What about Ron Artest as a Phoenix Sun?

[Jespher]

Since the suns just lost a devastating series with the team they were built to match up with, many "experts" are calling for a serious change with this team. Shaquille O'Neal is on the books for 2 more years, and Steve Nash isn't getting any younger. Here's a quote from Chad Ford when asked what roster moves Phoenix should make to remain in the west elite:

Ford: I'm not sure they shouldn't be going in the other direction -- dismantling this team and rebuilding around Amare. But if they want to take another desperation shot, a combination of Leandro Barbosa and the No. 15 pick in the draft might be able to land them another veteran who could help push them over the top.

As soon as I read that quote it lit a spark under me. Trade them Ron Artest! By any means necessary! Ron would fill their need for a defensive wing player with scoring punch who is easily adaptable to a slow or quick style of play. He would get along great with Shaq and Amare, and movng him would allow the Kings to rebuild on a much sturdier foundation. Here is one possible way of doing that

Kings Out:

Ron Artest

Kings In:

Leandro Barbosa
Phoenix Trade Exception
(Draft Pick??) (Hollinger mentioned it above, but I would still do the deal without it if it was holding things up)

Suns Out:

Leandro Barbosa
Trade Excemption
Draft Pick?

Leandro Barbosa is a BYC Player, but the trade exception should take care of the extra salary coming as Ron Artest...

Why the Kings do this: Between Ron Artest and John Salmons somethings gotta give. This removes a player that the team cannot rely on, for a position of need (Barbosa plays PG and was recently the NBA 6th Man). This allows the Kings to focus on the rebuild, and gives them a solid group at PG, their weakest position as of now (He would be a great compliment to Beno if they resign him). Maybe they would even draft a PF like I would like...

Why the Kings don't do this: Reggie Theus might think that Ron is irreplaceable...

Why the Suns do this: To incorporate a new system and stay competitive. Ron Artest improves the defense of any team he would be traded to and is only on the books for one season. This allows them to remain competitive with a beast of a front line, Artest, Amare, and Shaq

Why the Suns don't do this: Artest is very combustible, and his value can't be very high right now. The Suns might want to go in a different direction and continue to play the up-tempo style that Barbosa is brilliant at. This move would also deplete their guard depth. They might be trying to trade Boris Diaw instead.

Kings Roster that will actually play (Post Trade)(With Beno for the Midlevel)

PG Beno Udrich/Leandro Barbosa
SG: Kevin Martin/Leandro Barbosa/Quincy Douby
SF: John Salmons/Francisco Garcia
PF: Draft Pick/Mikki Moore/Sheldon Williams(Bring back Justin Williams!!!)
C: Brad Miller/Spencer Hawes/Mikki Moore

Suns Starting Lineup

Steve Nash
Raja Bell
Ron Artest/Grant Hill
Amare Stoudemire
Shaquille O'Neal

 

[ovrush]

well, at least the trade exemption and the 15th pick are looking a lot more intriguing these days. I still think we missed the boat there by not making that deal. We could be looking at a draft where we get Speights and Augustin, or Westbrook and best big left.

I don't think we can get Barbosa the trade exemption and the pick sadly, maybe if we included Salmons as indurance against an Artest meltdown or possible starter at the 2? Either way I think Phoenix is a logical trading partner as they're prety much stuck in "win now" mode and we have some interesting pieces that fit their needs.

 

[91sickness]

My roommate is a Suns fan and for the past couple of weeks I have been telling him how badly the suns need a guy like Artest. He would make their front line one of if not the best in the league as well as be the guy to slow down the parker/manu/cp3 type of players. I would love to see us trade Ron for their draft pick. (which would mean we have Atlantas first and second round pick, kinda funny). Make it happen Petrie!!!!

 

[rings4Kings]

This is a trade that I hope we look at. Even if we can't get Barbosa, if we can get there #15 pick and their trade exception for Artest, I think that’s a good deal. From their prospective, there is no player that will be available at 15 that will help them as quickly as Artest. For us, this would put us on the fast track to relevancy, and Petrie with a trade exception would be great for us.

 

[bajaden]

This is a trade that I hope we look at. Even if we can't get Barbosa, if we can get there #15 pick and their trade exception for Artest, I think that’s a good deal. From their prospective, there is no player that will be available at 15 that will help them as quickly as Artest. For us, this would put us on the fast track to relevancy, and Petrie with a trade exception would be great for us.

I think its an interesting idea and one that could be a win win for both teams. My question is, how long is the trade excemption good for. I believe its one of those use it or lose it type of things. However, I think that if you trade it before it expires, the new team is given a new warranty of sorts.

 

[rings4Kings]

I think its an interesting idea and one that could be a win win for both teams. My question is, how long is the trade excemption good for. I believe its one of those use it or lose it type of things. However, I think that if you trade it before it expires, the new team is given a new warranty of sorts.

This is a good question, one that I don't have an answer too. Another question is are able to trade Artest on the day of the draft, or before the draft? When is the trade restrictions lifted?

