippers usually work in the quiet zone. But if another team contacts them, and then chooses to leak it to the press, well, the Clippers just can not do anything about it. Some GM's like Isiah Thomas, must sleep with sports writers, because every thing that they do or say ends up in the papers. Isiah has his "RADAR" on every player in the league.
Maggette can play the SG spot too- I remember he played there before no problem. In fact Dunleavy recently mentioned that he has no problem putting Corey at that spot if Mobley is injured. Thornton can then play SF.
