Fishing Before The Trade Deadline

Note: I will try to do these topics and be somewhat objective...


According to sources, the Heat are indeed fishing for more talent. The latest rumors posted by I-Win and Somedorkontheweb have Pat Riley going hard for something out of Phoenix. Appealing news to most except for the fact that sources indicate that packages that include Michael Beasley have been discussed. With an obvious eye on the future, and the tax, the question is y? If this team as assembled is headed nowhere fast, something we knew since training camp, then why the rush to throw away the youth? Yes a 5 game slide is bad, but is a resounding win against Houston and a win against Atlanta heading into the break enough to calm the waters once again? It should be. I wont sit here and debate the merits of Beasley, but why not add without subtracting? This includes Dorrell Wright who may be pushing for a starting job after being such a consistent player all season and looking like the possible tall ball handler Riley has always envisioned. You cant win a title under the salary cap, but keeping your youth is how you stay out of salary cap hell and keep cheap labor for depth. Obviously any trade coming out of Phoenix would include Amare, but wouldn't that be somewhat of a huge gamble? What if Amare doesnt work out here, or doesn't like it here and bolts? What if he doesn't work out here and opts in for his last year? In my opinion, Amare is worth going after, but only if its for expirings and draft picks. I am sure Riley would want a commitment from Amare before he gets him, but the Cavs had a commitment from Boozer before he bolted for Utah. Regardless, how this team plays in Atlanta heading into the break may go a long way towards determining what we do. If Sporon is truly about change and we see something out of this offense that we haven't seen before, as well as letting younger guys get a chance at contributing more and closing out games, Riley may not be so eager to part with his young parts. Still it seems odd how easy it is to give up on multiple first round picks than it is to replace a coach who has been called out time and time again by his veteran players.

RUMORS AND AVAILABILY: AMARE- Rumors are flying off the radar and everybody seemingly wants a piece of him. One rumored deal has Ben Gordon moving in a 3 way deal to bring the star to Detroit. Another has Iggy and Dalembert going for he and Barbosa.



TRACY McGRADY- The Houston Rockets are in the discussion stages of a complicated, three-team trade that would send Tracy McGrady(notes) to the New York Knicks, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The centerpieces of the trade would include the Washington Wizards shipping forward Caron Butler and center Brendan Haywood to the Rockets. The Knicks would send Al Harrington to the Wizards. For the Wizards’ part, they would still need another player, as well as a draft pick and cash to make this a workable scenario, sources said.Personally I would like the heat to get in on this deal IF we could bring in Javale McGee.

RAY ALLEN- Said to be available as the Celtics aren't getting any younger and have a window closing fast on a championship run. Rumors are of a deal that involve the Bulls and Tyrus Thomas as a move to clear cap space for Chicago.

MARCUS CAMBY- Said to be available for young players or as a way to move salary. The Clipps would be inclined to move him if they can package a little more salary to get the 15-16 mill they need to go after a max free agent.

KEVIN MARTIN- Rumored to be on Dallas's radar. Already a Maverick at heart as he provides plenty of shooting and not much defense. The mavs would prefer to bring in Iggy but martin may be more obtainable, altho they are said to be willing to take on either Dalembert's or Brand's contract.

IGUODOLA: Hot name that is floating around almost as much as Amare's. Pretty good 2nd or 3rd guy with a huge contract that has 4 years left on it.

DALEMBERT: One of the most consistent stretches of good basketball he has ever played, he looks like a worthy commodity or addition whichever way you look at it. Big money left on his deal but if and its a big if, he plays like this he may seem worth it. Regardless, it is pretty clear that Philly is in full salary dump mode.

OTHER PLAYERS SAID TO BE ON THE MOVE ARE: BRANDON BASS,TYRUS THOMAS,JOSE CALDERON, CHRIS DOUGLAS ROBERTS.