Make no mistake, the Deron Williams trade to the New Jersey Nets is fact the trade of the year. Carmelo Anthony and his move to New York might be the deal capturing the most headlines, but Williams is surely going to have the most bang for its buck.

The Nets shipped lottery draft pick Derrick Favors and Devin Harris to Utah. Can anyone say steal of a deal?

Deron Williams will pair up with the best center of his career, the young and talented Brook Lopez. New Jersey was wise to not give up everything they had to acquire Williams, as New York basically did to get Melo. Favors was a talented project type, and Harris was never going to evolve into Deron Williams.

Coach Avery Johnson now has the quarterback for his team that is ideal. A rugged, tall inside-out threat who is a superb defensive player, seasoned by Jerry Sloan.

Fold into the mix a separate deal with the Golden State Warriors which ships out the disgruntled Troy Murphy and brings in defensive platoon role player Dan Gadzuric, and salvage project Brandon Wright, and the Nets literally “netted” the most in return for what was shipped out.

Seems like Mikhail Prokhorov has a plan after all, and a damn good one at that.

Troy Murphy has asked the New Jersey Nets to trade him after the Nets announced they will not be attempting to trade with the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony. This is the same reason that Murphy has been “excused” from the team.

It comes as no surprise that Murphy wants out. The strong-rebounding-long-range-threat power forward has not been able to see the floor this season, even after he has fully recovered from all his physical ailments.

The call was made by Avery Johnson so that lottery pick Derrick Favors could see the floor, gain experience, and with the upsurge of Kris Humphries, there were no minutes for Murphy to play a spot in the rotation.

Murphy has a lot to offer a team. He represents a $11.9 million expiring contract and can also rebound and shoots the three quite well. If no trade suitor is found prior to the trade deadline, it’s highly likely a buyout will be sought and arranged so Murphy can try to join a new team via free agency.

Look for a team like Portland, with a injury riddled frontline, or perhaps a marginal playoff bound team, looking to push themselves over the hump, like the Houston Rockets, to take a look at Murphy before the deadline.

It was reported today that the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Jersey Nets have agreed on a three-way deal sending Sasha Vujacic and a first round draft pick to New Jersey, 2009 #11 overall fist round pick Terrance Williams to New Jersey, and Joe Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The New Jersey Nets have secured 5 first round picks now, and can offer Denver a much more enticing trade offer for Carmelo Anthony than the New York Knicks. It remains to be seen if Carmelo will bite in terms of an extension if the deal happens, but Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov will likely step in for the hard sell.

Even if the Nets give up a couple first round draft picks, Derrick Favors, and the expiring contract of Troy Murphy, the Nets will still have soem decent pieces in place to build around Carmelo: Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, and a handful of first round picks to fill in the gaps.

Even if the Melo trade doesn’t come to fruition for New Jersey, look for someone to take Murphy’s expiring deal, and the Nets will have options moving forward with a wealth of first round picks.

It will only be a matter of time before head coach Avery Johnson places Sasha Vujacic in his doghouse. If an ultra-laid-back Phil Jackson cannot find a use for him, how can a high-stung coach like Johnson put his services to use?

No get no ring for riding the pine in New Jersey Sasha..

Sure Vujacic hits threes, but his self serving nickname “The Machine” is better amended and rebranded as “the Foul Machine” based on how he plays. The guy is a head case who sincerely believes he has never committed a foul. Perhaps he will replace Troy Murphy’s role as the player at the end of the bench.

So Vujacic’s role will remain the same, he will just have to learn to embrace losing while being unable to do anything about it. Fun times for Sasha. At least he gets to marry Maria Sharapova.

Terrance Williams has a new lease on life joining the Houston Rockets. He will have a chance to develop his game under Rick Adelman, one of the more savvy coaches in the league with a reputation for squeezing the most out of his talent. Williams possesses the tools but seems to be lacking focus at this stage in his career.

If Williams can get his mind right, and adjust to the Rockets system, he has the potential to make this deal continue to make Darryl Morey’s genius as a GM grow.

Rumors swarming around a Carmelo Anthony trade out of Denver lit the world on fire heading into this weekend. Then suddenly, the flames died down, without warning, and now it appears everything is about to cool off like the ensuing Denver winter.

The main concern for any potential suitor, specifically the New Jersey Nets, is that all teams with interest in Anthony are not making any moves until a contract extension can be negotiated and signed.

