TRADE: Hornets sending Okafor and Ariza to Wizards for Rashard Lewis, 2nd rounder

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has acquired forwards Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for forward Rashard Lewis and the 46th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

“We are pleased to add two more solid pieces as we continue to build our roster with a balance of proven veterans and the core of young talent that we have developed,” said Grunfeld. ”Emeka’s defensive presence and rebounding ability will combine with Trevor’s versatility to add new dimensions to our frontcourt, and both players fit in very well with the type of team-first culture that we have been working to establish.”



Read more: http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=10232#ixzz1yMWjjIs1

[KB2009Champ]

Arizona huh?

How are bobcats able to take on that much salary?

[Spue]

DraftExpress NBA source tells me Emeka Okafor and Trevor Arizona have been traded to the Washington Wizards for Rashard Lewis and the #46 pick
lol

[Rekindled]

hornets better be throwing in that#10 pick, okafor and ariza? remember rshard has expiring contract and is partially guarenteed

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

Arizona huh?

How are bobcats able to take on that much salary?

#2 pick must be involved

huh?? Rashard Lewis is around 20mil expirer

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

lol

its not my error...i just copy pasted ...what the guy said

[KB2009Champ]

huh?? Rashard Lewis is around 20mil expirer


Oh damn thats right.

[JtotheIzzo]

F*ckin hell, two serviceable players for a pick that will likely get cut and an expirer? Cap space is hot!

[dunksby]

So are they keeping Kaman?

[Rekindled]

F*ckin hell, two serviceable players for a pick that will likely get cut and an expirer? Cap space is hot!

hornets ave like 40 m in this deal since Lewis is only partially guarenteed

[longtime lurker]

hornets ave like 40 m in this deal since Lewis is only partially guarenteed

Oh capspace. Helping teams win games since never. As for the Wizards welcome to being mediocre! I wonder if this means they choose Beal.

[GOBB]

How long before Andray Blatche gets traded?


So are they keeping Kaman?

He was an expirer in the deal for CP3. Unrestricted free agent now.

[Rowe]

Wow.

Wizards should've asked for the #10 pick in that deal.

Regardless this is a great move for both teams.

[Grinder]

Decent trade for both teams although the Hornets got the better of it.

Wiz clearly looking for some proven veterans to add to their young core and let them draft a shooting guard (although I would have loved to see MKG and Wall together). Hornets get a monster expirer to allow them to give Eric Gordon a max contract and secure their core of Davis + Gordon.

Wiz:
Wall / Mack
Beal / Crawford
Ariza / Vesely / Singleton
Nene / Blatche / Booker
Okafor / Seraphin

I don't know if they have their amnesty available but they need to get rid of Blatche.

Hornets:
Jack / (Marshall or Lillard?) / Vasquez
Gordon / Henry / (Belinelli?)
Aminu / Lewis
Davis / (?)
Smith / Ayon

Hornets roster is really bare and it remains to be seen what direction they go in with the 10 pick but it's a promising core to build around. I think they should resign Belinelli at a reasonable price, let Kaman and Landry walk, draft Kendall Marshall, and try to fill their holes with low salary, low risk-high reward signings like Greg Oden, Hasheem Thabeet, etc.

[Peteballa]

Good trade for the Hornets.

[dunksby]

How long before Andray Blatche gets traded?



He was an expirer in the deal for CP3. Unrestricted free agent now.
Yea I know, I heard both parties were prepared to sign a new contract.

[Rose]

the ****?


Okay guys let's build around John Wall! Okay here's what we'll do. We'll trade for a hugely overpaid big in Nene.(although I liked this trade)

Then! we'll trade away our capspace for an overpaid defensive specialist who is a streaky scorer at times, and another overpaid big who's got two more years on his contract!:bowdown:


Oh AND we're paying Blatche for 3 more years! :bowdown:

[Rowe]

Oh capspace. Helping teams win games since never. As for the Wizards welcome to being mediocre! I wonder if this means they choose Beal.
They're banking heavily on John Wall making the leap into becoming an Elite PG.

If that happens then Washington definitely will be a Playoff team.

I think Wall is going to thrive with a veteran, high IQ frontcourt. Ariza brings championship experience along with solid defense.

[kaiteng]

Okafor's value is that low now?

[PJR]

Rashard Lewis to be bought out and sign with Miami. Book it.

[Peteballa]

Rashard Lewis to be bought out and sign with Miami. Book it.

Hell no, we don't want him. We have Battier :bowdown:

[Nash]

So I guess this means no Drummond for Washington if he's available?

[Rowe]

the ****?


Okay guys let's build around John Wall! Okay here's what we'll do. We'll trade for a hugely overpaid big in Nene.(although I liked this trade)

Then! we'll trade away our capspace for an overpaid defensive specialist who is a streaky scorer at times, and another overpaid big who's got two more years on his contract!:bowdown:
The Wizards weren't going to do anything with any possible cap space.

I'd rather put veterans around Wall than overpay a bunch of young guys who nobody wants to keep. They already saw that a young team was not going anywhere but the Lottery.

[GOBB]

I dont understand the Wizards. I understand Ariza is a been there done that guy. But the drafting of Vesely and Singleton look stupid. Granted Ariza can opt out and be a free agent this time next year. Just saying they have to be disappointed in those 2 picks no?


Yea I know, I heard both parties were prepared to sign a new contract.

They should draft big. Anthony Davis and at 10 Meyers Leonard if he is there.

Forget Caveman

[Rowe]

Okafor's value is that low now?
Yep.

It's what happens when you make a lot of money on a bad team.

Guys like Nene, Okafor, & Ariza have good value on good teams.

That frontcourt of Nene/Okafor is really intriguing.

When healthy, they look like a good fit.

[Rose]

The Wizards weren't going to do anything with any possible cap
Space.

