[From the FanPosts, B-Huse makes a list of players they may hit the market with an amnesty clause in the new CBA. -TL]

First of all, what is an amnesty clause? An amnesty clause is a team being able to take one contract from its team and be able to drop them from their roster in order to bring down their overall cap. Of course the teams still have to pay the players every penny but the idea is that if there's a hard or harder cap that that team would be able to drop below the limit required. Several sources are apparently reporting that an amnesty clause is more than possible and maybe even likely for when the lockout were to end.

So the first question that comes up, who would we drop? The obvious choice is James Posey, but I guess some argument could be made for Brandon Rush or Dahntay Jones with our abundance of shooting guards. But the second question is, what players on other would be released and made available through free agency for much less? Here's my list:

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Okay, so rumors have been for a while that Eric Gordon is not happy with being in LA. It's also rumored that he loves Indiana and not only does he want this but new Pacer, and friend of Eric Gordon, George Hill has been recruiting him to play for us. Now, say Eric gets fed up with LA and says "If you try and re-sign me because I'm a restricted free agent I would request a trade". The Clippers would need to at least entertain the possiblity of trading EJ away for Danny Granger. But I'll take you one step further. Here's my idea:

Pacers trade: Danny Granger, 2012 1st rounder

Pacers recieve: Eric Gordon, Randy Foye

Clippers trade: Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, T'Wolves 2012 1st rounder

Clippers recieve: Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala

76ers trade: Andre Iguodala

76ers recieve: T'Wolves 2012 1st rounder, Pacers 1st Rounder, Chris Kaman

Why Indiana does this: Not only does Eric Gordon play better defense, but he scores more points per game, and is only 22. He's also from Indiana. Paul George moves to the small forward spot and our team is not only scary but one of the youngest in the league with A LOT of cap space. We would even have more next year cause Randy Foye's contract is only 1 year.

Why the Clippers do this: If Eric Gordon doesn't say he doesn't want to stay in LA, I say the Clips don't do this. But having a team with Mo Williams, Andre Iguodala, Danny Granger, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan...... Damn. If this were to happen it would be a younger version of what the Celtics did a few years ago and they might even surpass the Lakers as Los Angeles' team.

Why Philly does this: They're stuck halfway between rebuilding and trying to win now. Which is a terrible place to be in the NBA. Doing this would make them a worse team so they would get a higher pick. Then they would also get a top 10, maybe even top 5 pick and our pick which wouldn't be too bad. This would be a homerun for Philly seeing that they would own next year's draft which is going to be very strong. Also, Kaman's contract ends at the end of this year so there's cap space in it for them as well.

Your thoughts?

No one expected New Orleans to trade Darren Collison. Everyone thought George Hill was Tony Parker's successor while Tony was to be shipped off. It shows that fact is sometimes stranger than fiction. Here is a small list of trades no one would see coming.

 

Atlanta recieves: Danny Granger and Darren Collison

Indiana recieves: Al Horford and Marvin Williams

Why Atlanta does this: They're seemingly getting desperate. They're stuck in neutral so close to being a top contending team. Many would think Josh Smith would be the player shipped out, but Horford could net them the biggest gain. Having a starting lineup of Darren Collison, Joe Johnson, Danny Granger, Josh Smith, and picking up someone like Samuel Dalembert could be a team that gets them over the hump. They've also been trying to get rid of Williams' contract for a while now. Not to mention new ownership has said he demands success so things could be shaking up a bit down in Georgia.

Why Indiana does this: Al Horford has been a great presence at center for the Hawks but his natural positon is at the power forward spot (which we need). Rebounding has been a problem since Troy Murphy left, which Al would do great at fighting for boards. The Pacers also picked up George Hill who could take the starting point guard spot without a problem.

 

Charlotte recieves: James Posey, Indiana's next first rounder and second rounder

Indiana recieves: Tyrus Thomas

Why Charlotte does this: Michael Jordan wants to rebuild. So that means getting draft picks, shedding bad contracts, and being awful. I couldn't imagine a better way to do this. Posey's contract ends next year, Charlotte gets some semi-good draft picks, plus Posey can't do much at all anymore. This would help their cap and sky rocket them to a very high lottery pick of their own cause they'd be so awful.

