Reality is, we're not going to get Hughes. He's out of our price range now and I'm sure Washington is going to do everything they can to keep him. Especially now that they're a playoff team. Even if Cat leaves we're over the salary cap. Corey Maggette would be great too, but that's a real longshot. We can't offer any impact players in return without creating more holes in the team somewhere else. I think Tyson Chandler and Stromille Swift are out of our price range too.
What we can get though is somebody who's ready to breakout. Or somebody with the defensive skills we need who's less valued because they're not a feared scorer. Some ideas:
Mickael Pietrus would be fantastic if we've got something Golden State might want for him. They've got a great SG already in J Rich, but they need big men. Not one of our strong suits really. He's not the best shooter out there, but he's a possible defensive specialist with some scoring ability. And he's to be had at bargain prices. We'd have to give up somebody important to get him though and his contract his small which makes that tough. Maybe a draft pick?
I was thinking Marco Jaric may be obtainable with the MLE and could be a good fit at SG. He's got good size, knows how to play defense, and loves to pass the ball. Sounds just about right doesn't it? Oh and he's Serbian too. Which I think should be weighed as a positive given the 'Peja Situation'. He definately wants out of Clipper town.
I'm still on the Theo Ratliff bandwagon (by myself I suspect) and I'm pretty sure Portland will be looking to unload his contract in the near future with the youth movement in full effect. Unless they want to keep him around as a role model, but that's a pricey role model. And he's a starter for us so his contract is justifiable. That's exactly the tough inside presence we need. Not the greatest rebounder, probably a small dropoff from the Kenny Thomas/Brian Skinner tandem, but he's a decent scorer around the basket. He's not a long term solution, but he might give us three years of continued contention. And I mean championship contention, not just making the playoffs.
Ronald Murray. Who isn't curious about that guy? Seattle seems to have forgotten about him.
Reggie Evans is a kay piece in Seattle. They'd be crazy not to keep him. It seems like Dalembert and Korver are going to be important pieces for Philly, but the former could be what we're looking for if they don't sign him to a big contract. I don't see why we'd want Korver. Signing Bobby Simmons should be priority number 1 for the Clippers. But they're the Clippers, so you never know. He may be out of our price range too. What team with money doesn't take a shot at that guy? Eddie Griffin and Kwame Brown are risky, but may be worth it. I'm not sure Big Z is an answer for us. He's not bringing a lot of defense with him. Joe Johnson would be a good call, but how can Phoenix break up that perfect unit the way they've been playing? And who would leave? He'll resign with them. Oh and Gadzuric sounds like a good idea. I really have no idea what Milwaukee's plans might be though other than trying to get Redd back. They're in a real tough spot. Does Redd say no to King James and co? Would you? Maybe Gadzuric slips through the cracks into Sacramento.
Man, it's really going to be interesting to see wha happens.
In the mean time, thank you Bobby Jackson! Bring on the Sonics!