Could a Swap of Andre Iguodala and Chris Kaman be the Best Deal for the Sixers?
As the Andre Iguodala trade rumors begin to swirl, another rumor has resurfaced. A possible swap of Andre Iguodala and Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman.
Yesterday, the big rumor was Andre Iguodala to the Golden State Warriors for Monta Ellis. A deal that seems to be much more popular with the fan base than a deal for Chris Kaman.
However, in the grand scheme of things, the Kaman trade would be much more beneficial for the Sixers. While acquiring Monta Ellis would boost the Sixers scoring, it doesn’t free up much cap space. And as I wrote yesterday, the deal could cause more problems than it solves.
A deal for Chris Kaman gives the Sixers a legit option at center. Also, Kaman’s contract is up at the end of next season, freeing up a pretty substantial amount of cap space.
Now, cap space is only as good as what you can spend it on. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they haven’t spent wisely in the past. Which has them in their current predicament. It’s time for the Sixers to make a move to clear cap space, which would make the Chris Kaman trade the best option. It’s time for the Sixers to grab the bull by the horns and not settle for more expensive patch work and do what has to be done to get a bona fide superstar in a Sixers uniform.
The only way to even have a chance at signing a big name free agent is if they have the space to do it. Making a move for Monta Ellis would be another ticket selling tactic, one Sixers fans have seen before. In the end, the results would be the same, little to no improvement, and more backlash from the fan base.
As I stated yesterday, the most beneficial trade for Iguodala may not see the “sexy” return all fans are hoping for. Time and time again, the Sixers have acquired “names,” guys you’ve heard of that have had success elsewhere, only to fail in Philadelphia. It’s time for a different approach.
The Sixers need to give themselves the opportunity to sell a big name free agent on this young, up-and-coming core. And they have the chance to do it, by trading away Andre Iguodala’s massive contract for an expiring deal.
Some sources believe Andre Iguodala could be traded before July, though a possible change in Sixers ownership could delay a deal. So, stay tuned to 76ersCentral.com for all the rumors and breaking news on the Andre Iguodala trade watch.
Philadelphia 76ers Should Pass on Andre Iguodala for Monta Ellis Swap
76ers Should Pass on Ellis
In the latest Andre Iguodala trade rumor, ESPN’s Ric Bucher is reporting that the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors are discussing an Iguodala for Monta Ellis swap.
At first glance, the trade looks attractive. The Sixers part with Iguodala and his massive contract, and acquire a scoring threat they desperately need. Monta Elllis led the Warriors in scoring last season, but Golden State is dire need of some defensive help. Iguodala gives the Warriors size at the forward position, and the defensive specialist they need.
So, both teams get what they want, right?
Monta Ellis moving to the 76ers would solve one probably, but may create others. Ellis would certainly add a scoring boost, but he’d never be mistaken for an elite scorer in the NBA. Also, acquiring Ellis doesn’t solve Philadelphia’s problem at the 2 guard position. I don’t think anyone expects Evan Turner to play steadily at the 3, which he’d have to do with Ellis on the team.
Straight up, the money matches well enough for a swap of Iguodala and Ellis to be feasible. Iguodala will make just over $13.5 million, a number which steadily rises up to $14.7 million in 2012. Ellis’ contract pays him $11 million each season until the 2012/13 season. Both Ellis and Iguodala have player options in 2013.
Like I said, at a glance, the deal sounds nice. Even break it down money-wise, and it still looks okay. However, break it down in basketball terms, and it just doesn’t excite me. Yeah sure, the Sixers would add some scoring, but at the defenses expense. Just doesn’t seem like a move that would improve the Sixers drastically. There aren’t many moves to be made for the Sixers that would improve them drastically, I know. However, I feel they can find a better deal than this. You may not see a viable scoring threat, or a big man in return, but they very well could find some cap relief.
Swapping Iguodala for Ellis offers some cap relief, but not a lot. This trade solves one problem, though it creates another. And this isn’t the type of move the Sixers need to be making right now. They’re are a young, up and coming team, in the process of rebuilding a franchise. The Sixers have been in this position before in the last decade, and have made the wrong move each time. Instead of trying to solve another problem with more expensive patch work, the Sixers need to find the right deal this time. The right deal may not be the “sexy” one, but it will be the most beneficial one down the road.
Unless Golden State adds some pieces, I can’t see this deal getting done. One for one, I wouldn’t make this deal if I’m the Philadelphia 76ers.
76ersCentral.com’s 2010-11 Roster Exit Meetings: Andres Nocioni, Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand
In our final edition of 76ersCentral.com’s 2010-11 Exit Meetings, we’ll take a look at Andres Nocioni, Andre Iguodala, and Elton Brand.
