TRADE CHATTER 2/23

Cavs targeting Semih Erden in possible Anthony Parker deal

Jay King | February 23, 2011 at 10:07 am | 7 Comments

If the Boston Celtics want to scoop Anthony Parker from the Cleveland Cavaliers, they will most likely need to part ways with Semih Erden. (Akron Beacon Journal)

With the NBA’s trade deadline two days away, Parker remains the Cavs’ top target of interest from teams around the league. Both the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics have expressed interest in him, one league source said, but the Cavs want a player in return and not a low draft pick.

They have targeted Omer Asik from the Bulls and Semih Erden from the Celtics, but both teams have been reluctant to part with either player. Asik is 7 feet tall, and Erden is listed at 6-11. Both were second-round picks in 2008.

I’ve asked this question before, when Marc Stein reported the Cavs were looking for a promising big man in return for Parker, but: Would you trade Semih Erden for Anthony Parker? It couldn’t be done straight up, but would you trade Marquis Daniels and Semih Erden for Anthony Parker?

I’m leaning toward no. I’m not completely against moving Erden, if the right deal presents itself. But Parker’s not even a definite upgrade over Von Wafer, who — might I add — has been playing quite well recently. Parker’s also not the type of player on whom the Celtics should spend a promising seven-footer.

You know who is, though? Shane Battier. But the Celtics are reportedly against sending Erden to Houston, even for the man with built-in cornrows. (Houston Chronicle)

ESPN reported that the Celtics had interest in Battier, but quickly shot that down, pointing out that the Celtics would not be willing to move the players the Rockets would want. Actually, I think the Rockets would be tempted to make the deal if the Celtics would include center Semih Erden, though we’ll probably never know since Boston apparently wants to keep and develop him.

If Shane Battier is available and Semih Erden’s the only thing holding the deal back, I assume Danny Ainge will pull the trigger. If not, well, he’ll have to answer to my wrath.

P.S. – Kendrick Perkins said his knee is “real sore” after bumping it last night, and his status for Thursday’s game is in the air. Perk didn’t undergo any additional testing, meaning the injury shouldn’t be too serious. (*Furiously knocking on wood*)

P.P.S. – Leon Powe’s looking for a buyout. I assume that piques some of your interest, but remember: Powe has done approximately squaw-doosh for Cleveland, and the C’s don’t exactly need another undersized power forward.

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Ainge ‘looking for help’
But GM not desperate for just any deal
By Steve Bulpett / Celtics Beat
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - Updated 9 hours ago
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Boston Herald Sports Reporter
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OAKLAND, Calif. — The Celtics [team stats] fully expect they will be able to acquire a small forward who can help them. But there is a very good chance it won’t be by tomorrow’s trade deadline.

Finding the right deal has been difficult, so it may come down to seeing which players are bought out by their teams and trying to attract one who fits. But in that those players’ current teams are likely trying to move them by tomorrow to avoid having to pay them off, the Celts could be waiting and hoping.

It is interesting to note, however, that even while he’s trying to make something happen, the person in charge doesn’t believe the C’s will be sunk if nothing is consummated.

“I’m hoping we’ll be able to do something,” said director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, “but absolutely I think we can win with the team we have right now.”

That team would include Shaquille O’Neal, who’s been put on a more cautious road back from an Achilles tendon problem, and likely not include Marquis Daniels, who’s been out since Feb. 6 with a bruised spinal cord.

The Celtics still don’t have a firm prognosis on Daniels, but even if he can return, they believe it will be hard to count on him making it through the postseason.

“We still don’t know anything about Marquis, but I still like the team we have,” said Ainge. “We may need an extra body to get us through the rest of the regular season, and we’re definitely looking for a wing player.

“But Von (Wafer)’s been playing great and Delonte (West) is coming back. One of the best groups we had together in the preseason was Nate (Robinson), Delonte and Marquis, and I think Nate, Delonte and Von can play great, too. Those guys can be a formidable part of the bench. Von’s only an inch shorter than Marquis, and he’s been getting better and better.

