Could Yi Join Kings?

[sactownfan]

http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/268921.html

Could Yi join Kings?
by Scott Howard-Cooper
Bee Staff Writer

LAS VEGAS -- The stalemate between the Milwaukee Bucks and Yi Jianlian enters its second week today amid emerging details that Sacramento would be one of the preferred destinations for the lottery-pick forward if he is successful in forcing a trade, The Bee has learned.

Whether any talks between the Kings and Bucks have taken place is not known. Sacramento co-owner Gavin Maloof declined comment Wednesday night before watching courtside as Yi and the Chinese national team played the Boston Celtics in summer-league action at UNLV, and Milwaukee officials could not be reached. Yi's agent, Dan Fegan, also said he did not want to comment, hoping to avoid further inflaming a difficult situation.

Yi's future has been the source of constant speculation on two continents after the Bucks drafted him with the sixth overall pick June 28 despite previously being told they would not be allowed to attend a private workout in Los Angeles, an obvious signal that the intriguing prospect and the people around him did not want Yi to end up in Milwaukee. The Bucks took him anyway, and immediately faced a public relations problem as it became apparent the stance had not changed.


The reasons go much deeper than the common perception that Yi does not want to deal with the Wisconsin winters and live in a city with a very small Asian population. Although the lifestyle concerns are formidable, it is known he would have been excited to be drafted by other cold-weather teams and that the basketball issues are likewise pressing: the aggressive 6-foot-11 forward with an aggressive offensive game would join a roster that already has depth on the young frontline and therefore might not have as many opportunities to rapidly develop.

The Kings also are big-man heavy, with two established players at power forward, Yi's natural position. But Shareef Abdur-Rahim turns 31 in December, and Kenny Thomas turns 30 on July 25, and neither would appear to have a long-term role in the rebuilding plan.

Sacramento actually fits most of Yi's desires. It's a warm-weather city with a diverse population, a welcoming fan base and a short drive to the comfort of the Bay Area and a major Asian market. That, naturally, is important to opportunities his business advisers hope to develop.

The Kings' style of play also would be an attraction, or at least the style of uptempo play new coach Reggie Theus says he hopes to install. Yi is known for his mobility and smooth shot.

Sacramento faces major hurdles, though, in the possibility of a trade even coming close to reality. Most notably, the Kings have very little to offer that Milwaukee would want. The Bucks already have a skilled shooting guard (Michael Redd), so Kevin Martin doesn't hold the same lure as for other teams, and a heavy investment in a center (Andrew Bogut), so rookie Spencer Hawes isn't a great temptation.

Beyond that, Milwaukee general manager Larry Harris said he would not trade Yi, increasing the sense of a standoff that could last at least through the summer and very possibly into training camp in October. If the time does come that the Bucks change their stance, many teams with more to offer will show interest.

 

[Bricklayer]

Despite the title, this article didn't add much, if anything. Certianly no extra insight beyond what we alreayd have. Mostly just a generalized recap of stories that have snuck out all week.

 

[CruzDude]

Quite an intriguing thoght however. Yi a King? Salary wise an easy deal but what would Kings have to give up? Sure we'd like to unload SAR or Thomas but more likely Cisco and a 1st rounder. For Yi? In a New York minute. His style under Theus should work giving him a year to 2 to get into the NBA game. A front line of Artest, Hawes and Yi in a year? That could be interesting with Williams coming off the bench. hmm.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

If they are losing Mo Williams they are going to need a PG. Bibby and a top 5 (or 3 if that's what it takes) protected pick for Yi and either a reasonably short contract or a S&T on Williams to make the salaries match. That would set us up young across the board and we'd probably be able to swallow Kenny's contract if we can't find a taker.

 

[nbrans]

Sacramento faces major hurdles, though, in the possibility of a trade even coming close to reality. Most notably, the Kings have very little to offer that Milwaukee would want. The Bucks already have a skilled shooting guard (Michael Redd), so Kevin Martin doesn't hold the same lure as for other teams, and a heavy investment in a center (Andrew Bogut), so rookie Spencer Hawes isn't a great temptation.