Andres Nocioni
Nocioni was acquired along with center Spencer Hawes from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for much maligned center Samuel Dalembert, last off season. He was brought in to provide some depth and veteran leadership, bringing a tough-nosed mentality to a young Sixer team. Nocioni started 17 games in 2010-11, but saw his playing time dwindle as the year went along. Nocioni battled some injuries, but towards the end of the year simply couldn’t get on the court. While he has the ability to play strong defense, and plays aggressive on the other end, he just wasn’tconsistent enough to find minutes as the season progressed. Entering the last season of his contract (Team Option for 2012-13) Nocioni will make $6.65 million, and could be an attractive trade option for a team looking for an expiring contract.
Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala finished yet another trumolcious season with the 76ers. And enters another off season filled with trade speculation. It’s the same story for Iggy, and it’s not likely to change. Iguodala is a fantastic athlete, and plays a triple-double kind of game on the court. However, he’s paid like a superstar, a superstar that averages only 14 points a game. Iguodala plays fantastic defense, worthy of a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive 2nd Team. Andwould fit in perfectly with a team where he doesn’t have to be “the guy.” It’s not a question of whether or not Iggy can play, he’s unfortunately signed to a contract that hinders the Sixers ability to improve, and one he’ll never be able to live up too. Moving Iguodala seems to be a top priority for the 76ers this off season, a move that would be beneficial for both.
Elton Brand
Elton Brand had quite the bounce back year for the Sixers in 2010-11. He was the teams leading scorer, on a team that relies on depth scoring to be successful. Brand played consistently on both ends of the floor all year long. Re-discovering his touch from outside, while increasing his aggressiveness under the boards. He led by example, playing hard nightly, especially against the Miami Heat in the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs. Aside from Brand’s play this season, the Sixerswould still like to find a way to get rid of Brand’s contract, which has two years remaining at $17 and $18 million. However, finding a taker isn’t likely. The Sixers will just have to make the most of it, Brand is no longer the 20 and 10 guy he once was. Though, the Sixers will take the 15 and 8 guy he is now, if it comes along with the effort and leadership he brought to the squad in 2010-11.
Next Up for 76ersCentral.com: We’ll take a look at some Draft possibilities for the 76ers.
76ersCentral.com’s 2010-11 Roster Exit Meetings: Darius Songaila, Lou Williams and Jason Kapono
In this edition of 76ersCentral.com’s Exit Meetings, we’ll take a look at Darius Songaila, Lou Williams and Jason Kapono.
Darius Songaila
Songaila was acquired from the New Orleans Hornets along with rookie Craig Brackins for Willie Green and Jason Smith before the season. He only saw action in 10 games, used only when games were out of hand. Songaila is an unrestricted free agent, and at age 33, it’s unlikely the Sixers will bring him back.
Lou Williams
Williams had one of his most successful seasons of his 5 year career. A key part of the Sixers impressive bench in 2010-11, Williams was an NBA Sixth-man of the Year candidate. Williams showed the ability to be an offensive spark off the bench, and proved he was a player that wanted to take big shots. While Williams may have had a good year, he is what he is. His defense is still very poor, which causes some match up problems when he’s forced into extra minutes. Still, Williams has proven he’s a viable scoring threat off the bench, a role he’ll continue to fill next season with the Sixers.
Jason Kapono
Kapono only saw action in 47 games, starting two games at the begining of the season. In those 47 games Kapono averaged below 5 minutes a game. Clearly, Kapono was only used as a three-point threat, and wasn’t able to deliver much in the way of offense for the Sixers. An unrestricted free agent, Kapono will not be back.
We’ll finish out our Exit Meetings next, with a look at Andres Nocioni, Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala.
76ersCentral.com Polls: Will Andre Iguodala be Traded and for What?
Andre Iguodala has been mentioned in trade rumors for the better part of the last two season. Now, it seems more likely that all those rumors will become reality, sooner rather than later.
As the trade rumors swirl, a few teams have come up as possible destinations for Iggy. With those teams mentioned, the possible players the Sixers would get in return have also surfaced. While this is all hearsay, it’s now the off season for the Sixers and what’s a better off season topic to discuss than trade rumors?
First, we have to answer the most important question. Do you believe the 76ers will trade Andre Iguodala? It seems like an easy answer, but the Sixers have had opportunities to deal Iggy and have failed to do so.
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Now, we’ll discuss what the rumored return will be for the Sixers. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Kate Fagan mentioned Chris Kaman, a center from the Los Angeles Clippers and Rudy Gay from the Memphis Grizzlies. Kaman would fill a big void for the Sixers at the center position, and Kaman only has a year remaining on his deal. Gay, on the other hand, would add cap to the Sixers payroll. Gay makes a similar salary to Iguodala, though has one more year on his contract than Iggy.
Kaman adds experience and would help the Sixers down-low. With his contract expiring after next season, it would be a good cap clearing move to deal Iguodala for Kaman.
Gay has simliar skills to Iguodala, but would create the same line-up problem that Iguodala does. Either way, Evan Turner’s playing time would suffer. Not to mention, Gay is currently injured.
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As I mentioned earlier, the Sixers had chances to deal Iguodala in the past. Who’s to say they won’t fail to do it again? Whether they can’t make a deal, or can’t find one to their liking, both are possibilities.
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