As often happens this time of year when none of my favorite teams are still playing, my mind has begun to wander to the NBA in general. I, like many other NBA enthusiasts, find almost as much excitement in the draft, trade, and free-agency extravaganza that is the post Finals post season. As my mind wandered this afternoon, I thought up an interesting possible scenario (at least to me anyway) involving the Miami Heat and LA Clippers.
As things appear currently, the Miami Heat has 2 major decisions to make this summer. #1. draft Michael Beasley or trade the pick? #2. resign Shawn Marion or sign and trade him? I propose that the answer to both questions is: all of the above.
You see, the Los Angelos Clippers also face a similar dillemna. Do they they keep the #7 pick in the NBA draft or trade it? And with Elton Brand, do they resign him or do a sign and trade? What I propose is that the Clippers do a sign and trade with Elton Brand to send him to the heat for a signed and traded Shawn Marion, along with swapping each team's respective draft picks. Crazy you say?
The Heat is currently mired in another dillemna right now. Dwayne Wade will be a free agent soon, and he wants to win now. Adding Elton Brand would help immensely. And considering that Miami could probably pick up a decent point guard prospect (such as OJ Mayo or Jared Bayless) with that 7th pick, this deal would seem to make sense. Wade needs a strong post player with a midrange game to accent his slashing, kamikazi playing style. Who better than Elton Brand to fill that role? And if Alonzo Mourning returns for another season (and he may be more strongly convinced by the addition of Brand), just imagine that post tandem. As good a player as Marion is, I just don't think that he and Wade would form a complete enough core to build a winner around. Wade and Brand however would be a tough core.
As for the Clippers, this trade would add a player who does a little bit of everything in Shawn Marion. His defense, long distance shooting, and tenacity on the boards would fill a lot of holes on LA's "other team". As for the post presence and rebounding of Elton Brand? Adding a young beast in Michael Beasley to a mix that already includes Chris Kaman and Marion would create a front line that can score, rebound, and block shots like few other teams can boast. And if they have a little luck and Shaun Livingston returns healthy, and they're able to resign Corey Maggette, this is really a team that could vastly improve over last year's version. In fact, for both Miami and the Clippers, this trade would do wonders.
No, this trade does nothing to fix the woes of my Cavaliers, or strengthen the promising core of my hometown Trail Blazers... but the thought does intrigue me as a potential blockbuster that could have enormous results.
Julie Henderson
Irina Shayk
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Great idea. You should be a GM.
Undefeated: is Go…
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Oregon City... like Portland, but older, wetter, and crappier!... lol
Still beats my local craphole.
thehemogoblin
The University Of, OR
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The only thing is, Marion has to agree to the sign and trade. Even with as much potential the Clips could have with Marion, Kaman and Beasley (if the Bulls do take Rose, and I'm not convinced they will), it's an uphill battle convincing a star to join the Clips. Their management is questionable to say the least. Every few years, it seems like the Clips have the pieces to actually put a respectable team on the floor, and it lasts for about a year and then fizzles out.
If I was Marion, I'd certainly have reservations about going to a team in LA not named the Lakers.
perfect360
Pittsburgh , PA
Total Comments (989)
Yeah, Oregon City is definitely not nearly as nice as Portland... but I like it.
As for Marion, I don't really get the impression he cares so much about what team he goes to as long as he gets paid what he thinks he deserves and he's given a shot to be "the guy" (afterall, he insisted on leaving a successful Phoenix Suns team). The Clippers can afford to pay Marion well, and while Beasley develops, Marion would have the opportunity to be the star veteran. As long as he's in Miami he will have to be Wade's sidekick, and the Heat have given the vibe that Marion would need to accept a sizable pay cut to stay in Miami, although I'm sure they would be willing to pay a little extra to land Elton Brand.
legendofnil
Oregon City , OR
Total Comments (17)
He might not be as picky in his selection as some, but remember, being "the man" on a mediocre team probably doesn't feed his ego.
And, even if he's the veteran on a team with Beasley NOW, he'd have to know that the team will be built around Beasley, and not him. He likely doesn't want to be a temporary fill in until Beasley develops into that role.
perfect360
Pittsburgh , PA
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OJ Mayo isnt a PG
djroxalot: Happy…
South Central Los Angeles, CA
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Marion has next year to play before becoming a FA
djroxalot: Happy…
South Central Los Angeles, CA
Total Comments (19420)
Both Marion and Brand are restricted free agents this summer, so they can accept offers from other teams and leave their respective teams empty handed (if their teams do not choose to match offer sheets), or the Heat and Clippers could pull off a deal like this one.
Mayo has been talked about a lot as a combo guard, and there are some who believe he has the tools to be a good point guard... but as of now, you are right. I have read mock drafts and writeups linking Mayo to the Heat if they decide to trade down... I just think that this trade would fill two holes for them vs. one.
legendofnil
Oregon City , OR
Total Comments (17)
I like it.. But Bayless is going 4 or 5. Mayo right now has jumped up to 3. I think the Heat will only do a trade with Memphis.. They want Mayo, or a huge upgrade and DJ augustin... The other thing is, if they trade that pick, they are only going to do it if a team will take an ugly contract such as Mark Blount.. Pat Reilly is too smart. The drop off from 2 to 7 is so big. The upgrade from Marion to Brand is very little..
How about Mark Blount and the number 2 for the number 3, Darko, Lowry, and Mike Miller. Hell, I will throw in Alexander too
hnic28
Huntingdon Valley , PA
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