Why Indiana does this: Did I mention we're desperate for a four? He's still young and is a shot blocking menace. Hopefully he would grow up. He reminds me a bit of Jermaine O'Neal when he was young... but with a couple more problems.

 

Toronto recieves: Darren Collison, James Posey, Next year first rounder

Indiana recieves: Andrea Bargnani

Why Toronto does this: If the Raps want to do this rebuilding the right way, they should probably unload Bargnani. He is not going to be the best player on a playoff contending team. Having a mature point guard of the future and a 1st round pick in a strong draft would have to at least make them think about it. Cap help is also a plus as well.

Why Indiana does this: The Pacers lacked a second go-to scorer in the playoffs. Danny Granger fought off the Bulls as much as he could offensively but he needs help. This boy can put up points and is still 25.

 

I've enjoyed some great reads lately on how Roy Hibbert should spend is offseason and what we expect of him next year. But since we have a lot of time on our hands, I feel I should give my predictions on our core players and team as a whole. Please give any thoughts below:

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Wouldn't it be freakin' genius if Larry Bird was holding out on signing Vogel so Vogel could keep in touch with his players? I mean he's a neutral party, the NBA can't fine us if Vogel isn't part of the organization. If this were true.... Then Larry's gooooood lol This would certainly give us a huge edge next year having our players and coach on the same side when the lockout ends. Of course this is just speculation, but it fits.

David West recently opted out of his 7.5 million dollar contract to look elsewhere.  A couple analysts have been throwing teams out there for a good fit, and we've been on that short list. Nobody really knows at this point what David West's demands will be. Maybe they're farfetched.... if he's going out for more money, then anything more than 7.5 million for a 31 year old who just had knee surgery is pushin it. But he holds more value than what's first thought.....

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The only analogy I can think of with what Larry Bird did to the rest of the league on thursday was a fighter giving a giant upper cut to the rest of the league. Don't get me wrong, I feel it took a little more than I wanted to give up to get George Hill. Their 29th pick would've been nice to have in that deal to gnab Jeremy Tyler or some other big. But Larry also brought Brian Shaw on board, the main assistant on a championship contending Lakers team, oh and by the way had the blessings of Phil Jackson. Shaw will also be a great tutor for our young guards.

So we need to look back on what Larry has done. Not when Donnie was here....

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Okay, I'm just gonna get to it.

T'Wolves recieve: Danny Granger, #15 pick, #42 pick

Pacers recieve: Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster, #1 pick (if they are to get it)

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This is a huge offseason for us, and with the new CBA possibly dropping salary cap, teams could be getting desperate to drop contracts, this could make things very interesting. Here's some big names that could be on the chopping block for salary reasons.

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What a pivotal offseason it is for the future of or franchise. Both the free agency and draft classes have been determined as being weak but, there are gems. Gems that could help bring this team to championship contention. Here are two teams that have pieces that could fulfill our dreams of someday being crowned with a title.

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Trade deadline's over boys. Substantial changes are going to have to come this summer with February gone. This is not only a forum for my ideas but I would like your input as well, Enjoy.

Step 1: Buy out TJ Ford's contract for whatever you can get out of him. Even if we just take out the money that would be equal to the league minimum.

Step 2: Sign Magnum Rolle to a two year contract.  Not only would this be a great 3rd choice at the 4, but a lot of players seemed to connect with Magnum and he gave it his all on both ends of the court.

Step 3: The draft lottery has been completed! No matter what team won, the Pacers should do what they can to acquire the 1st pick and nab Perry Jones out of Baylor. After a slow start the uber-talented forward has turned it on for the Bears and he will be a top 3 pick.  The main peice for me would be giving up Danny Granger. Danny is a borderline all-star but is not as talented as Perry and is a few years older than the rest of the main peices we have moving forward. I would give up two first rounders and Danny.

