On the same day the not-so-exciting NBA Finals comes to an end, the first trade of the summer was made; officially marking the beginning of the NBA off-season which I have said in the past excites me more than the actual regular season. Get ready for a wild ride because it is going to be an exciting month of moves that could massively alter the NBA next season.
By: David Kay
Here is the first of what will be numerous off-season trades:
Sacramento Gets: C Samuel Dalembert
Philadelphia Gets: F Andres Nocioni, C Spencer Hawes
Why it makes sense for Sacramento:
It is no secret that the Kings were not happy with Hawes development and were beginning to give up on him as their franchise center. Nocioni’s name has also been tossed around trade rumors as Sacramento was hoping to get rid of the three years, $21 million remaining on his contract (though the final year has a team option on it.) Dalembert gives them a true center who isn’t known for his scoring but is more of a rebounder, physical presence. Plus, he only has one year remaining on his deal so the Kings will clear more cap space next summer even though they took on an additional $3-plus million for the up-coming season by making this trade. Dalembert could also be used as a trading chip during the season for a team looking to dump some salary and give away a good player.
What is most interesting is how this affects Sac-town’s draft plans. With the fifth pick, it has been believed they are targeting DeMarcus Cousins or Greg Monroe. Even though Dalembert is a free agent, the Kings may now be switching their focus to a wing player like Al-Farouq Aminu or hoping Wesley Johnson falls to them. They could also try to trade down and still grab Aminu or someone like Xaiver Henry. The Pistons who hold the seventh pick could be a potential trade partner as they would like to move into the five spot to try and get Cousins or Monroe.
Why it makes sense for Philadelphia:
Doug Collins took the head coaching job in Philly with the intent of winning now. This trade helps somewhat meet that goal as Nocioni’s toughness and versatility will be a welcomed addition to the Sixers’ roster. However, Hawes is a downgrade from Dalembert and now leaves a hole to be filled in the middle. While this deal saves Philadelphia more than $3 million in cap space for this up-coming season, it gives them less flexibility for the future.
The biggest development stemming from this deal is the increased possibility of the 76ers taking Derrick Favors with the second pick in the draft rather than Evan Turner, who most people expect them to take. Philly now has a need for a big man more so than a scoring wing and could be inclined to select the Georgia Tech freshman. Philly might not be done dealing before the draft though as they would still like someone to take on Elton Brand’s awful contract.
Winner: Kings
Check out David’s NBA off-season team needs pages and 2010 NBA Mock Draft.