I'd rather put veterans around Wall than overpay a bunch of young guys who nobody wants to keep. They already saw that a young team was not going anywhere but the Lottery.
You gotta keep your capspace in case someone there develops. Obviously Wall probably won't. But Crawford really turned it up towards the end of last season.

Now you're just overpaying not one, not two, but three!!! bigs. And only one you can amnesty and he only makes 6 million a year I think. Then you've got Ariza, who you can probably flip for someone good. But it makes no sense.

You're stuck with 4 more Nene years, 2 more Emeka years. and 3 more Blatche years. tell me how that's good? And what experience they have? Emeka? made the playoffs twice. Nene? sure he made it every year but made it only once past the first round. And blatche sucks in every facet. It's not like they're even good veterans. You're paying these guys between 30-40 million over the next two years!!!!!!

[longtime lurker]

They're banking heavily on John Wall making the leap into becoming an Elite PG.

If that happens then Washington definitely will be a Playoff team.

I think Wall is going to thrive with a veteran, high IQ frontcourt. Ariza brings championship experience along with solid defense.

There's a good chance john wall makes his way into elite territory but he needs a new coach. As for the Wizards they better hit a home run pick in the draft or else the ceiling on this team is low.

Sidenote the Lakers should trade the tpe for Andre Blatche

[ConanRulesNBC]

Arizona huh?

How are bobcats able to take on that much salary?

What do the Bobcats have to do with it?

[Lakers_Kobe_Fan]

There's a good chance john wall makes his way into elite territory but he needs a new coach. As for the Wizards they better hit a home run pick in the draft or else the ceiling on this team is low.

Sidenote the Lakers should trade the tpe for Andre Blatche


Lol fcuk no... Once Lewis is baught out.. We will sign him for min

[GOBB]

Wizards have no choice but to draft Beal.

[Snoop_Cat]

F*cking incredible. :roll: :roll: :roll:

http://insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267537

[Droid101]

F*cking incredible. :roll: :roll: :roll:

http://insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267537


:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[TMT]

Wizards are going to pay Okafor and Nene? :wtf:

[Rowe]

I dont understand the Wizards. I understand Ariza is a been there done that guy. But the drafting of Vesely and Singleton look stupid. Granted Ariza can opt out and be a free agent this time next year. Just saying they have to be disappointed in those 2 picks no?

They have to be. That #6 pick came down between Vesely and Leonard and it clearly didn't work out in their favor.

They have been in a slump ever since they did that Miller/Foye for #5 deal.

[GOBB]

Rashard Lewis' 23.8 million dollar contract can be bought out for 13.7 million before July 1st. Trade saves New Orleans around 30 million?

Hornets making good moves. :bowdown:

[qrich]

Amazing deal for NOH. Questionable for the Wiz, Nene/Oka4 sounds interesting but will it work.

[Rowe]

Hornets making good moves. :bowdown:

Its a good cap saving move, but it remains to be seen if their new management will do anything proper with their cap space.

This is the same GM who agreed to send Chris Paul to LA for essentially Luis Scola & Lamar Odom.:lol

[longtime lurker]

Lol fcuk no... Once Lewis is baught out.. We will sign him for min

That works too. The dog shit is better than anything on the Lakers bench. :rockon:

[Droid101]

That works too. The dog shit is better than anything on the Lakers bench. :rockon:
Shard tries when he's on a good team. He could get that stroke back!

[insidehoops]

Wizards confirm that trade is now official

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has acquired forwards Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for forward Rashard Lewis and the 46th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

[Rowe]

You gotta keep your capspace in case someone there develops. Obviously Wall probably won't. But Crawford really turned it up towards the end of last season.



Now you're just overpaying not one, not two, but three!!! bigs. And only one you can amnesty and he only makes 6 million a year I think. Then you've got Ariza, who you can probably flip for someone good. But it makes no sense.

You're stuck with 4 more Nene years, 2 more Emeka years. and 3 more Blatche years. tell me how that's good? And what experience they have? Emeka? made the playoffs twice. Nene? sure he made it every year but made it only once past the first round. And blatche sucks in every facet. It's not like they're even good veterans. You're paying these guys between 30-40 million over the next two years!!!!!!
Its too late to rule out Wall improving with a new, better cast of teammates around him. But they wont have any problem retaining Crawford when the time comes, but as far as them getting someone on the open market I dont really have faith in that.

Washington has never really been attractive to Free Agents, mainly due to poor management & them not being contenders. Its a smart move to see how far John Wall can take this group because his development is at the heart of this decision. If they're a Playoff team in another couple of years when they do have some cap space then they will be able to attract a legit Free Agent to join John Wall.

Basically, a calculated risk.:confusedshrug:

[PleezeBelieve]

Can John Wall shoot yet?

That is the real question.

[Rowe]

Shard tries when he's on a good team. He could get that stroke back!
Nothing wrong with his stroke, its just that he's simply gotten far too comfortable standing around behind the arch due to spending the last few years waiting to get the ball kicked out to him by Dwight Howard.

That literally is all he does now. Rashard was once a really dynamic scorer at the rim, from the perimeter, and had a good mid-range game.

[Zackmorris]

F*cking incredible. :roll: :roll: :roll:

http://insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267537

:lebronamazed: :lebronamazed::bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

What a prophet.:bowdown:

[GOBB]

Its a good cap saving move, but it remains to be seen if their new management will do anything proper with their cap space.

This is the same GM who agreed to send Chris Paul to LA for essentially Luis Scola & Lamar Odom.:lol

:roll: Thats true.

[bagelred]

Good trade for the Wizards.

Trying to actually become relevant. And trying to change the culture. Let's face it, they aren't going to attract premiere free agents so they have to make moves for talent through trade.

Okafor
Nene
Ariza
Bradley Beal
Wall

Plus I see them trying to dump Blatche on someone else for a pick.