Step 4: Sign Thaddeus Young to a contract around 4 years and 20 million dollars. The Sixers have not signed a rookie deal extension for Thaddeus and he hits the market this year. The guy is still 22 years old and would fit right in with our age range.

Step 5: Fill gaps on our roster with smaller/ one year deals and save what we can for next year's free agency or keep it open for a trade.

Step 6: Try to entice...... dare I say..... Dwight Howard? I know Dwight would at least be interested in the pacers if we had this roster. Chuck in Darren Collison, Lance Stephenson, Thaddeus Young, Roy Hibbert, Paul George, Tyler Hansbrough, and Perry Jones. Then add Dwight into the starting power forward spot?!

 

Now I know I dream big.... but this is all possible. Anything else you dream for that I should too?!

I'm sure many of you have read the following Fanpost from our own Rick Wagner that commented on the article for Fanhouse that has Larry Bird saying he would like to attain a "good player" and "a scorer". I've sifted the league for possible players Bird might be targeting and my own spin on them. Hope you enjoy.

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This trade comes from the idea that the Pacers are listening to offers for Granger now.... maybe even putting some feelers out there for possible trades. A lot of you will think this is a homer trade and that I'm an idiot, but when Minnesota's involved anything can happen. Also, this idea takes into account players who have been rumored to have been shopped.

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Nuggets recieve: Danny Granger, Dahntay Jones, and Troy Murphy

Nets recieve: J.R. Smith and Carmelo Anthony

Pacers recieve: Derrick Favors, Sasha Vujacic, Two New Jersey Nets 1st rounders

Poll

Would you approve of this deal?

47%

Yes, that's a scary young team.

34 votes

37%

No, Danny is the face of our franchise.

27 votes

15%

No, they need to sweeten the deal.

11 votes

72 votes | Poll has closed

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The Pacers have Roy Hibbert. A recent breakout talent that has only emerged due to his unwavering dedication to improving his craft. He's long, he's smart, he's talented...... but he's also slow. Josh McRoberts has done an admirable job playing aside him but honestly I don't view him as a starting power forward on a championship caliber team. So I've comprised a list of player that maybe be the guy we need now or in the future.

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We all know our desperation for bigs. At the four, McRoberts is nice but seems to be a role player and Hansbrough would be a great change up (possibly the future). Hibbert needs backup though at the center spot. Solo just isn't enough. Sac-town is full of big, we're full of wings. Our interests are temporarily aligned. Here's some ideas:

Poll

Which trade do you like?

18%

Dalembert for Mike and Dahntay.

22 votes

37%

Dahntay and pick for Jason Thompson.

45 votes

5%

The 3 for 3 trade.

7 votes

38%

None of them.

47 votes

121 votes | Poll has closed

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I wanted to look at the competition at the five spot to get an idea of how well Roy Hibbert is really doing. Since ESPN is infatuated with the "Heat Index" and doesn't want to do their jobs, then I have to do it. Let me know how you guys feel, thanks.

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It's back and annoying as ever, my trade ideas.... This one is based on Kevin Love being unhappy and the Sixers wanting to get rid of contracts.

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Some things that people said about Larry Bird on here would make most people cry their eyes out. Many said he was the worst in the league. So for starters, let's go over the situation the Pacers were in 5 years ago.

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Here's an idea:

Detroit acquires: TJ Ford and Jeff Foster

Golden State acquires: Tayshaun Prince and Dahntay Jones

Indiana aqcuires: Monta Ellis and Jason Maxiell

Detroit: Trades Tayshaun Prince Jason Maxiell for TJ Ford and Jeff Foster: The only real reason Detroit does this is because they are really hurting at both the point guard and center positions. Will Bynum is the only true point guard while Rodney Stuckey is being questioned as a real floor leader. While the only center that they have listed on their team is Ben Wallace who is 6'8 and isn't even close to what he once was. They also get a couple bucks off this year and next year because of Maxiell's 5 million, two year deal.

