Trade Musings...

So, I'm new to this blog. Heard about it over there at Stampede Blue. But I'm a huge Pacers fan and I'm really bored. So I'm going to make some trade suggestions and see what any of you guys think.

1. T.J. Ford (and possibly a future conditional draft pick) to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa and Alando Tucker-Remember those really quiet Ford to Phoenix rumors earlier in the summer? This is the only scenario that makes sense financially and isn't one-sided. I actually think it benefits the Suns more, at least in the long-term, as they'd save money quicker since Ford expires a year before Barbosa and get a viable Nash backup (something they've never had). Barbosa is an atrocious defender, so that doesn't jive with what the team needs help with, but he's a helluva scorer, and he and Tucker could help with the ultra-thin wing positions until Dunleavy returns. Tucker was a good defender in college, but hasn't done much since. Maybe he's the next Bruce Bowen (probably not, but who knows)? 

2. T. J. Ford to Portland for Martell Webster and Travis Outlaw-Last year we heard that Portland asked about Ford at the trade deadline. They yearly talk about upgrading their starting PG spot, but seem reluctant to spend big money on Andre Miller. Why not rekindle the Ford trade talk? Outlaw's one of the most underrated players in the league, and he'd be popular here in Indy. We don't know much about Webster, but he'd get plenty of opportunities as the fourth wing in a four-wing rotation, at least until Dunleavy returned. Meanwhile, Ford, as shot-happy, small and unable to distribute as he is, would be a pretty significant upgrade over Steve Blake. As long as he agreed to let Brandon Roy take shots in the 4th quarter, he'd actually be a pretty good fit in Portland.

3. Jeff Foster and a conditional draft pick to Charlotte in a sign-and-trade for Raymond Felton-Though Charlotte's said they'd like to retain Felton, I bet they offer him the MLE, and try to sign some other free agent to a big contract (like Allen Iverson). If they end up with Iverson, Augustin and Felton, I think Felton's the odd-man out. Since he wants slightly more than the MLE anyway (and is probably worth slightly more than the MLE), they could sign him for about $6.5 and trade him straight up for Foster, who they supposedly asked about last year. Why Foster has such a huge contract, and why Bird is so unwilling to get rid of him (two years ago Philadelphia wanted him) is anyone's guess. Felton would address a need (PG of the future) and allow Bird to let Jack walk, and focus on re-tooling other areas, or simply allow him to be thrifty with his free agent money until the big 2010 class become available. The Bobcats are particularly soft and could use a player like Foster, but I bet they'd only be willing to take on his contract if the pick were included.

4. Troy Murphy to Philadelphia for Sam Dalembert-Look, I know what you're thinking...Murphy is a historically good 3 pt shooter/rebounder, while Dalembert is a foul machine with a five foot range. If anyone fits the Pacers system, it's Murphy...at least on paper. But consider that Murphy was other-worldly last year. HIs value will never be higher. He'll continue to be a specialist (big man with a three point shot, who's a pretty good rebounder) but numbers in the  14/12/45% range are never happening again. Dalembert, meanwhile, is the rugged interior defender the Pacers need to become tougher and more competitive. He's just a year removed from averaging 10/10/2 blocks. I think he was particularly stifled by having to play next to Elton Brand. If he played for the Pacers, Granger could move to PF, and Dalembert could just roam the lane for tip-ins...he'd be on the Marcus Camby track that he was on before last season when he almost ruined his value. The Sixers, at this point, just want to get rid of him, and though they wouldn't save significant money with Murphy (they expire the same year...Murph's just a tad cheaper) they'd address 3-pt shooting, which is their biggest weakness, and they'd help draw defenders away from Brand, making him more effective in the process.

5.  Jamaal Tinsley and a conditional draft pick to NYK for Jared Jeffries-This is a trade I've been dreaming about since the whole Tinsley thing started. I think it's pretty far-fetched that, at this point, ANY team would take back Tinsley. But if anyone would consider, wouldn't it be the guy who drafted him? Tinsley would thrive in New York. I've always said he's got starter's talent with a backup's body (he just can't stay healthy and in shape). If he plays nice, he could still salvage his career as a successful backup. I think his flashiness and New York roots would appeal to Mike D'Antoni, too. But unless the Knicks can find absolutely no other takers for Jeffries, they wouldn't touch Tinsley (and I wouldn't blame them). Their salaries and contracts are almost identical; they wouldn't save money with Tinsley and would be taking a much bigger risk (hence the Pacers including a draft pick). I get the feeling Donnie Walsh is primarily interested in cutting salaries for 2010 to offer LeBron an NBA record-high salary, and this move wouldn't help him do that. But it'd be nice to see Jeffries in blue and gold, and even nicer to see Tinsley OUT of blue and gold.