What, can you blame me?

The Nets are currently the front runner to land Anthony on their roster if this mega blockbuster, 4-team transaction happens. Chicago told Denver Joakim Noah is untouchable, and the New York Knicks do not have assets deemed trade-worthy by the Nuggets.

Nets General Manager Billy King told ESPN the following:

“I would say that we’re exploring everything,” King said Sunday. “But there’s no deal. We have nothing. We have nothing. We’re excited about the guys playing. I’ll continue to explore and see if we can make the team better. At this point I’m excited about watching our guys practice.

“I’ll continue to work the phones. It’s going to be a methodical process whether we do a deal now or six months from now or next year. But there is nothing.”

Looking further into this deal, I have no idea why Carmelo would not want to sign the extension and get this deal done. The opportunity to play alongside Brook Lopez, Troy Murphy, Terrance Williams, and Travis Outlaw this season to form a solid core for New Jersey’s future. Murphy might be gone next season, but that frees up cap room to go after Chris Paul.

If Chris Paul does join the Nets down the road to form “Super Friends II” the Nets will become a major threat in the Eastern Conference, likely stealing the limelight in New York, especially after their move to Brooklyn.

The potential to play in Brooklyn, with one of the league’s most promising young enters, and to be the man leading the charge in establishing the Nets presence in Brooklyn seems like a no brain decision.

Amare Stoudemire is a hot name isurfacing n trade rumors with just under 2 weeks remaining before the NBA trade deadline. The New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and a handful more teams are rumored to be investigating what it will take to acquire Stoudemire.

For certain teams, landing Stoudemire represents a scenario dramatically increasing a shot at the title: Cleveland, Miami, and Chicago. In the cases for Miami and Chicago, this is more realistic next year if they can retain Amare past this season, more free agents would consider signing with their team.

Whereas the Cavs would have a shot this season if they could liquidate players Zyndrunas Ilgauskas with a youngster like J.J. HIckson, for example.

Ya know Craig, New Jersey is looking good next year. (Credit: picpp.com)

Teams like New Jersey or the Golden State Warriors are looking to liquidate contracts and overhaul rosters already ripe with young talent.

The Warriors seem determined to trade away draft picks and players with huge upside with maturity issues (think Anthony Randolph) in order to purge their roster, and start over in 2010-11 Warriors fans are quite used to this scenario (Think Chris Webber, Mitch Richmond, Antawn Jamison, Troy Murphy, and more), and Phoenix would not be sending Amare to a team that could hurt them in the West this year.

Of the teams allegedly in the Stoudemire sweepstakes, there are two franchises I find possessing the most “right pieces” to facilitate what it would take for Phoenix to ship Stoudemire out of town.

Amare is expecting a departure. (Credit: picapp.com)

Miami Heat

Michael Beasley is the centerpiece of the package Miami would have to offer up in order to claim Amare. The most sensible trade for Miami would include Udonis Haslem and Dorell Wright, both whom are expiring contracts, and would immediately clear roster space for 2010-11 free agency.

Phoenix would also want some draft pick considerations to to sweeten the deal. Beasley’s game is currently not near the same stratosphere as Amare’s, howver, his upside and young age are desirable qualities for a team looking to stay competitive in the West as they start their life after Stoudemire.

Haslem gives Phoenix a tough rebounding presence and Dorell Wright can give quality backup minutes, and can hit the 3, which suits him for the Suns uptempo game. Beasley is under contract for 2 more years and could flourish in the uptempo environment.

Phoenix has the option of letting Wright and Haslem walk if they don’t like what they see.

The upside for Miami is that if they can retain Amare past this year,  Dwyane Wade and LeBron James might both consider signing with Miami. That is a downright frightening potential “Big 3″ for Miami. If traded, Amare and Wade could gel together for the remainder of this year, and as their comradeship grows, so will the future of the Miami Heat.

New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets have a wealth of young talent. Having only won 3 games thus far this year, they have a great chance at landing John Wall via the Lottery. Which basically means they stink, in a less sugar-coated way of telling the truth.

If New Jersey acquires Amare, they would likely trade Bobby Simmons’ ridiculous contract bundled with a combination of Yi Jianlian, Courtney Lee, Chris Douglas-Roberts. Basically, anyone other than Brook Lopez and Devin Harris is on the trading block.