Okafor and Ariza only have two more years, so its not like you are stuck with them forever anyway.

[TMT]

:roll: Thats true.

Pretty sure they were getting Kevin Martin too. Not too bad really.

[Xiao Yao You]

Wizards still have too many young guys. I'd look to get a veteran sg and back-up pg too. A go to guy ideally since Nene hasn't shown he can be that guy. In the East they can make some noise. Their defense has improved significantly with the trade.

[KrispyKreme0]

What do the Bobcats have to do with it?

Seems to me like he/she is stuck in '09. See username...

[EricGordon23]

I like the trade for both teams. So i guess that means beal is going to the wiz!

[GOBB]

Pretty sure they were getting Kevin Martin too. Not too bad really.

I dont like the idea of rebuilding in that way. Scola/Martin and Odumb would have kept them stuck in mediocrity. You wouldnt have had an extra lottery pick or been in position to draft Anthony Davis. Atleast here you have young talent you can mold/develop some on cheap contracts. And while you spend on your young star Eric Gordon you can play with cap space money and fill in certain positions not filled via draft. For example, Goran Dragic PG.

[PleezeBelieve]

Who says Beal can shoot any better than Crawford? That is the point you all are missing by assuming he's the next Ray Allen. There isn't an ounce of shooting consistency in a lineup of:

Wall
Beal
Ariza
Nene
Okafur

[Xiao Yao You]

I dont like the idea of rebuilding in that way.



They were looking to be a playoff team not rebuild.

[GOBB]

They were looking to be a playoff team not rebuild.

No they werent.

[alenleomessi]

Poor John Wall

[DuMa]

i did not know you could make trades while the NBA postseason was going on.

[PleezeBelieve]

The very worse trades are the one's where ISH signs off in the beginning only to go revisionist skeptic and hate on it when it fails.

The point is the Wiz, and ISH, assume Beal is the player who can space the floor enough for their lineup to work. I doubt this. He probably wowed them in workouts but that's what workout warriors do, wow when not playing against anyone.

[Roc Nation]

The very worse trades are the one's where ISH signs off in the beginning only to go revisionist skeptic and hate on it when it fails.

The point is the Wiz, and ISH, assume Beal is the player who can space the floor enough for their lineup to work. I doubt this. He probably wowed them in workouts but that's what workout warriors do, wow when not playing against anyone.
What is your opinion of the current NBA Finals?

[HylianNightmare]

damn solid move for the wizards, holy shit

[anthonyRandolph]

atleast now everyone can stop making up BS trades for our #10 pick.

[The Big Skinny]

The very worse trades are the one's where ISH signs off in the beginning only to go revisionist skeptic and hate on it when it fails.

The point is the Wiz, and ISH, assume Beal is the player who can space the floor enough for their lineup to work. I doubt this. He probably wowed them in workouts but that's what workout warriors do, wow when not playing against anyone.

Says the Perry Jones fanboy.

He is the definition of workout warrior. Wows people with his measurements and his ability to shoot the J.

Dude is a dud. Watch game tape. Seems to never show up in big games. Quincy Acy carried that team along with Pierre Jackson.

In other news, Beal is the best SG prospect and that is what we need. MKG is a very nice piece, but his scoring ability even more suspect than Beal.

[Meticode]

Obviously must be for money, because the Wizards make out good in the trade. Who should be starting center for the Wizards? Nene or Okafor?

[PleezeBelieve]

Perry Jones: 14/7 50%

Beal: 14/2 44%

Keep the nonsense going. I guarantee MKG becomes a better NBA player than Beal. It won't be even close. Stay in your draft mode denial.

[Rowe]

Can John Wall shoot yet?

That is the real question.

When he does. Watch out!

[The Big Skinny]

Perry Jones: 14/7 50%

Beal: 14/2 44%

Keep the nonsense going. I guarantee MKG becomes a better NBA player than Beal. It won't be even close. Stay in your draft mode denial.

You just compared the stats of an SG and a PF.

Congrats. :facepalm

[hawkfan]

Not a good trade for the Hornets.
Okafor would have been a good player alongside Davis. Ariza possibly could have been moved for someone else.
Now they will have more cap space, but it is not going to be easy to get someone to come there.

Maybe the Hornets will target Asik - that would be a good pick up at the bigs.

Good trade for the Wizards. They get two serviceable players for Lewis, who would have been bought out anyway.

Now it's time for the Wizards to amnesty Blatche and create another 7 million in cap space.

[fatboy11]

i did not know you could make trades while the NBA postseason was going on.

You can as long as your season is over. Thunder and Heat are the only teams that can't.

[Cali Syndicate]

Good trade for the Hornets.

I think it works well both ways.

[Rowe]

Pretty sure they were getting Kevin Martin too. Not too bad really.
Well something happened to all 3 players involved as Kevin Martin, Luis Scola, & Lamar Odom each had down seasons compared to the last few years.

It would've been a disastrous deal had it gone through for New Orleans and their future with no marquee player, but their GM was adamant on doing it.

He probably could still get all 3 players if he wants since both Martin/Scola are on the Block and Dallas has made it clear Odom is gone.:confusedshrug:

[Rowe]

Not a good trade for the Hornets.
Okafor would have been a good player alongside Davis. Ariza possibly could have been moved for someone else.
Now they will have more cap space, but it is not going to be easy to get someone to come there.

Maybe the Hornets will target Asik - that would be a good pick up at the bigs.

Good trade for the Wizards. They get two serviceable players for Lewis, who would have been bought out anyway.

Now it's time for the Wizards to amnesty Blatche and create another 7 million in cap space.

I think the Hornets should now draft Davis at #1 and then grab a C at #10.

They still have both Gustavo Ayon & Jason Smith who are serviceable big men to throw in at the C position. They probably should add a backup C who is more of a space eater on defense, someone like Jason Collins or Aaron Gray.