Golden State: Monta Ellis for Tayshaun Prince and Dahntay Jones: This deal is contingent on how much Golden State really values Ellis. Last year he was electric but there's a lot of question marks on how he can fit into other systems. His numbers are great at 25.5 ppg, 5.3 apg, and 2.23 steals per game, but he also played a whopping 41.4 minutes in Don Nelson's offense so those numbers might not look so good when he plays 30 minutes a game instead. Their front office seemed it wasn't as excited as much about Ellis as they were looking forward to the acquisition of David Lee and Stephen Curry, in one of their recent press conferences. So.... why do the Warriors do this? Mostly, money. Ellis' 11 million a year contract is set for 4 years and trading that out for a small forward (which they need) that can still play and goes off the books this year is quite a trade off. Having Dahntay Jones to annoy Kobe Bryant helps too.

Indiana: Jeff Foster, Dahntay Jones, and TJ Ford for Jason Maxiell and Monta Ellis: I already listed above almost everything to know about Monta Ellis, but when you talk about the Pacers you always have to include one major stat: 3-point FG percentage. 34% isn't bad at all for someone who is seen to be mostly a slasher. I can see this deal being polarizing on if people can think we can do better with the money we would have next season. Honestly, I think this is the best we can get and my patience is pretty low at this point, we all want playoffs. Here's our team:

PG: Darren Collison/ Lance Stephenson/ AJ Price

SG: Monta Ellis/ Mike Dunleavy/ Brandon Rush

SF: Danny Granger/ Paul George/ James Posey

PF: Tyler Hansbrough/ Jason Maxiell/ Josh McRoberts

C: Roy Hibbert/ Solomon Jones/ Magnum Rolle

Power forwards are pretty mediocre but tough. We need a backup center bad, but 1-3 is insane. Nobody could whine about Danny not having any scoring help though so he might use some of the energy for some defense.

Poll

Would you pull off this trade?

44%

Yes, this should be our future.

30 votes

55%

No, I wanna see what else is out there.

37 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed

As I was driving today I was thinking about what could go wrong with the Pacers this year. I'm sure as all of us know is that since we're Indy basketball fans, something needs to go wrong. So I'm thinking..... and my mind just kept coming across one subject, injury. Last year we had it.... the year before we had it, we just can't ever elude it! Maybe Larry needs to get Conseco fumigated for the injury bug, who knows? My mind starts to wander on who could be acquired and I thought to myself that everybody always complains about people who are injured but never gives any love to the players who manage to stay healthy year in and year out. So, I'm shedding away from the usual homer talk to tip my hat to the most durable players in the NBA to date:

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[B-Huse took a swing at earning a season ticket with a spot in Roy Hibbert's Area 55 fan section. From the FanPosts, he shares his experience last night. -TL]


I had made the announcement that my brother and I (Mike) had made the final audition for Area 55 in Conseco Fieldhouse. I got some feedback with curiosity about how the process would go and so I thought I would fill some people in on the audition process.

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A lot of us (including me) have tried to justify putting Lance Stephenson back on the Pacers squad. What if it isn't true? What if it's exaggerated? Anything we can think of.... but then I read this..... This is what basketball players and every human being should be like. Read this story of Dwight Howard and the wish he made come true for a dying lady.

 

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-09-07/sports/os-bianchi-dwight-howard-magic-20100907_1_dwight-howard-bucket-list-cheap-seats

 

I'm a grown man and I teared up. What an amazing person.... not only fighting off what's wrong but taking it upon himself to make a dying old woman's dream come true. No more justifying Lance Stephenson.... No more saying Brandon Rush's stupidity can be explained. I'm done. We need to realize that we need real human beings on this team..... not necessarily a saint like Dwight Howard..... but a human.