“Then once you get to the playoffs, the rotation gets cut down. You’re not playing back-to-backs.

“But, again, we’re still looking for help.”

Among the places the Celtics have looked is Phoenix. Three sources confirmed the clubs spoke about three Suns wings — former Boston College star Jared Dudley, Grant Hill and Mickael Pietrus.

Dudley’s defensive abilities would make him a strong fit with the Celtics, and all three could certainly help. But those talks fizzled out.

“That looks like it’s gone,” said one source, “but you never know.”

It may be more likely a new Celtic comes from a group of players who’ve been mentioned as potential buyout candidates — Morris Peterson, Jason Kapono, Rasual Butler and Sasha Pavlovic among them.

The Celts have also looked into what might become available now that the dust is clearing from the Carmelo Anthony trade. Once the teams decide which of the principals they intend to keep, there could be something there that would help the C’s. And it’s known that the Celtics have had discussion with at least one of those teams about a minor move.

On the other hand, the Celtics are apparently not kidding when they say they won’t do just any deal. According to sources from several teams, the Celts have thus far avoided overspending as they look for assistance.


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Ever since Marquis Daniels suffered a bruised spinal cord on Feb. 6, it’s been no secret the Celtics want to make a trade, and Lord knows they’re active. Just look at the names they’ve reportedly inquired about.

The Celtics don’t have to make a deal. They’ll be NBA title contenders no matter what. If they do add someone, they’ll have to part ways with Marquis Daniels, Nate Robinson, Von Wafer, Semih Erden, Avery Bradley or Luke Harangody. In a lot of cases, that someone wouldn’t be an upgrade over any of those guys.

So, let’s sort all the rumors into three categories: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

THE GOOD: UPGRADES

Suns forward Grant Hill

Contract: Signed through this season ($3.32 million)
Statistics: 30.4 minutes, 13.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, 49.5 FG%, 35.8 3-PT FG%, 84.0 FT%
Rumor: Among the places the Celtics have looked is Phoenix. Three sourdes confirmed the clubs spoke about three Suns wings.
Chances: “That looks like it’s gone,” said one Herald source, “but you never know.”
What it would take: Daniels and either Bradley, Erden or Harangody

Rockets forward Shane Battier
Contract: Signed through this season ($7.35 million)
Statistics: 30.8 minutes, 8.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.2 blocks, 45.4 FG%, 64.9 3-PT FG%, 64.9 FT%
Rumor: The Rockets would be tempted to make the deal if the Celtics would include center Semih Erden, though we’ll probably never know since Boston apparently wants to keep and develop him.
Chances: Houston-Boston deal involving Shane Battier not happening, says source close to situation
What it would take: Robinson, Bradley and Erden or Harangody; or Daniels and Robinson

Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince
Contract: Signed through this season ($11.15 million)
Statistics: 33.4 minutes, 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.6 blocks, 47.5 FG%, 39.1 3-PT FG%, 68.4 FT%
Rumor: Prince is in his final season making $11.1 million. You say the Pistons are in the fringe of the playoffs race, so why would they give him up? They’re not going anywhere and he’s leaving. They have a half dozen wing players and Jonas Jerebko returning next season. They have to get Austin Daye more playing time.
Chances: With the team losing money and about to be sold, why wouldn’t they take back maybe $1.5 million for a player they’re not keeping?
What it would take: Buyout

Wizards guard Kirk Hinrich
Contract: Signed through next season ($9.00 million this year and $8.00 million next year)
Statistics: 30.6 minutes, 11.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.2 blocks, 45.2 FG%, 38.4 3-PT FG%, 87.6 FT%
Rumor: Every contender (Boston/LA/Orlando/Miami) would like to get Kirk Hinrich.
Chances: Hinrich’s $9 million salary makes him very tough to deal.
What it would take: Robinson, Daniels and Bradley or Wafer