[jbot]

gotta be for cap space. awesome deal for washington.

[fatboy11]

I wonder just how low Andray Blatche's stock is right now.

I'd almost like to see them trying to package the #3 pick with Blatche to get rid of him. Maybe to Atlanta for Josh Smith and #23? Eh, probably not a good trade. #23 would net them a decent player. Probably an older rookie that's more ready to play right away and Smith would fit in well with Wall. Atlanta would get a player that does have honest potential in Blatche, maybe could allow them to move Horford to the 4. At #3, they could get a very good player that could end up being as good as Josh Smith, or they could go with MKG (NBA ready defender?).

[chips93]

Decent trade for both teams although the Hornets got the better of it.

Wiz clearly looking for some proven veterans to add to their young core and let them draft a shooting guard (although I would have loved to see MKG and Wall together). Hornets get a monster expirer to allow them to give Eric Gordon a max contract and secure their core of Davis + Gordon.


just because they traded for ariza doesnt mean that they wont draft MKG, they would be retarded to think ariza is a long term solution at SF. ariza is garbage, and not somebody you wanna build around. they should still draft mkg


You just compared the stats of an SG and a PF.

Congrats. :facepalm


and on top of that, lied. beal averaged 6.5 boards a game, not 2

[niko]

Not sure what Washington is doing. Clogs their cap for 2 more years, makes them decent at best. Nene and Okafor is a decent front line but it's not winning anything. It could miss the playoffs still. And they found a way to clog their cap even longer than the Lewis contract did.

[steve]

Not sure what Washington is doing. Clogs their cap for 2 more years, makes them decent at best. Nene and Okafor is a decent front line but it's not winning anything. It could miss the playoffs still. And they found a way to clog their cap even longer than the Lewis contract did.

How would they have used that cap space though? Have you looked at the free agents available in '13, it's not a terribly impressive group outside of Paul and Howard (neither of whom the Wizards were likely to sign). Plus, it's only an extra year and both contracts are easier to move instead of one giant lump of $22 mil.

[WillyJakk]

Posted this on another forum:

Honestly love the trade for Washington.

Seems like a "Transformers" trade...there's more to it than meets the eye.

I think they're gonna try to put themselves in position to maybe trade Okafor+#3 for Bynum or something big like that.

Not saying the Lakers go for it or if Bynum is even the target but it seems like they have ulterior motives like trading Nene+#3 or Okafor+#3, likely Nene since his contract is longer.

This way they can easily sign a FA SG to put next to Wall.

Maybe even Okafor +#3 or Nene +#3 for Perkins & Harden?

[jcyrus10]

As hornets fan, im happy for this trade. Now we are moving. We have cap space and Hopefully we draft a good pg at #10. If lewis will play like he was with 2009 Magic, i can see us making a run for playoffs.

[GOBB]

just because they traded for ariza doesnt mean that they wont draft MKG, they would be retarded to think ariza is a long term solution at SF. ariza is garbage, and not somebody you wanna build around. they should still draft mkg

Wash drafted Jan Vesely (6th) and Chris Singleton (18) last draft. You then trade for Ariza who will be there for atleast a season (maybe 2 if he doesnt opt out). Turning around and drafting MGK wouldnt make sense. Sure he's talented in comparison to those 3. But what do you do with the others?

Meanwhile your SG position Jordon Crawford. Who else? Roger Mason, Mo Evans? Come on. :confusedshrug:

[OG LeeTSkeeT]

Damn, and I really wanted to see Wall run the fast break with MKG as well. Next move is to amnest Blatche. And the Wizards should be at least decent within 2-3 years.

[bagelred]

If lewis will play like he was with 2009 Magic, i can see us making a run for playoffs.

:oldlol: No chance New Orleans makes the playoffs, unless the Unibrow turns into Shaq. Lewis will probably be bought out anyway..........

[bagelred]

Not sure what Washington is doing. Clogs their cap for 2 more years, makes them decent at best. Nene and Okafor is a decent front line but it's not winning anything. It could miss the playoffs still. And they found a way to clog their cap even longer than the Lewis contract did.

Not everything is about winning a championship. Sometimes you just want to get better and change the culture. You want to surround Wall with some established players so he can learn and also so he'll stay there. That old Washington situation was toxic.

[chips93]

Wash drafted Jan Vesely (6th) and Chris Singleton (18) last draft. You then trade for Ariza who will be there for atleast a season (maybe 2 if he doesnt opt out). Turning around and drafting MGK wouldnt make sense. Sure he's talented in comparison to those 3. But what do you do with the others?

Meanwhile your SG position Jordon Crawford. Who else? Roger Mason, Mo Evans? Come on. :confusedshrug:

isnt vesely a pf?

i still dont think having ariza and singleton justifies not taking the better prospect

[chips93]

Not everything is about winning a championship. Sometimes you just want to get better and change the culture. You want to surround Wall with some established players so he can learn and also so he'll stay there. That old Washington situation was toxic.

changing the culture is a necessity for winning a championship

[hawksdogsbraves]

The Wizards have a pretty good front court now, if Beal/Barnes turns out to be a good SG for them then they definitely could be a surprise team next year.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Posted this on another forum:

Honestly love the trade for Washington.

Seems like a "Transformers" trade...there's more to it than meets the eye.

I think they're gonna try to put themselves in position to maybe trade Okafor+#3 for Bynum or something big like that.

Not saying the Lakers go for it or if Bynum is even the target but it seems like they have ulterior motives like trading Nene+#3 or Okafor+#3, likely Nene since his contract is longer.

This way they can easily sign a FA SG to put next to Wall.

Maybe even Okafor +#3 or Nene +#3 for Perkins & Harden?

Wow, wonder what Laker fans think of those trades? They're very interesting, maintains a good frontcourt and adds a young potential franchise player for Bynum. And obviously makes the Wizards very dangerous if they can find a good FA SG.