Beyond that, Milwaukee general manager Larry Harris said he would not trade Yi, increasing the sense of a standoff that could last at least through the summer and very possibly into training camp in October. If the time does come that the Bucks change their stance, many teams with more to offer will show interest.

This is really all that needs to be said on the matter.

 

[Smills91]

It looks like Mo will probably stay in Milwaukee, that solidifies their 1 spot, especially if Charlie Bell stays as well. They got Villanueva at the 4 and Bogut at the 5. Of course Michael Redd is their guy at the 2. The 3 spot is their biggest need. Ron Artest IMO would be the most logical fit in a swap there...everyone here knows I'm not a huge fan of Yi...but the Bucks just used a #6 pick on the guy so they're going to want a decent return on the guy.

The most logical situation would be something like:

Ron Artest

for

Bobby Simmons/Rights to Yi.

The bucks shed some salary and get a talent upgrade, the Kings get a Ron replacement at the three and he'd expire with Kenny/Brad(we're probably not going to be able to move those two - which is Brad's case is a good thing, and in Kenny's case...aaARGH!).

IF a deal were to occur, that's the one I see happening.

I'm not really a fan of this idea, but from reports this idea would have some potential IMO. Even if I don't like it.

 

[Bricklayer]

If they are losing Mo Williams they are going to need a PG. Bibby and a top 5 (or 3 if that's what it takes) protected pick for Yi and either a reasonably short contract or a S&T on Williams to make the salaries match. That would set us up young across the board and we'd probably be able to swallow Kenny's contract if we can't find a taker.

Williams?

It goes without saying there is no way in hell you are going to get the Bucks to not only help you land Yi, but help you score their PG as well via a sign and trade. Everything else I agree with, but the Bucks might actually not need to send any salary our way if they lose Mo -- they are way under the cap and might well be able to jsut take on Mike's contract wihtout sending anything else back (of value). And if they do send something, its almost surely going to be a contract they do not want as part of the price being paid by us.

As an aside, in that situation, where they've lost Mo (to Miami most likely), I get touchy about that pick. Then they are trading Yi for a new starting caliber PG. That's not that unbalanced. I'd offer them a pick, but probably not next year, and/or not wihtotu signifcant protections. Realistically if you offered them the #6 pick next year straight up (obviousy you can't know exactly where you will stand) that would largely balance the scales for Yi (the #6 pick this year). Just "throwing in" an 18ppg scorer at that point goes over the top.

 

[Ryle]

Kenny/Artest and a 1st round pick for Simmons/Gadz/Yi

 

[Arena Skeptic]

Exactly

nbrans quoted the most relevant part of this article.

It's really hard for me to see this happening. The Bucks just spent a #6 pick to get Yi, and it's not like they're going to just give up. Artest just isn't that attractive to the other 29 teams; unfortunately, the Kings aren't going to get 50 cents on the dollar back for him. At this point, with Artest's contract, the Kings are better off just letting the clock run out, to obtain cap space.

Bucks will have no interest in Bibby, with or without his bloated contract (and with the bloated contract, that just makes things worse).

KT and Miller are effectively done as NBA players.

That leaves SAR, really... And then we're into players people won't want to give up. Face it, Milwaukee won't take Garcia for Yi; that's a pipe-dream.

I think, at best, the Kings are one of the lower teams on Yi's hot list. Teams like Chicago, New York, New Jersey, either LA team, Golden State, Houston and Dallas all have to be ahead of the Kings. Not saying he'd turn the Kings down if given a chance, but, let's face it, Yi wants to be in a place with bright lights and a large Chinese community. Sacramento's Chinese community is pretty large; the SF Bay Area's is way, way larger, and it has brighter lights.

I think cooler heads will prevail here, and Yi will sign with Milwaukee. After a year, if he still wants to leave, I'm sure Milwaukee will do its best to do so. But this is a little like Webber coming to Sacramento, where his very strong "No way!" almost turned into a title.