 

[CruzDude]

Now THIS is an interesting trade idea. Instant upgrade for the Suns, instant defense they lack and either Barbosa or Diaw plus #15 plus a trade exception!! If a new Suns coach can convince RonRon to play team ball, he is a major upgrade. And with Amare and Nash as kickout recipients, no more triple teams on RonRon and fewer doubles.

As for Kings, 2 picks in first 15 plus 2 picks in second adds big time flexibility to their summer, lets GP use his magic to get some real players AND it increases CAP space as well.

I like it.

But will the Suns?? No one at #15 remotely close to what RonRon brings and instant defensive upgrade. hmmmm

 

[Kingzrool]

I have been preaching Artest to the Suns since midseason, when all the talk was about Ron to Denver. They need the defensive presence. It would have gotten them through the Spurs IMO. When it was looking like Artest was going to opt out, I was OK with a bunch of picks and fillers, the Kings could use some of Phoenix's picks. I think it works great for both teams. I would do this version happily.

 

[Smills91]

The thing is, we can't get teh #15 pick unless one of two things happen. Ron opts INTO his ETO before the draft(meaning he files his paperwork stating he will NOT exercise his ETO) which then makes him a tradeable commodity or 2) THe suns draft FOR the Kings and trade away the Rights to the #15 pick after the July 1st deadline for when Ron has to opt into his contract.

 

[Jespher]

The thing is, we can't get teh #15 pick unless one of two things happen. Ron opts INTO his ETO before the draft(meaning he files his paperwork stating he will NOT exercise his ETO) which then makes him a tradeable commodity or 2) THe suns draft FOR the Kings and trade away the Rights to the #15 pick after the July 1st deadline for when Ron has to opt into his contract.

Getting Atlanta's pick would be fine and dandy, but it would appear to be the biggest snag in this deal. I would be very happy if the Kings traded Ron for Barbosa and the exception for the money to work out straight up.

 

[Vlade4GM]

The thing is, we can't get teh #15 pick unless one of two things happen. Ron opts INTO his ETO before the draft(meaning he files his paperwork stating he will NOT exercise his ETO) which then makes him a tradeable commodity or 2) THe suns draft FOR the Kings and trade away the Rights to the #15 pick after the July 1st deadline for when Ron has to opt into his contract.

Actually I think you can trade a player with an ETO as long as they sign off on the trade. Not sure, but I think that's how it works.

 

[fnordius]

But does he have an ETO, or a player option? My understanding was that it was the latter (although I've seen some press statements, which may or may not have been confused, referring to an ETO).

Because if it's a player option, we're not allowed to trade him unless he's accepted his option first. Not sure whether that's possible before the draft. Contract wording regarding options isn't standardized, so we may not be able to know the answer to this for sure.

 

[KCKingsCountry]

It would be a good trade that I would be in favor for. It would give us the flexiablity in the draft to select the BPA.

 

[Smills91]

Actually I think you can trade a player with an ETO as long as they sign off on the trade. Not sure, but I think that's how it works.

They have to file paperwork saying they decline their ETO, THEN they can be traded or July 1st comes which is like auto-renew. Ron COULD be traded, but he has say in it before the draft. Come July 1st, if he doesn't opt out, we don't have to include him in the loop.

 

[Bricklayer]

Nifty idea as it might be (and I do like it), entirely aside from having to rely on Ron to act rationally in the matter and help us, you also have the Sarver cheapskate factor: if Ron does not opt out (which is of course how we could make this trade), then it would be strictly a one year rental for the Suns. There is no way the Suns have the money to renew him after that. They might, might do it as a way to dump the awful Diaw contract on us, take their shot, and win, lose, or draw, rebuild after next season. But of course that means we get the awful Diaw contract in return. to nab an extra pick maybe that's worth it. But its another long term nearly unmoveable contract a lot like the ones that have already been strangling us.

 

[Kingster]

If you're the Kings you're absolutely out of your freaking mind if you don't do that deal.

The thing that gets me about Phoenix and Dallas is that both of them would have been better off at mid-season getting Artest than either Kidd or Shaq. First, they wouldn't have the salary cap debt with Artest. Second, he's not on the downhill slide like the other two. Third, it's been proven that he can be an adrenaline shot for a team getting him, which can elevate that team in the playoffs. Is he a "long term player"? NO. But neither are Shaq and Kidd. If they wanted to take a shot at just this year, why not do it? He would have done all the right things for a few months, and with that adrenaline, who knows, one of those teams might have gone all the way.

 

[BMiller52]

You can't combine a TPE with a player.

 

[LPKingsFan]

You can't combine a TPE with a player.

Yes. But you can always do two separate deals.

 

[fnordius]

You can't combine a TPE with a player.

Well, the OP wanted Justin back, so PHX can sign him for $2M and throw him in on the trade. There are lots of ways that it could be worked out, if the Suns' management is silly enough to try another shot with the core they have now.