[StroShow4]

I like Seraphin. Ariza hasn't had a good game in three years. Wizards should've kept the cap space.

[CLTHornets4eva]

Look at the money for Washington. It is nearly 20 mil a year for a 11/8 guy and a 10/5 guy. I think thats poor spending. I think Okafor is solid but would be a good guy on a contender not a fringe playoff team. The problem is the only place his contract fits is on a poor or mediocre team. Ariza and Wall will be an exposive combo in more than 1 way. I'm sure there will be some highlights but they will battle on a nightly basis for taking the most shots and making bad decisions.

New Orleans really has set itself up well long-term. Davis, & #10 pick plus the possibility of resigning Gordon and LOTS of money. When they cut Lewis, they will be among the best teams financially and lots of young parts in Aminu, Vasquez and Henry.

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

Like most trades, this is a good trade for both teams.
I like what Washington is doing here... bringing in solid, hard working, high-character veterans to set examples and actually contribute.
They will be improved next year.

[RazorBaLade]

Posted this on another forum:

Honestly love the trade for Washington.

Seems like a "Transformers" trade...there's more to it than meets the eye.

I think they're gonna try to put themselves in position to maybe trade Okafor+#3 for Bynum or something big like that.

Not saying the Lakers go for it or if Bynum is even the target but it seems like they have ulterior motives like trading Nene+#3 or Okafor+#3, likely Nene since his contract is longer.

This way they can easily sign a FA SG to put next to Wall.

Maybe even Okafor +#3 or Nene +#3 for Perkins & Harden?

i only like that if its a 3 team trade and that goes to nets and lakers get DWil. we need to win now, no time for a rookie

[niko]

Not everything is about winning a championship. Sometimes you just want to get better and change the culture. You want to surround Wall with some established players so he can learn and also so he'll stay there. That old Washington situation was toxic.
Seraphin looks like a good player. So he'll be buried behind two veterans who aren't getting any better. They traded into mediocrity You don't want to be mediocre. You want to be good or suck. Mediocre gets you midlevel picks. They are no closer to being good than they were last year.

I get the idea, but why Okafor and Ariza? THey are both so meh...

[The Macho Man]

How long before Andray Blatche gets traded?





He's untradeable.

Assuming this means they are drafting Beal which is a shame because I want Gilchrist

[Grinder]

just because they traded for ariza doesnt mean that they wont draft MKG, they would be retarded to think ariza is a long term solution at SF. ariza is garbage, and not somebody you wanna build around. they should still draft mkg




and on top of that, lied. beal averaged 6.5 boards a game, not 2

Not really, they drafted Vesely and Singleton, both small forwards last year in the first round. It's not likely they're going to roll with 4 small forwards, 3 of who can't shoot. Ariza's locked up for a few years and could be a solid contributor. Wall, Beal, Ariza, Nene and Okafor could be a real killer lineup defensively.

[MeLO MvP 15]

You know it's great for the Wizards to add some more talented veterans to help balance the youth and give them someone to help them learn the right way... but why'd they have to get two highly paid vets? At least they'll both be able to contribute.

Well I thought Washington should take Beal before, and this just solidifies that. Barnes wouldn't be a bad choice either.

Side note: it amazes me how much MKG's stock has fallen. He went from sure fire #2 to the top 5-6.

[hawkfan]

He's untradeable.

Assuming this means they are drafting Beal which is a shame because I want Gilchrist

Amnesty for Andre. Clears out 7 million in cap space.

[Blue&Orange]

So the wizards just traded a expiring contract for Ariza and Okafor, $48mil tied up until 2014...

Weren't big expiring contracts supposed to be really,really valuable?



:biggums:

[hawkfan]

So the wizards just traded a expiring contract for Ariza and Okafor, $48mil tied up until 2014...

Weren't big expiring contracts supposed to be really,really valuable?



:biggums:

The Wizards are more interested in changing their locker room culture than anything else and having veteran guys around Wall and whoever they pick this year.

They've done that. Let's see if Okafor, Nene and Ariza stay healthy.

Maybe we will see Ariza swapped out for JJ Redick, whose shooting would help stretch the floor for the Wizards.

[chips93]

Not really, they drafted Vesely and Singleton, both small forwards last year in the first round. It's not likely they're going to roll with 4 small forwards, 3 of who can't shoot. Ariza's locked up for a few years and could be a solid contributor. Wall, Beal, Ariza, Nene and Okafor could be a real killer lineup defensively.

the more i think about, im not so sure

theres reports coming, supporting both sides, some saying that it will have no effect, others saying its case-closed, they are taking beal

guess we'll have to wait and see

as for vesely, of the 20 lin-ups he was most featured in, he wasnt a SF once, so hes definitely a PF right now, he was a center more than he was a SF

http://www.82games.com/1112/11WAS14.HTM

[Kujo]

Hornets needed to free-up minutes for Aminu, plus there was no need for Okafor with Davis on the way. Plus, the amount of cap space they'll free up once they dump Lewis.

Wizards needed some vets. Good deal for both teams.

[Rowe]

Hornets needed to free-up minutes for Aminu, plus there was no need for Okafor with Davis on the way. Plus, the amount of cap space they'll free up once they dump Lewis.

Wizards needed some vets. Good deal for both teams.

The Hornets needed Okafor, espescially at C. He was hurt last season but he's the right type of compliment as a bulky 6'10 C who maintains the post to be paired with a skinny PF like Anthony Davis.

Davis is going to spend much of next season trying to find his game, whether facing up to attack the basket or mid-range jumpers. I think it would be a bad decision for New Orleans to expect him to play in the post on offense or defense as a rookie. He should be more of a weakside help defender in the NBA so he can collect blocks.

