How about Artest goes to LA?

[RunNGun]

Considering that hell is officially freezing over now that the Clippers are actually spending money I think that one risky play deserves another in Clipperton.

Kings send:
Ron Artest

Clippers send:
Al Thorton
Brevin Knight (Waived by Kings)
Josh Powell (resigned by Clippers)
1st Rounder

Its a pain coming up with trade with the Clippers now because they have so few players under contract. So some fudging would have to be done later to make this trade work.

Why the Kings do it:
Kings get a multi-dimensional 3 that can slash, defend and rebound on a cheap rookie contact. The Kings complete their youthful core and leave only the future PG position open to be filled. A position that can looked to be filled once SARs, K9, and Miller contracts expire giving the Kings about $25 million in cap space.

Why the Clippers do it:
They shelled out the big bucks for Davis and look like they are gonna sign a big check over to Brand as well. If you're paying $40 million for two players you might as well do everything you can to build a contender. Artest brings...well...everything that RonRon brings. Toughness, defense, and one of the biggest match up problems in the league. Clippers become almost an instant powerhouse in the west.

 

[CruzDude]

.... and help the clippers to push the Kings out of the playoffs?? Don't like that

They keep Thornton and they need PGs too badly to get rid of Knight I think.

 

[Vlade4GM]

.... and help the clippers to push the Kings out of the playoffs?? Don't like that

They keep Thornton and they need PGs too badly to get rid of Knight I think.

For the kings to be pushed out of the playoffs, they got to be in it to begin with. Regardless, assuming the clips keep Brand they're going to make the playoffs whether they trade for Artest or not.

 

[DocHolliday]

How about no.

 

[Rockmeister]

.... and help the clippers to push the Kings out of the playoffs?? Don't like that

They keep Thornton and they need PGs too badly to get rid of Knight I think.

Who cares if it helps the Clippers push the Kings out of the playoffs...at least we get rid of Artest. And besides, the Kings aint going to the playoffs next year.

 

[SacKings4Life21]

Why dont we just try to trade Artest for Chris paul before he officially signs is massive extention. My god do you people watch the NBA? MAYBBBBBE its not absurd if you remove the 1st rounder. but thorton is as promising as anyone in last years draft not named durant or oden.

 

['89 Kings Fan]

.... and help the clippers to push the Kings out of the playoffs?? Don't like that

They keep Thornton and they need PGs too badly to get rid of Knight I think.

There is no way we are making the playoffs next year, this would hopefully propel us into the playoffs in 2009. Thornton in 2009 is better than no Artest when he bolts to another team.

A Lineup in 2009 of
Beno/Martin/Thornton/Thompson/Hawes

With Garcia and another 2 lottery picks ( I assuming the clippers do not make the playoffs with two very brittle players, Artest & Davis.) will have a good chance of making some noise. Plus that would be a fun team to watch.

 

[Rowdyone]

Why not consider the Lakers instead of the Clippers. Artest to the Lakers for Mihm, Ariza and Farmar. Mihm is a legit Center, strong rebounder and had a decent shot prior to his injury. Would give us depth at the Center position and make Moore expendable. Ariza would give us a legit 3, not a swing, who has some potential but wouldn't expect major minutes allowing our other wings to move in and out depending on matchups and who has the hot hand. Farmar combined with Beno and Singletary would give us major depth at PG. And by the time this group matures the Lakers would be on the downswing.

 

[RunNGun]

I realize this breaks the taboo against trading within your own division, but I have no problem with the Clippers making the playoffs. This may be the best deal available that actually works for both teams. Clippers are also one of the few teams left in the NBA that I believe are not on the Kings crap list. If they make the playoffs, then I would be all for it. Besides, would the Clippers being good really effect the Kings right now? If anything this would screw over the Lakers by throwing another potential contender into the mix who are about on the same timeline as them.