The main advantage New Jersey has over anyone else is that owner Mikhail D. Prokhorov is willing to spend. If he is anything like fellow Russian Roman Abrovovich, owner of English Premier League team Chelsea, a luxury tax will be a small bump on his road to acquiring talent capable of winning a championship.

A new arena in Brooklyn will be another factor for potential free agent signings. If the Nets have a new stadium in a stylish new location with Harris, Lopez Stoudemire and (possibly) John Wall, how could someone not consider playing for New Jersey?

Wade, LeBron, and the free agent class of 2010 would have to entertain a huge new market in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn is a spot historical for professional sports. Who would not want to be a part of bringing that back to New York?

]]> http://protectthepaint.com/2010/01/26/amare-stoudemire-potential-trade-possibilities/feed/ 0 http://protectthepaint.com/2009/11/23/chris-douglas-roberts-fantasy-gold/ http://protectthepaint.com/2009/11/23/chris-douglas-roberts-fantasy-gold/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:33:04 +0000 Adam Sedie http://protectthepaint.com/?p=3313

Please log in to your fantasy basketball team account right now, and search the name: Chris Douglas-Roberts of the New Jersey Nets.

Click “Add” and immediately add him to your starting lineup.

This kid is emerging into a star caliber player this year.

CDR is lighting up an NBA arena near you! (Credit: picapp.com)

CDR gets to the line with high frequency and making a superb percentage (91.5). He is shooting near 50% from the field for the year.

He hits the boards ripping around 6 a game. He is also collecting 1 steal per game.

He is averaging 27 points a game over his last 3 games, pushing his season average to 18 per contest. All of this after recovering from the N1H1 virus.

He is becoming the man in New Jersey.  Even with Devin Harris returning, I do not think it will affect him. CDR is dropping game no matter what this season.

Douglas-Roberts plays on a horrible team (0-13), which will result in big minutes for him all season to continue his development.

Pick him up, before someone else in your league burns you by adding him.

Lawerence Frank must be concerned. The Nets are off to a 0-11 start. With injuries to Devin Harris (Groin), Yi Jianlian (MCL), and Chris Douglas-Roberts return after his bout with the N1H1 virus, Frank can justifiably argue that his team at full strength all year.

Even is this is the case, the Nets should have been able to win one game by now, and are approaching the worst start in NBA history.

One would think on a fluke alone the Nets would snag at least one victory by now. They have a wealth of young talent:

• Devin Harris
• Brook Lopez
• Chris-Douglas Roberts
• Terrance Williams
• Courtney Lee

Douglas-Roberts has been a beacon of hope in New Jersey. (Credit: picapp.com)

Chris Douglas-Roberts has been on a tear of late, and has shown star potential since returning from the N1H1 virus. He is a fierce competitor and his all around game has been leading the way while Devin Harris recovers from injury.

These players comprise possibly the best group of young talent other than the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the 2010 free agency sweepstakes next year, and with Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov attempting to take over, the Nets could find themselves reversing this years fortunes as soon as next season with some free agent signings.

But that does not help things for New Jersey this season. Lawrence Frank is a good coach, but after reaching the playoffs his first 4 seasons it looks like this season will mark his 3rd consecutive season his team will not reach the playoffs.

This is not a trend that secures your position as an NBA head coach.

Byron Scott was fired after a less horrible start than Frank has had with the Nets. This is another trend not boding well for Lawrence Frank.

The Nets will pursue their first win of the year on Saturday when they host the less crappy New York Knicks (2-9). When you have two teams from the bottom of the heap battling,the game is usually entertaining at the very least.

New Jersey might be able to exploit New York’s guards and the center position. Al Harrington and David Lee should not be able to contain Brook Lopez.

It will be entertaining to see how this plays out.

Trade rumors involving Carlos Boozer, Rip Hamilton, Andre Miller, and CJ Miles are circulating throughout the league.

With substantial free agent activity about to ensue,  trades will be made by both cash-strapped teams and ones hoping to clear cap room for next summer. Historically it has been proven that teams will make trades out of desperation (i.e. Jason Kidd for Devin Harris to the Mavs). What teams are on the verge of making moves they will one day regret.