Because, you know, on paper, Milwaukee doesn't look bad to me. That'll eventually occur to both Yi and Fagan...

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Williams?

It goes without saying there is no way in hell you are going to get the Bucks to not only help you land Yi, but help you score their PG as well via a sign and trade. Everything else I agree with, but the Bucks might actually not need to send any salary our way if they lose Mo -- they are way under the cap and might well be able to jsut take on Mike's contract wihtout sending anything else back (of value). And if they do send something, its almost surely going to be a contract they do not want as part of the price being paid by us.

As an aside, in that situation, where they've lost Mo (to Miami most likely), I get touchy about that pick. Then they are trading Yi for a new starting caliber PG. That's not that unbalanced. I'd offer them a pick, but probably not next year, and/or not wihtotu signifcant protections. Realistically if you offered them the #6 pick next year straight up (obviousy you can't know exactly where you will stand) that would largely balance the scales for Yi (the #6 pick this year). Just "throwing in" an 18ppg scorer at that point goes over the top.

I'm operating purely on the assumption that they are losing Williams for nothing. Seems they'd do well to get something back - and Bibby if he returns to form is an upgrade although there is very little upside. So you're doing Bibby for Williams presumed advantage Bucks and Yi for future pick presumed advantage Kings. Really this one could blow up huge in either team's face.

If Williams does up and leave for nothing Bibby for Yi straight up if the money allows would work for both teams if Yi is adamant about not playing for them. Then with the pick next year we can fill the hole at PG if Price/Douby/whoever can't step up, or it facilitates bringing in a short term solution like J-Will in as part of an Artest trade.

 

[Smills91]

If the Yi's chi-com representatives are as stubborn on this issue as they are with so many others, then I very well could and would actually say probably would occur. The Bucks need the best talent they can get for Yi.

I don't think Garcia/future 1st is really enough for Yi, Maybe? I dunno.

John Salmons would probably have some value to the Bucks with his versatility especially if we took back Gadzuric(a contract they loathe) while adding in a 1st round pick. I'd say it's a solid offer at best, especially if there was only like top 5 protection on the pick.

I still think Artest for Simmons/Rights to Yi from Milwaukee's POV would be the best alternative WITH Sacramento...


Of course a Brandon Wright/Monta Ellis for Yi would make the most sense IMO with GS.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Despite the title, this article didn't add much, if anything. Certianly no extra insight beyond what we alreayd have. Mostly just a generalized recap of stories that have snuck out all week.

yup...I'm not looking for much in the way of any 'Yi to the Kings' possibilities. I think Bibby is a gonner, though...but that will be the only major trade of this summer, I imagine...just not to the Bucks.

 

[Smills91]

yup...I'm not looking for much in the way of any 'Yi to the Kings' possibilities. I think Bibby is a gonner, though...but that will be the only major trade of this summer, I imagine...just not to the Bucks.

I keep hearing that Bibby is a goner but really, I don't see any place or fit...the closest thing I could see is perhaps Miami. The reason why is that if we deal Mike then we have to get a PG back in return, which makes it a lateral move and we'd probably be downgrading because I don't see any PG's demanding trades right now.


I honestly think Geoff is looking to move Kenny and/or SAR. I think he'll give Mike/Ron one more run this year and if it doesn't work out, maybe at the deadline re-evaluate the dynamics of the roster.

 

[PFFFT!!]

I keep hearing that Bibby is a goner but really, I don't see any place or fit...the closest thing I could see is perhaps Miami. The reason why is that if we deal Mike then we have to get a PG back in return, which makes it a lateral move and we'd probably be downgrading because I don't see any PG's demanding trades right now.


I honestly think Geoff is looking to move Kenny and/or SAR. I think he'll give Mike/Ron one more run this year and if it doesn't work out, maybe at the deadline re-evaluate the dynamics of the roster.