[Rowe]

the more i think about, im not so sure

theres reports coming, supporting both sides, some saying that it will have no effect, others saying its case-closed, they are taking beal

guess we'll have to wait and see

as for vesely, of the 20 lin-ups he was most featured in, he wasnt a SF once, so hes definitely a PF right now, he was a center more than he was a SF

http://www.82games.com/1112/11WAS14.HTM

The only problem with drafting MKG would be that you'd be hoping that your PG & SF can develop jumpshots ASAP, along with your Top 10 pick from last season in Vesely. That would be 3 straight Top 10 picks who can't shoot the ball to help space the floor on offense, and thats a huge problem.

At the same time, the Wizards "best shooter" would be Jordan Crawford at SG and he shot a terrible 28% from 3.

[chips93]

The only problem with drafting MKG would be that you'd be hoping that your PG & SF can develop jumpshots ASAP, along with your Top 10 pick from last season in Vesely. That would be 3 straight Top 10 picks who can't shoot the ball to help space the floor on offense, and thats a huge problem.

At the same time, the Wizards "best shooter" would be Jordan Crawford at SG and he shot a terrible 28% from 3.

thats a great point, and its something im sure the wizards FO has spent a lot of time mulling over

[longtime lurker]

He's untradeable.

Assuming this means they are drafting Beal which is a shame because I want Gilchrist

A lot of teams would take him if it meant getting a first round pick in the deal. Lakers should trade him for their TPE.

[hawkfan]

The Hornets needed Okafor, espescially at C. He was hurt last season but he's the right type of compliment as a bulky 6'10 C who maintains the post to be paired with a skinny PF like Anthony Davis.

Davis is going to spend much of next season trying to find his game, whether facing up to attack the basket or mid-range jumpers. I think it would be a bad decision for New Orleans to expect him to play in the post on offense or defense as a rookie. He should be more of a weakside help defender in the NBA so he can collect blocks.

Agree with this.
Also Okafor can beat up people up where Davis can't. No one questions Okafor's toughness.

That said, maybe NO will go after a big in free agency, Asik or Lopez. Asik could play the same role of banger/protector that Okafor played. He's no softy.

[GOBB]

He's untradeable.

Assuming this means they are drafting Beal which is a shame because I want Gilchrist

Someone could trade for him. Just depends on what Wizards are willing to take back in return.

[KingBeasley08]

Someone could trade for him. Just depends on what Wizards are willing to take back in return.
Blatche is awful. I'd be shocked if any team even considered trading for him

[dzav323]

Agree with this.
Also Okafor can beat up people up where Davis can't. No one questions Okafor's toughness.

That said, maybe NO will go after a big in free agency, Asik or Lopez. Asik could play the same role of banger/protector that Okafor played. He's no softy.
Okafor was never the same after he got hurt midway through the 10/11 season. He was an absolute non-factor in the NOLA-Lakers series and got manhandled by both Gasol and Bynum (yes I know top big men), and the games he played this past season, he just wasn't the same, could've been due to injury, but I don't think so. Also Mek is as soft as there is when he has the ball in the paint.

BUT, Mek did produce the Block of the year :bowdown:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOAUzD65sA0

[LBJMVP]

so does this mean that wizards are gunning for bradley beal and the cavs have a better shot at MKG?

[The Macho Man]

so does this mean that wizards are gunning for bradley beal and the cavs have a better shot at MKG?

It would appear that way:( :( :( :(

[roffie]

great for both teams imo.

good on the wizards.. finally bringing some relatively-decent players to back up john wall. hurray!

i hope they ship out jordan crawford too, that guy is a bone head.

[RedBlackAttack]

The only problem with drafting MKG would be that you'd be hoping that your PG & SF can develop jumpshots ASAP, along with your Top 10 pick from last season in Vesely. That would be 3 straight Top 10 picks who can't shoot the ball to help space the floor on offense, and thats a huge problem.

At the same time, the Wizards "best shooter" would be Jordan Crawford at SG and he shot a terrible 28% from 3.
There is no problem with drafting MKG No. 4 overall in the draft, considering I think he is the second best player and may have the best pro career of anyone entering this year.

Of course, it is all conjecture at this point, but I'd rather have a very athletic, high character, high motor workaholic with a hitch in his jumper as opposed to a guy with a good jumper but not a great athlete, not a great motor and a questionable character.

The jumpshot is quite literally MKG's only drawback. He is the youngest player in the draft and may step into the league as a second or even first tier defender and rebounder for his position.

Yeah... I'll take it.

Kyrie can shoot the lights out. It isn't like our young core is lacking jumpshots across the board (like Washington).

[Qwyjibo]

As a Raptors fan I love this trade. Why? Because it's completely idiotic for Washington and whoever is running that team is an impatient moron. There's one East team you probably don't have to worry much about for the next little bit.

Since they have locked themselves into irrelevant mediocrity for the next couple years, Washington better score huge in this upcoming draft because it's their last chance to get a significant piece to add to their core (which consists of only John Wall). This is exactly how you don't build a long-term winner and manage your cap in the NBA.

[The Macho Man]

As a Raptors fan I love this trade. Why? Because it's completely idiotic for Washington and whoever is running that team is an impatient moron. There's one East team you probably don't have to worry much about for the next little bit.

Since they have locked themselves into irrelevant mediocrity for the next couple years, Washington better score huge in this upcoming draft because it's their last chance to get a significant piece to add to their core (which consists of only John Wall). This is exactly how you don't build a long-term winner and manage your cap in the NBA.

They will still be terrible and get high draft picks

[Qwyjibo]

They will still be terrible and get high draft picks
With how weak the East is? I doubt it. They are a team that should be able to sneak into the 8th seed and of course immediately get swept.

For a team so far away from being good, I don't understand how bringing in high-priced players like Nene, Okafor and Ariza makes any sense. Those guys at their best are merely "above-average". What Washington is doing is exactly what I fear Bryan Colangelo might do to the Raptors very soon. Build the ultimate treadmill team.