Protect the Paint will now look at some of the trade rumors floating around the league:

RUMORED TRADES

Carlos Boozer in exchange for Rip Hamilton

Boozer might be headed to Detroit for Rip Hamilton. (Credit: scorereport.com)

It is obvious Hamilton needs to be shipped elsewhere as Ben Gordon and Stuckey are the back-court of the future/now. It’s rare a guy is awarded $50 million or more to be the 6th man. It is curious though as Boozer and Charlie Villanueva essentially play the same position. By trading for Boozer, what purpose was there in signing Villanueva? With free agency rumors involving Brandon Bass, one must wonder why Joe Dumars is trying to stockpile power forwards.

Andre Miller to the Portland Trailblazers

Andre Miller: heading to Portland via sign and trade? (Credit: slamonline.com)

Miller appears to be on his way to Portland via the sign and trade. We mentioned this possibility here last week. This is a sensible move for the Blazers who lacked experience at the point especially evident in the post-season. Brandon Roy will thrive with a good decision maker running the show. Portland may trade Rudy Fernandez–rumored to be unhappy even after Hedo Turkoglu decided not to come to the team–which may be a move general manager Kevin Pritchard ends up regretting. Expect Travis Outlaw to be a part of the deal.

CJ Miles to Toronto Raptors/Boston Celtics/New Jersey Nets

CJ Miles is heating up the trade talks. (Credit: blog.tribphoto.com)

There are many teams (possibly six) rumored to be closing in on C.J. Miles. Miles is young (22), a capable shooter (46% FG in 2008-09), and has played within Jerry Sloan’s strict system. Boston, Toronto, and New Jersey could use his outside shooting, and it is a safe assumption he would thrive in a system outside of Utah, as other players have (see Mo Wiliams). New Jersey has the most talent to offer. Miles would see an increase in minutes in Toronto or New Jersey, resulting in a chance to realize his potential.

Shawn Marion to the Dallas Mavericks

Marion: Heading to Dallas, but will it do any good? (Credit: daylife.com)

This would be a sign and trade deal in which Marion comes to Big D with Jery Stackhouse heading a package of players headed north of the border. This move would give the Mavs some athleticism and a good rebounder. The nucleus of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Marion with Jason Terry and the possible addition of Marcin Gortat improves the roster. Whether it places them among the upper echelon teams of the Western Conference is up for debate. This roster appears to be a work in progress.

The 2009 NBA Draft is in the books begging the question: What teams added the piece that will help them out of the lottery and into the playoffs next year? The Bulls, Heat, and Blazers—lottery teams from 2008—made the playoffs, replaced this year by Phoenix, Toronto, and Washington (who traded their pick to Minnesota). Below is Protect the Paint’s grades for what this year’s lottery teams did with their lottery pick and a prediction of their lottery-status for next season.

Blake Griffin should start immediately (Credit: ESPN)

#1     Los Angeles Clippers        Blake Griffin            Grade: A

No surprise here. Look for the Clippers to make some roster moves to insure Griffin a starting spot and get rid of some locker room headaches. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be better, but the Western Conference is stacked, so back to the lottery.

Can Thabeet develop an offensive game? (Credit: ESPN)

#2     Memphis Grizzlies        Hasheem Thabeet        Grade: B

The next Dikembe Mutombo? Thabeet should be an immediate impact player on the defensive end. Luckily for him, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo will be taking most of the shots. Lookout if he develops an offensive game. He should be in the league for his D alone for years to come. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

James Harden might be the best player of the draft class (Credit: ESPN)

#3    Oklahoma City Thunder    James Harden            Grade: B

The Thunder eliminated their biggest weakness and gave Russell Westbrook a running mate in the backcourt. The combination of Westbrook, Harden, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant is downright frightening for what the future has in store for the Thunder. Look for this team to dramatically improve their win total (23) from last year. NEXT YEAR: much improved, but back to the lottery.

The Kings surprised everyone by selecting Evans over Rubio (Credit: ESPN)

#4    Sacramento Kings        Tyreke Evans            Grade: D

This was a shocker. It seemed every mock draft, rumor, or news report had Ricky Rubio coming to Sac-town. Evans has flaws in his overall game. He is raw, but there is an abundance of raw, young talent in Sacramento. In three years, one must question where Evans will be in comparison to Rubio. Low grade is for not selecting Rubio. The kid displayed abilities and poise years beyond his age in the Olympics against the redeem team. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Ricky Rubio will likely be dealt or play next season in Europe (Credit: ESPN)

