Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today have posted a new column in which they take turns speculating on which marquee player will be the next to be traded, and also react to the Rudy Gay trade:
- Amick writes that it's well-known around the league that Josh Smith is unhappy in Atlanta and that the team is open to trading him. He wants a max deal, and new Hawks GM Danny Ferry wants to take a more financially responsible approach to building his roster.
- Zillgitt thinks that, despite reports to the contrary, the Lakers could move Pau Gasol before the deadline. He points to the Celtics as a possible destination, writing that they need size following Jared Sullinger's injury.
- Both Amick and Zillgitt think positively of the Raptors' acquisition of Gay. Zillgitt adds that the move was a financially smart move for the Grizzlies, and likes the fit of Tayshaun Prince on their roster. He also praises the acquisition of Jose Calderon for the Pistons.
Gasol and Garnett together down low and around the 15 foot area, setting picks, making passes, etc, would be fantastic. Only thing is, who would they involve? It wouldn’t make sense to deal Rondo (and I’m not 100% sure LA would want him until they know he’s healthy – which won’t be for a while). Maybe Pierce? Not sure that would make very much sense though. Gasol is good, but Pierce is still a key member to this team. Matching salaries would be a little difficult here, but acquiring a big like Gasol would be cool.
A 3 team trade with Atlanta might make sense. Josh Smith and Devin Harris to the Lakers, Paul Pierce and Brandon Bass to the Hawks, Gasol and Steve Blake to the Celtics.
I actually think the Celtics are getting the worst end of the deal but moving Gasol to starting C could see him rebound to 18 and 10 numbers, plus they could trade him at the deadline next year to a team looking for cap space, let him walk and take the cap space for the 2014 free agent class, or re-sign him at a reduced weight for a reloaded run.