Some of the talk in this thread about a "winning culture" is total nonsense as well, IMO. When you get that by building the ultimate treadmill team, it's not going to make any difference in the long-run. Washington should be building a talented young core to go along with Wall.

[G-train]

This trade says to me that the Wizards expect Wall to jump into a Rose type player next season. Not sure about that, but its possible.

[The Macho Man]

With how weak the East is? I doubt it. They are a team that should be able to sneak into the 8th seed and of course immediately get swept.

For a team so far away from being good, I don't understand how bringing in high-priced players like Nene, Okafor and Ariza makes any sense. Those guys at their best are merely "above-average". What Washington is doing is exactly what I fear Bryan Colangelo might do to the Raptors very soon. Build the ultimate treadmill team.

Some of the talk in this thread about a "winning culture" is total nonsense as well, IMO. When you get that by building the ultimate treadmill team, it's not going to make any difference in the long-run. Washington should be building a talented young core to go along with Wall.

I agree that would be terrible for them. I just don't think they will be that good.

Think the only teams in the east that will be worse are the Bobcats and Raptors and possibly Nets depending what happens with them.

[The Big Skinny]

As a Raptors fan I love this trade. Why? Because it's completely idiotic for Washington and whoever is running that team is an impatient moron. There's one East team you probably don't have to worry much about for the next little bit.

Since they have locked themselves into irrelevant mediocrity for the next couple years, Washington better score huge in this upcoming draft because it's their last chance to get a significant piece to add to their core (which consists of only John Wall). This is exactly how you don't build a long-term winner and manage your cap in the NBA.

You are overreacting my friend.

1st of all, this smells of a stepping stone trade. I don't see us keeping everyone on the current roster.

2nd off, Both players become expiring contracts after next season. With the ability to amnesty Andray Blatche, we have 7 million freed up off of the books

3rd, and seemingly most important, we have brought some real professionals to show these young guys how to be real pros. People seem to forget that the Wizards have 7 players under the age of 23.

4th, I may be mistaken, but I don't feel there are any big name free agents that are worth going after this year or next. Why not get a few players who can help improve some of the young guys.

5th, Ernie Grunfeld AND HC Randy Wittman have 2 years left on their deals, so this team could potentially be a whole new organization in 2 years. With that being said, this trade makes us better now and still gives us flexibility in the near future.

[anthonyRandolph]

As a Raptors fan I love this trade. Why? Because it's completely idiotic for Washington and whoever is running that team is an impatient moron. There's one East team you probably don't have to worry much about for the next little bit.

Since they have locked themselves into irrelevant mediocrity for the next couple years, Washington better score huge in this upcoming draft because it's their last chance to get a significant piece to add to their core (which consists of only John Wall). This is exactly how you don't build a long-term winner and manage your cap in the NBA.
as a hornets fan I love it too, cheers :cheers: also that's what I've always been afraid of NOLA becoming

[GOBB]

Blatche is awful. I'd be shocked if any team even considered trading for him

I thought the same for Samuel Dalembert and he was traded for. All it takes for one team to feel they could be the change of enviroment for Blatche. You shouldnt be shocked. The guys who are untradeable are superstars like Durant, Rose, Bron.

[2LeTTeRS]

This trade says to me that the Wizards expect Wall to jump into a Rose type player next season. Not sure about that, but its possible.

This was the first thing I thought when I saw that this trade was going down. Glad to see that the Wiz believe in him so much, and I really believe the team has given him a good enough supporting cast to make the playoffs if he develops as i expect.

[Qwyjibo]

This trade says to me that the Wizards expect Wall to jump into a Rose type player next season. Not sure about that, but its possible.
Pretty much. The Wizards just accelerated their rebuilding (for no good reason, IMO). They need to hope that whoever they pick in this draft turns into at least a solid starter in the NBA and that Wall turns into a star. I like John Wall and think he's a great piece to build with but again, I don't know why Washington is rushing things like this. Oh wait, now I do...


5th, Ernie Grunfeld AND HC Randy Wittman have 2 years left on their deals, so this team could potentially be a whole new organization in 2 years. With that being said, this trade makes us better now and still gives us flexibility in the near future.
If that's the case then it's obvious why this trade was made. The front office is scrambling to save their jobs. They want to put out a winner ASAP even if it's an illusion of a middling team with a low long-term ceiling. This is the problem with not getting rid of management and allowing them to screw over the long-term prospects of your team. Again, as a Raptors fan, I know this too well as it's likely about to happen here in Toronto this offseason.


2nd off, Both players become expiring contracts after next season. With the ability to amnesty Andray Blatche, we have 7 million freed up off of the books
Both Okafor and Ariza have 2 years left (Nene too), Rashard had 1. The Wizards just wasted an extra year or cap room with this trade. The part I don't like is that they added enough mediocre to solid players to not be in a position to nab another lottery pick and finish rebuilding properly.

[Droid101]

The Wizards are a 6th seed with this move.

They were beating everyone at the end of the season after they got Nene. Now they have even more veteran defenders?

Please. This is a move to get people in the seats. They'll be a 6-9 seed for two years (if their rookie this season doesn't pan out) and even better if he does.

[2LeTTeRS]

Both Okafor and Ariza have 2 years left (Nene too), Rashard had 1. The Wizards just wasted an extra year or cap room with this trade. The part I don't like is that they added enough mediocre to solid players to not be in a position to nab another lottery pick and finish rebuilding properly.

How long do you think they should re-build? Having young players is nice, but 90% of the time a core of nothing but young players means you develop bad habits like has been happening in DC the last 2-3 years instead of becoming the next OKC.

This trade means the young guys (Wall, Crawford, Seraphin, Vesely and whoever they draft this year) will have seasoned professionals in Okafor and Ariza along with Nene to learn from and battle with.