I wouldn't want to be in Arizona if it happened. I'd be afraid that Ron and Shaq might reach some sort of terrible rapper critical mass.

 

[BMiller52]

Well, the OP wanted Justin back, so PHX can sign him for $2M and throw him in on the trade. There are lots of ways that it could be worked out, if the Suns' management is silly enough to try another shot with the core they have now.

I wouldn't want to be in Arizona if it happened. I'd be afraid that Ron and Shaq might reach some sort of terrible rapper critical mass.

They couldn't S&T him to us because they don't have his bird rights. Just like we can't S&T Beno to anybody.

 

[Vlade4GM]

But does he have an ETO, or a player option? My understanding was that it was the latter (although I've seen some press statements, which may or may not have been confused, referring to an ETO).

Because if it's a player option, we're not allowed to trade him unless he's accepted his option first. Not sure whether that's possible before the draft. Contract wording regarding options isn't standardized, so we may not be able to know the answer to this for sure.

Either way I doubt he's traded before or during the draft, just like I doubted it for Bibby last year.

 

[fnordius]

They couldn't S&T him to us because they don't have his bird rights. Just like we can't S&T Beno to anybody.

Aargh. True. I think I space out on that rule a lot, since it's one of the stupidest things ever put into the CBA. Hurts teams, hurts every player but Keith Van Horn. They really should kill that rule.

Not that it probably matters at all in this case. As much as I'd like it to happen, I agree that there's no chance Artest will be traded before draft night.

 

[ParniValjak]

I am reasonably sure that you cannot combine player and trade exceptions in a trade. It would have to be one of one trade (ie trade exception for a player) but the inclusion of picks is possible.

 

[Jespher]

I am reasonably sure that you cannot combine player and trade exceptions in a trade. It would have to be one of one trade (ie trade exception for a player) but the inclusion of picks is possible.

Then how else do you trade for a BYC player? Devin Harris was traded, so I know it is possible...

 

[SacKings7]

Then how else do you trade for a BYC player? Devin Harris was traded, so I know it is possible...

No, I don't think the team with the trade exception is allowed to trade it along with other players in the same deal. So no, Barbosa, TE, and the #15 for Artest doesn't work. But we could deal say, the TE and #15 for Artest, and if we wanted Barbosa, agree to a separate trade and throw in just a salary filler. (Teams sometimes intentionally lose on 1 trade just to make another pre-arranged trade work)

 

[Kingster]

No, I don't think the team with the trade exception is allowed to trade it along with other players in the same deal. So no, Barbosa, TE, and the #15 for Artest doesn't work. But we could deal say, the TE and #15 for Artest, and if we wanted Barbosa, agree to a separate trade and throw in just a salary filler. (Teams sometimes intentionally lose on 1 trade just to make another pre-arranged trade work)

I'd take the #15 even without Barbosa.

 

[nbrans]

Artest for Barbosa is definitely intriguing for both teams since Phoenix needs someone at the 3 and they've been transitioning to more of a defensive team. And also, it gets Phoenix into a better cap situation since Artest would be only one year.

But I have a hard time seeing Nash and Artest and Shaq coexisting though. I just can't see how they would play on the floor together. And given that Barbosa is basically their only real trade asset, their only good young player, and the only chip they have to get a lot better, they're really going to want to hit a home run if they trade him.

Don't see it happening ultimately.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Not just the Suns, I could see Ron going to any of the teams that underachieved in the first round.

Phoenix: for #15, and either Barbosa, Diaw, or TPE

Dallas: for Josh Howard (possibly a three way with another team getting Howard; Toronto perhaps?)

Speaking of Toronto, I've thought about Artest for Ford/#17, or maybe expand it to include miller or one of the other bigs for expirings, and maybe pry Bargnani?

 

[=LarryLegend=]

maybe pry Bargnani?

I am not a fan of his at all, Have you heard/read any of bosh's comments about him? They are talking about this being a make or break off season for him.

 

[Superman]

They couldn't S&T him to us because they don't have his bird rights. Just like we can't S&T Beno to anybody.

WAIT!

Someone clarify this for me. I was under the impression that you can sign and trade a player who's Bird rights you don't have, but that you can't go over the cap to do so, and you have to wait 30 days(?) before trading him.

So Phoenix could sign JW (though we don't need him, I might add) to a contract and throw him in the deal, technically speaking. We'd just have to wait to do so.

Anyways, I don't really like that deal. I don't like Barbosa that much, and I disagree with the OP that point guard is our weakest position. Power forward is our weakest position since Webber left, and will be this coming season if the best we can do is Mikki Moore and Justin Williams.

I wish we had been able to do the deal with the Nuggets at the deadline, and pry Kleiza away from George Karl, especially after watching him in the Playoffs. The guy can score, he's tough, he plays hard, and he's young. He wouldn't turn us into a contender, but he's the type of player that seems to be able to fit into any system seamlessly because of his versatility. Same with Luis Scola, I think.