I was thinking through the most likely trade scenarios I've seen in the past few weeks - especially considering Artest appears to be on the block - and it seemed to me that the most likely scenario out there was Artest for Najera/Kleiza. Najera is merely expiring, while Kleiza doesn't do much for us as a shooter with Martin/Garcia around. So I came up with this:
http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=4471839
Sac Trades: Ron Artest
Sac Receives: Eduardo Najera, Ronald Murray, Det 2008 1st round pick, Den 2009 1st round pick
Den Trades: Eduardo Najera, Linas Kleiza, 2009 1st round pick
Den Receives: Ron Artest
Det Trades: Ronald Murray, 2008 1st round pick
Det Receives: Linas Kleiza
Why it works:
Sacramento is looking to get rid of Artest - they get two expirings, a late first rounder in this year's draft, and another first rounder in next year's draft. Putting the picks in separate years keeps the Kings from having a roster crunch this year after the draft. Najera and Murray are not seriously considered to return after this year.
Denver is scared - they're finally competing and the Lakers just went out and got Gasol. They need to make a move now to get better while the Carmelo/Iverson/Camby roster is competitive, and Artest is available. They don't really want to trade Nene, so this is the easiest way to land Artest
and try to win now.
Detroit could use a SF to back up Prince as they make another run at the East. They give up a late first rounder this year and a guy they're not playing. Heck, Kleiza could even turn into something.
Why it doesn't work:
Sacramento definitely goes into rebuilding mode here. Artest, if he stays, could make the Kings competitive for a low playoff spot this year and next, while two late draft picks won't contribute for a while. On the other hand, Petrie may want to try to offload KT's contract with the Artest bargaining chip, and it's not happening here so the Kings might hold off.
Denver may be gunshy about Artest opting out after this year. At least Kleiza is under control for another year. And if Artest opts out, the 2009 pick may be a slightly better pick (high teens to low 20s?) than they want to give up for a half-year rental of Artest.
Detroit - I'm not a Detroit fan, but this deal looks to good to pass on for them. Kleiza as a useful backup for a playoff run in exchange for a guy who doesn't play and a very late first-rounder. Why not?
http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=4471839
Sac Trades: Ron Artest
Sac Receives: Eduardo Najera, Ronald Murray, Det 2008 1st round pick, Den 2009 1st round pick
Den Trades: Eduardo Najera, Linas Kleiza, 2009 1st round pick
Den Receives: Ron Artest
Det Trades: Ronald Murray, 2008 1st round pick
Det Receives: Linas Kleiza
Why it works:
Sacramento is looking to get rid of Artest - they get two expirings, a late first rounder in this year's draft, and another first rounder in next year's draft. Putting the picks in separate years keeps the Kings from having a roster crunch this year after the draft. Najera and Murray are not seriously considered to return after this year.
Denver is scared - they're finally competing and the Lakers just went out and got Gasol. They need to make a move now to get better while the Carmelo/Iverson/Camby roster is competitive, and Artest is available. They don't really want to trade Nene, so this is the easiest way to land Artest
and try to win now.
Detroit could use a SF to back up Prince as they make another run at the East. They give up a late first rounder this year and a guy they're not playing. Heck, Kleiza could even turn into something.
Why it doesn't work:
Sacramento definitely goes into rebuilding mode here. Artest, if he stays, could make the Kings competitive for a low playoff spot this year and next, while two late draft picks won't contribute for a while. On the other hand, Petrie may want to try to offload KT's contract with the Artest bargaining chip, and it's not happening here so the Kings might hold off.
Denver may be gunshy about Artest opting out after this year. At least Kleiza is under control for another year. And if Artest opts out, the 2009 pick may be a slightly better pick (high teens to low 20s?) than they want to give up for a half-year rental of Artest.
Detroit - I'm not a Detroit fan, but this deal looks to good to pass on for them. Kleiza as a useful backup for a playoff run in exchange for a guy who doesn't play and a very late first-rounder. Why not?