It's hard to find something interesting in the world of the NBA at the beginning of September but I found this little bit of love to our Pacers on ESPN. Brian McKitish's fantasy rankings have Danny once again towards the top at 6. Ahead of players such as Carmelo Anthony (10), Tyreke Evans (15), Deron Williams (7), and Dwight Howard (8). But I figured since Troy Murphy, who has been one of the few shining Pacers in fantasy leagues is off the team, that Danny would be our only knight in shining armor when it comes to the online league. Thing is, Darren Collison is ranked 35th ahead of the aforementiond Murphy (41) and other player such as Rudy Gay (42) and Devin Harris (46). Roy also gets a shout out in the 150 player list at 94 in front of such players like Emeka Okafor (103), Vince Carter (99), and Lamar Odom (95). This is just a nice little reminder of the stats that we can possibly put up from the new anchors of our organization. I'm excited, are you?

The most complicated and perfect way to bring Josh Smith into a Pacer uniform has been concieved. It's a four team deal, check it:

 

Atlanta gets:

Carmelo Anthony

Renaldo Balkman

Desagna Diop

 

Charlotte Gets:

TJ Ford

Mike Dunleavy

 

Denver Gets:

Jamal Crawford

Brandon Rush

Erick Dampier

Jeff Foster

 

Indiana Gets:

Josh Smith

Kenyon Martin

ALSO: Add draft picks accordingly to make Denver agree.

 

Why Atlanta does it: The Hawks have a formula for winning and it isn't adding up. All their chips seem to be down there's no way the make it past the eastern conference finals. Adding one of the top players in the league can't hurt. Balkman can play a light version of Josh Smith's D, but nothing close to his offense. Diop is a throw-in/ grabage minutes at center.

Why Charlotte does it: They need a point guard and don't wanna pay Diop 6 million for 2 more years. It's that simple.

Why Denver does it: If they need a salary drop this is the way to do it. No more paying for Balkman's 3 year contract who's fallen out of favor with George Karl. They don't take a contract that exceeds this year and Dampier's 13 million can be dropped before this year. Also, like I said this isn't enough to let Melo go but if you threw on a pick or two from various teams that would really spruce it up.

Why Indiana does it: Their need at the 4. Martin's 16 million dollar contract just fills in for Foster's and Dunleavy's cause it expires after this year too. We also trade away four players and get back only two. That makes an option of bringing back Earl Watson with the mid-level exception and finally signing Magnum Rolle.

This trade cannot be made until September 13th.

Now that we have our starting PG spot set (Thank you God) It's time to look in different areas. Priority number one for me is Josh Smith (Most of you know). But there is a different, more likely way to go. Here it goes.

Charlotte acquires:

Mike Dunleavy

TJ Ford

Indiana acquires:

Boris Diaw

Erick Dampier

 

The interesting part of this deal is there is no multi-year contracts involved.

Why Charlotte does it: Mainly because Charlotte need PG help. They've reportedly shopped Dampier's unguaranteed contract for a point guard (Jose Calderon).

Why the Pacers do it:

Power Forward help is obvious. If we want to bring in another floor spacing shooter Diaw is our guy. But in fact the most important part of this deal is the overpaid Dampier. Dampier has a 13 million dollar contract that can be dropped before the beginning of the year. It's also obvious that the Pacers financial situation is terrible, so shedding 13 million dollars off of your company's budget isn't exactly a bad days work. Then the second you drop him, sign Magnum Rolle to a rookie deal. Also, Diaw's 9 mil. contract ends next year.

 

How do you guys like? Also, I'm stumped on what to do about our PG situation. If Lance is gone, then we have two point guards in AJ Price and Darren Collison, that's not enough. Somebody think of either a free agent we should pick up or a trade we should pull. Earl Watson again?

THIS TRADE CAN NOT BE MADE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 13TH DUE TO TRADE RESTRICTIONS INVOLVING ERICK DAMPIER.

I threw out the Josh Smith idea and I think this is how we get him. Hear me out:

 

Pacers acquire: Josh Smith

Kings acquire: Brandon Rush, Pacers 2nd round pick

Hawks acquire: Jason Thompson, TJ Ford

 

Why the Kings accept: Jason Thompson has fallen out of favor in Sac-town and they may wanna rid themselves of him. Also, the Kings are desperately short at pure shooting guards, especially if Tyreke will play the PG (which he should). Not to mention they went and drafted two bigs who can play center and power forward while also adding Samuel Dalembert.

