The moment of truth has arrived for teams looking to buy or sell on the NBA landscape this Thursday. Should be lots of fun to keep an eye on the movement in the hours and days ahead.
Here are nine players that could (probably only 2-3 of them will in fact move) be moving before 3pm EST on Thursday. Remember folks, it's just as much about $$$ as it is the on-court value of the player. Life in the Salary cap era!!
1. TRACY MCGRADY (Rockets) - Last year of his deal in Houston. Rockets want to get some value now for his expiring pact or they can hold it and have some flexibility in the summer. The Rockets will have to be blown away to give up this pact. Other teams (Knicks) are dying to get McGrady so they can flush his pact off their books and be major players this summer in free agency.
2. AMAR'E STOUDAMIRE (Suns)- Suns are having money issues and Amar'e doesn't fit the long term plans. He's not the same player he was a few years ago with the injuries he's had yet he still thinks he's a major guy and wants big money. If a deal can be had that works, See Ya!
3. ANTAWN JAMISON (Wizards)- The Wiz are a mess and they're trying to rid all contracts (note: Dallas trade) off their books that are long term obligations. He's a wonderful player and would be a major help to anyone who took him. A winner on and off the court.
4. RAY ALLEN (Celtics) - The C's are struggling and Allen has an expiring pact. Danny Ainge wants to get value for Allen's pact now if he can. Does Sacramento (with money issues) part with Kevin Martin and Andres Noccioni to improve their cap picture?
5. KIRK HINRICH (Bulls) - Chicago wants to be a player this summer. They know they're not going to get to the Eastern Conference Finals with this group. Can Hinrich, a good defender and steady guard, entice a contender to give up some expiring pacts to improve the Bulls' financial picture?
6. RIP HAMILTON (Pistons) - I still love his game and I think a change of scenery would be awesome for him. His pact probably prevents a deal though. A terrific winning player who could help a contender but money and contract length rules the day.
7. ZYDRUNAS ILGAUSKAS (Cavs) - Has an expiring deal and the Cavs need to win NOW with Lebron's contract status up in the air in the off-season. He'll be dangled out there with J.J. Hickson as they should be. Cavs need to get another good player and he might be able to help that process with the expiring deal.
8. ANDRE IGUODALA (Sixers) - He's NOT a prime-time player yet he's paid like one. Sixers would love to move this pact if they could as well as Elton Brand's. Not sure if either can be moved but worth a try. Attendance is way down in Philly and they might be sellers.
9. TROY MURPHY (Pacers) - If I were the Cavs I would do everything possible to get him. He's tougher than he looks and can be a double-double guy and an excellent third or fourth piece on a very good team. He shoots the lights out from behind the three-point line, which is great for LeBron with all the double teams and floor spacing, and he rebounds. I think Murphy is underrated by many. A good get in my eyes on a very good team.