JWill for Bibby might work. I think expiring contracts are what Petrie is looking for now.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Simple answer, no.

 

[Denio]

Why not get the Knick involved in a three way trade. They want Artest and probably would give the Bucks a better deal with picks and players.. just an thought...

 

[beb0p]

I think we should not get overboard with Yi. He'll be a good player for sure, maybe even an all-star someday. His speed and athleticism may compliment Hawes. But Yi ain't no franchise player. At best, he is the next Cliff Robinson, imo.

I would not trade a future first round pick for Yi. Who knows, with our team, that future 1st may net us a bonda fide star.

Our chance of landing Yi is not good. Unless Fegan says to the Bucks Sacramento is the only place Yi wants to go, then I don't see why the Bucks want any of our garbage.

If Petrie somehow lands Yi. He should be the GM of the Century. I think this deal is that impossible.

 

[Tarindel]

A couple of things

1) Yi is willing to consider Sac from what I've read. It give him access to the Bay Area, which has a large Asian population.

2) Mo Williams has not made a decision yet. From NBA.com:

Jul 12, 2007 1:1pm ET
Heat Waiting on Decision from Mo Williams
In the SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL, Ira Winderman writes "after Orlando made its move in free agency Wednesday, Heat coach Pat Riley arrived at the Magic's practice facility still hopeful of landing a counterpunch. Instead, Riley merely found himself watching more summer-league basketball, with a decision yet to be made by Bucks free-agent point guard Mo Williams."


It's a tough call for Williams -- stay where he is and make more, or go to a nicer city and play for a better team, but make less. Who knows what he'll pick. But if he does go to Miami, the chances of landing Yi go up significantly, imo. If he does not, the chances are slim to none.

Edit: Would I trade Bibby for Yi? Probably. Bibby isn't an effective leader for this team, and his defense hurts the entire team. Yi would at least bring some energy and interest again, even if it makes us worse in the short term. The only question is: If we trade Bibby, who's going to be our PG?

 

[nbrans]

1) Yi is willing to consider Sac from what I've read. It give him access to the Bay Area, which has a large Asian population.

2) Mo Williams has not made a decision yet. From NBA.com:

Jul 12, 2007 1:1pm ET
Heat Waiting on Decision from Mo Williams
In the SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL, Ira Winderman writes "after Orlando made its move in free agency Wednesday, Heat coach Pat Riley arrived at the Magic's practice facility still hopeful of landing a counterpunch. Instead, Riley merely found himself watching more summer-league basketball, with a decision yet to be made by Bucks free-agent point guard Mo Williams."


It's a tough call for Williams -- stay where he is and make more, or go to a nicer city and play for a better team, but make less. Who knows what he'll pick. But if he does go to Miami, the chances of landing Yi go up significantly, imo. If he does not, the chances are slim to none.

Edit: Would I trade Bibby for Yi? Probably. Bibby isn't an effective leader for this team, and his defense hurts the entire team. Yi would at least bring some energy and interest again, even if it makes us worse in the short term. The only question is: If we trade Bibby, who's going to be our PG?

Derrick Rose.

 

[fnordius]

Simple answer, no.

I agree. When you have a rookie to trade, and he has high perceived value, there are no vets in the NBA whose value and contracts are comparable, except maybe a couple of the best oldsters-playing-at-minimum like Mourning, and their value is very short term. So what you're really after is other rookie contracts and maybe additional compensation. Like Yi for Biedrins, Ellis, a couple of draft picks, and maybe some cash. Milwaukee needs some rebuilding, NOT vets, and I think Nellie might go for something along those lines. If not, Chicago probably would. As for us, I wouldn't mind giving up Hawes, but who else would they want? Martin and Garcia? Garcia, Williams and a first rounder? The realistic possibilities sound kind of painful, and if they don't like Hawes then we're not in the running at all.

But right now Milwaukee is swearing that they won't trade Yi, so it's premature to discuss why we wouldn't get him. Seems like someone had some column inches to fill, and no real story.