 

Why the Hawks do it: The Hawks are in one hell of a pinch right now after signing Joe Johnson to six years and almost 120 million dollars. Now Al Horford is about walk up to the plate and take another swing at Atlanta's check book. They need relief and fast. On a basketball standpoint, of course it doesn't fill the shoes left by Josh Smith but the players they obtain certainly fill desperate holes. The Hawks have no answer at PG this year seeing that Mike Bibby just isn't what he used to be and Jeff Teague plain isn't ready. Another domino that has fallen to help this trade is the Hawks decision to move Horford to power forward, but there's one problem..... Other than the player that would start at center Zaza Pachulia, their two backups are Jason Collins and Josh Powell.... yikes. These guys only get time with injury or foul trouble to other players. Jason Thompson plays center at 6-11, 250 and fits sorta with what Atlanta wants to do (skinny and athletic).

 

Why we do it: It's pretty obvious, he's just a freak of an athlete at the position we now need help at. He's a perfect fit next to a slower Hibbert and runs the floor like a gazelle. He's 24 and could work really well with Collison, George, Granger, and Hibbert..... oh yea I think there's no doubt he would help ticket sales.

 

Gimme your two cents boys. Do they do it? Do they not? Counter offers?

 

ALSO!!!! KEEP IN MIND THE KINGS HAVE 14 MILLION EXTRA IN CAP SPACE SO YOU CAN THROW ON EXTRA PLAYERS TO POSSIBLY MAKE THE TRADE MORE EVEN IF IT MEANS GIVING THEM TO SACRAMENTO!!!

This is a video all Pacers fans would love to see. It's highlights of all the great plays out of summer league.

 

TWO MAJOR WARNINGS:

1. The songs have profanity in them so if you've got a problem with it then mute it or just don't turn it on.

2. You're gonna get REALLY hyped about our team.... maybe a little too much like I am after watching it.

 

ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FKOYCV93Fc&feature=fvst

(Copy and paste if the link doesn't work)

 [From the FanPosts, B-Huse looks ahead to next summer's free agents and ranks his wish list. -TL]

We're almost there gentlemen. This time next year, the horrid contracts of Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, Jeff Foster, and T.J. Ford will be off the books. So who are our next possible players to wear the blue and gold? Here's my top 10....

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It's gonna be a good day today cause I'm sendin you a bonus three-team trade (Try to contain yourself). It's a move between Us, Toronto, and Charlotte. Enjoy.

We Recieve: Jarrett Jack and Marcus Banks

Toronto Recieves: DJ Augustin, Nazr Mohammed, and Solomon Jones (Maybe a pick?)

Charlotte Recieves: TJ Ford

 

Why Charlotte Agrees: This team has lost their starting PG as mediocre as he may have been. They reportedly had interest in Ford at the trade deadline but the deal got called off at the last second for unknown reasons. Ford is surely on the market and I'm sure the Bobcats have at least called once to check his asking price.

Why Toronto Agrees: They're looking to get young and practically tanking this year most likely to get in position for a top 5 draft pick due to the "Miami Thrice" taking their start player (Annoying Name). DJ Augustin is the biggest piece while also being paired with all contracts that cease to exist after this year. Jack has been somewhat of a leader in the Raptors locker room and has even been sighted at the Las Vegas Summer League helping young Raptors learn the game quicker. Not sure what their asking price is but if Charlotte and us throw in 2nd round picks I don't see them turning this one down.

Why We Agree: First reason is Jarrett's leadership and commitment to his teams. He's one of the most loyal players in the league and leads like a 15 year veteran at the age of 26. He's also tough and hits the long ball which is attractive to Larry's and Jim O'Brien's playing styles. Both players in the trade can play point guard which is an obvious desperation. Then we still have plenty of money for Free Agency seeing that Marcus Banks' contract of 4.8 million dollars ends this year as well.

I like it guys, but who else does? Any holes? I'd love to hear it.