This team has been in the lottery for 4 long years and even had the #1 pick before, it's time to start trying to win.

[Qwyjibo]

This trade means the young guys (Wall, Crawford, Seraphin, Vesely and whoever they draft this year) will have seasoned professionals in Okafor and Ariza along with Nene to learn from and battle with.
Because, personally, I think the only one worth a damn out of those is Wall. That's why I'm saying their upcoming pick must work out for them. John Wall and a couple 29-30 year old forwards like Nene and Okafor is not a core that you can build a winner with.

But again, that might not be the goal in Washington. You have a GM that is scrambling so a few low seeded playoff appearances and never getting past the 1st round might be enough for them. If I was a fan of the Wizards, it wouldn't be enough for me. I'd rather endure another bad year if the plan is to eventually build a long-term conference contender than sit through mediocrity.

Just wait until the Raptors package their pick plus other players for someone like Iguodala and sign another veteran. Then you'll hear me harping about the Raptors idiotic front office screwing up the future for meaningless short-term results just like the Wizards. :oldlol:

[iamgine]

Decent trade for both teams although the Hornets got the better of it.

Wiz clearly looking for some proven veterans to add to their young core and let them draft a shooting guard (although I would have loved to see MKG and Wall together). Hornets get a monster expirer to allow them to give Eric Gordon a max contract and secure their core of Davis + Gordon.

Wiz:
Wall / Mack
Beal / Crawford
Ariza / Vesely / Singleton
Nene / Blatche / Booker
Okafor / Seraphin

I don't know if they have their amnesty available but they need to get rid of Blatche.

Hornets:
Jack / (Marshall or Lillard?) / Vasquez
Gordon / Henry / (Belinelli?)
Aminu / Lewis
Davis / (?)
Smith / Ayon

Hornets roster is really bare and it remains to be seen what direction they go in with the 10 pick but it's a promising core to build around. I think they should resign Belinelli at a reasonable price, let Kaman and Landry walk, draft Kendall Marshall, and try to fill their holes with low salary, low risk-high reward signings like Greg Oden, Hasheem Thabeet, etc.
I heard somewhere that Belinelli has the worst + - by far or something like that.

[The Macho Man]

Because, personally, I think the only one worth a damn out of those is Wall. That's why I'm saying their upcoming pick must work out for them. John Wall and a couple 29-30 year old forwards like Nene and Okafor is not a core that you can build a winner with.

But again, that might not be the goal in Washington. You have a GM that is scrambling so a few low seeded playoff appearances and never getting past the 1st round might be enough for them. If I was a fan of the Wizards, it wouldn't be enough for me. I'd rather endure another bad year if the plan is to eventually build a long-term conference contender than sit through mediocrity.

Just wait until the Raptors package their pick plus other players for someone like Iguodala and sign another veteran. Then you'll hear me harping about the Raptors idiotic front office screwing up the future for meaningless short-term results just like the Wizards. :oldlol:

I like Seraphin too. He plays good D and has a solid post game and good touch. Just needs to rebound better.

Wall I don't see becoming a superstar # 1 type guy so Beal (who I assume they are taking) or Gilchrist ( who I hope they take) Needs to become that for them to be a good team going forward.

[2LeTTeRS]

Because, personally, I think the only one worth a damn out of those is Wall. That's why I'm saying their upcoming pick must work out for them. John Wall and a couple 29-30 year old forwards like Nene and Okafor is not a core that you can build a winner with.

I get where you are coming from, but I think you are undervaluing the positive effects a young player learns from playing in games that matter while still developing and conversely the negative effects from learning to accept losing.

As a Bobcats fan I've seen first hand guys with enormous talents waste them because of this. I've seen guys whose best skill is slashing begin to pull up more and more and rely on shaky jump shots on offense and or stop risking injury throwing their body around on D becuase nobody else on the team is, or even worse war with the coach (or in the case of TT do all 3) because of bad habits learned while losing.

If you can prevent that from happening you do everything you can to do so.


But again, that might not be the goal in Washington. You have a GM that is scrambling so a few low seeded playoff appearances and never getting past the 1st round might be enough for them. If I was a fan of the Wizards, it wouldn't be enough for me. I'd rather endure another bad year if the plan is to eventually build a long-term conference contender than sit through mediocrity.

I hear you but you have no further to look that the recent history of the Wizards to learn that does not always work. 2 summers ago people thought this team was going places when they got the 1st pick in the draft to go along with Nick young and their 2 promising young big men (McGee and Blatche) would make for a solid team in a few years. Now 3 of the 4 are gone.


I think Wall and the remaining young guys in Washington need to be protected from going any further down that path.


Just wait until the Raptors package their pick plus other players for someone like Iguodala and sign another veteran. Then you'll hear me harping about the Raptors idiotic front office screwing up the future for meaningless short-term results just like the Wizards. :oldlol:

:oldlol: at least your consistent.

[ROCSteady]

He's untradeable.

Assuming this means they are drafting Beal which is a shame because I want Gilchrist


You're a Wizards fan?! :rockon:

[Qwyjibo]

I read somewhere that Rich Cho told the Bobcats ownership that the team needed to be bad before it could truly be good. Or something along those lines. If the Bobcats ownership can stay patient and allow that kind of a rebuild to happen, that's exactly the long-term plan I'd want from my team. Whether or not Charlotte's big wigs allow him to stick to the plan after, likely another 2 tough losing years, is another thing.

When you are an NBA team that isn't located in LA, Miami, New York or Chicago, there are no shortcuts or quick fixes. You need to draft your core and basically get the timing right as well (have them together during their prime). You have to get lucky too. Teams like Washington, Toronto, Charlotte, and Cleveland need to stay the course. The problem comes in when you have people trying to save their jobs (understandably) when they should have already been relieved of them.