#5    Minnesota Timberwolves    Ricky Rubio            Grade: B
The T-Wolves got their man with Rubio. Flynn (see 6th pick) is an athletic, charismatic type player whom will lift his teammates on and off the court. However, he is one of 5 guards selected by Minnesota. We here at Protect the Paint envision Rubio emerging as a superstar in this league. Look for multiple moves in the near future from Minnesota. A good question is if Rubio even plays in the NBA this year. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Jonny Flynn has the talent to star in Minnesota for years to come (Credit: ESPN)

#6    Minnesota Timberwolves    Johnny Flynn            Grade: B-
Guard #2 of 5 selected by Minnesota. It will be very interesting to see who is dealt and who is kept. With Minnesota’s luck, it is a safe bet the guy dealt experiences greater NBA prosperity. Right now, Rubio has far more trade value. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Stephen Curry: NBA Rookie of the Year? (Credit: ESPN)

#7    Golden State Warriors        Stephen Curry            Grade: A+
The Warriors high-octane offense just acquired a serious scoring threat. Scouting reports knocked his defense and decision-making. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Bay Area. The only disclaimer in Oakland: the brass told Monta Ellis they would not select a PG. If the two can get along, the Warriors could be quite dangerous when going small. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Hill is the Knicks consolation prize after Curry was taken at 7. (Credit: ESPN)

#8    New York Knicks        Jordan Hill            Grade: C+
The Knicks lost out big time by not being able to draft Stephen Curry but are satisfied with Hill. Hill provides immediate relief if David Lee leaves. Pundits believe he will thrive in Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun style of play. Will the Knicks ever be good again? NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Can DeRozen make Chris Bosh reconsider leaving Toronto? (Credit: ESPN)

#9    Toronto Raptors        DeMar DeRozan        Grade: A-
This is possibly the best pick the Raptors could have hoped for. DeRozen is freakishly athletic.  Will be a key piece in forcing Chris Bosh to consider staying, If Bosh leaves, Toronto has a solid component to build around for the future. NEXT YEAR: if they keep Chris Bosh, this should be a playoff team in 2010.

Brandon Jennings appears poised to excel for the Bucks (Credit: ESPN)

#10    Milwaukee Bucks        Brandon Jennings        Grade: B-
It will be interesting to listen, watch, and read about how coach Scott Skiles and his new point guard get along. It could be like dynamite and nitro glycerin. With Richard Jefferson gone, and rumors of Luke Ridnour being on the block, Jennings and Ramon Sessions will form the nucleus of a young Bucks backcourt. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Terrence Williams joins a crowded backcourt in New Jersey (Credit: ESPN)

#11    New Jersey Nets        Terrence Williams        Grade: B
Williams will fit into a young backcourt rotation of Devon Harris, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Courtney Lee now that Vince Carter is headed to Orlando. If he learns to be consistent as a pro he will be fun to watch. It is a safe bet New Jersey might hold a higher pick in next years draft with their youth movement officially set in motion. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Michael Jordan drafted archrival school Duke's Henderson (Credit: ESPN)

#12    Charlotte Bobcats        Gerald Henderson        Grade: C-
Wow, Michael Jordan drafted a Dukie. At least he didn’t draft fellow UNC alum Tyler Hansbrough (see next pick). Henderson is super-athletic a very good defensive player. Will need to develop more of an offensive game or he could become the next Bruce Bowen (minus the corner three). Weird pick with Earl Clark still on the board. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be a better team, but back to the lottery.

Indiana failed heinously selecting Tyler Hansbrough (Credit: ESPN)

#13    Indiana Pacers            Tyler Hansbrough        Grade: F*
Hansbrough might be a tough guy—a blue-collar worker whom Indiana fans will appreciate—but he appears to be a man without a position in the NBA. Lacks the foot speed and athleticism to succeed at this level. Indiana blew it. This organization already misses Donnie Walsh. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

*F grade due to who was selected at pick #14.

Brandon Jennings stepped in late on behalf the 14th pick Earl Clark (Credit: ESPN)

#14    Phoenix Suns            Earl Clarke            Grade:  A
The Suns are obviously in a rebuilding mode. Earl Clark is a shooting guard in a big man’s body and will give the team versatility. Good ball handler for his size (like a right-handed Lamar Odom). Needs to improve his range. If the rumors about his lack of work ethic prove unfounded, Phoenix could have the steal of the 2009 NBA Draft. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

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