 

[Merdiesel]

Please Petrie, find away to get Yi!!!!!!!!

 

[BMiller52]

I agree. When you have a rookie to trade, and he has high perceived value, there are no vets in the NBA whose value and contracts are comparable, except maybe a couple of the best oldsters-playing-at-minimum like Mourning, and their value is very short term. So what you're really after is other rookie contracts and maybe additional compensation. Like Yi for Biedrins, Ellis, a couple of draft picks, and maybe some cash. Milwaukee needs some rebuilding, and I think Nellie might go for something along those lines. If not, Chicago probably would. As for us, I wouldn't mind giving up Hawes, but who else would they want? Martin and Garcia? Garcia, Williams and a first rounder? The realistic possibilities sound kind of painful, and if they don't like Hawes then we're not in the running at all.

But right now Milwaukee is swearing that they won't trade Yi, so it's premature to discuss why we wouldn't get him. Seems like someone had some column inches to fill, and no real story.

If GS does that deal they should just go kill themselves right now.

 

[kingzzzfan4ever]

I think CA teams would best suit Yi and remember the Chinese govt. is pulling the strings to some extent.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Would people please stop with the Yi stuff already? We're not getting him, we have nothing Milwaukee wants. It's not happening.

 

[fnordius]

If GS does that deal they should just go kill themselves right now.

Not really. Ellis isn't that great, and his contract ends in a year anyway. They're a playoff team, so their draft picks aren't going to be all that hot. A first, or a couple of seconds, in average draft years, are nothing to get very worked up about either way. So the big question is whether Yi has more upside than Biedrins, which is anybody's guess. Nellie's got to think over Yi and Brandan Wright sharing the forecourt and decide what that's worth to him.

But my point is, they've got more chips than we do. They could even do Brandan Wright for Yi pretty much straight across; Wright wouldn't have been a terrible pick at #6, by anybody's appraisal, and they fill most of the same needs. The Warriors seem very willing to take risks and aggressively pursue trades (as we saw on draft night), so I wouldn't be surprised if Yi arrived at the Oakland airport while Geoff was still trying to figure out if the hen had oodled.

 

[Kingster]

About the only way it could happen is if:

(1) for some reason B. Wright from Golden State would not be acceptable to the Bucks; and

(2) the representatives of Yi gave the Bucks a very small list of potential teams they would be interested in, one of which was the Kings. If the bidding is open to several teams, then the Kings have no chance because they don't have the ammo to make it happen.

 

[Ryazilian]

Yi-gads!!

I keep looking back at realgm.com and the report about Yi and his preference to be in Sacramento keeps getting bigger. There aren't necessarily any developments, it's just the same story only it has moved from rumor side note to rumor front page. I hate this. I wish old Petrie-dish would do something, pull a trigger somewhere because recycled off-the-wall rumors are annoying. Ok, I'm done venting... thanks.

 

[Ryle]

About the only way it could happen is if:

(1) for some reason B. Wright from Golden State would not be acceptable to the Bucks; and

(2) the representatives of Yi gave the Bucks a very small list of potential teams they would be interested in, one of which was the Kings. If the bidding is open to several teams, then the Kings have no chance because they don't have the ammo to make it happen.

Wright already signed a contract with the Warriors so I don't think they can trade him until sometime in December.

 

[VF21]

I keep looking back at realgm.com and the report about Yi and his preference to be in Sacramento keeps getting bigger. There aren't necessarily any developments, it's just the same story only it has moved from rumor side note to rumor front page. I hate this. I wish old Petrie-dish would do something, pull a trigger somewhere because recycled off-the-wall rumors are annoying. Ok, I'm done venting... thanks.

Simple solution? Quit depending on realGM for news about the Kings.

 

[kupman]

There aren't necessarily any developments, it's just the same story only it has moved from rumor side note to rumor front page. I hate this.

That pretty much sums up the entirety of our experiences here at Kingsfan for the past few weeks.