Former Celtics swingman James Posey is among the team's rumored targets.
Pacers guard/forward James Posey

Contract: Signed through next season ($6.48 million this year and $6.93 million next year)
Statistics: 17.7 minutes, 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.1 blocks, 34.4 FG%, 32.4 3-PT FG%, 75.0 FT%
Rumor: And one name to keep an eye on is James Posey out in Indiana. The change to Frank Vogel as head coach out there has totally made Posey irrelevant.
Chances: In the past, I was told Posey was not interested in securing a buyout. But that could change if he continues not to play. If they could work out a decent deal with James Posey it’s possible that he could wind up back in Boston.
What it would take: Buyout; Daniels and Robinson; or Jermaine O’Neal and Bradley, Erden or Harangody

Wizards guard/forward Josh Howard
Contract: Signed through this season ($3.00 million)
Statistics: 22.1 minutes, 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, 35.0 FG%, 27.3 3-PT FG%, 62.1 FT%
Rumor: The Celtics are looking for a backup to Paul Pierce and the candidates are Cleveland’s Anthony Parker, who is playing out an expiring contract, New York’s Roger Mason, Washington’s Josh Howard and perhaps Indiana’s Dahntay Jones.
Chances: “We’re out there looking but we’re not just going to do something to do something. We’re clearly looking. We’re don’t have a lot of assets to move. We’ll see what happens,” Doc Rivers told The Globe.
What it would take: Daniels

Suns guard/forward Mickael Pietrus
Contract: Signed through next season ($5.30 million per year; 2011-12 is player option)
Statistics: 20.6 minutes, 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.4 blocks, 38.9 FG%, 35.6 3-PT FG%, 73.1 FT%
Rumor: Among the places the Celtics have looked is Phoenix. Three sourdes confirmed the clubs spoke about three Suns wings.
Chances: “That looks like it’s gone,” said one Herald source, “but you never know.”
What it would take: Robinson
Suns forward Jared Dudley
Contract: Signed through 2015-16 season ($2.15 this year; $4.25 million per season afterwards)
Statistics: 24.3 minutes, 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.2 blocks, 46.0 FG%, 37.9 3-PT FG%, 76.7 FT%
Rumor: Among the places the Celtics have looked is Phoenix. Three sourdes confirmed the clubs spoke about three Suns wings.
Chances: “That looks like it’s gone,” said one Herald source, “but you never know.”
What it would take: Daniels and Wafer

Pistons guard Richard Hamilton
Contract: Signed through 2012-13 season ($12.65 per year)
Statistics: 25.7 minutes, 13.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.0 blocks, 41.3 FG%, 40.0 3-PT FG%, 84.5 FT%
Rumor: Sources said the Celtics still remain intrigued with Hamilton as a scorer off the bench.
Chances: Hamilton will have to be willing to give back a significant portion of the two years, $25 million owed him to get a buyout on his contract.
What it would take: Buyout

THE BAD: LATERAL MOVES

Cavaliers guard Anthony Parker
Contract: Signed through this season ($2.97 million; $3.19 million team option in 2011-12)
Statistics: 29.2 minutes, 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.1 blocks, 40.0 FG%, 39.8 3-PT FG%, 76.9 FT%
Rumor: The Celtics are looking for a backup to Paul Pierce and the candidates are Cleveland’s Anthony Parker, who is playing out an expiring contract, New York’s Roger Mason, Washington’s Josh Howard and perhaps Indiana’s Dahntay Jones.
Chances: “We’re out there looking but we’re not just going to do something to do something. We’re clearly looking. We’re don’t have a lot of assets to move. We’ll see what happens,” Rivers told The Globe.
What it would take: Buyout, Daniels, or Wafer and Bradley

Nets forward Troy Murphy
Contract: Signed through this season ($11.97 million)
Statistics: 16.0 minutes, 3.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 34.2 FG%, 17.4 3-PT FG%, 52.9 FT%
Rumor: The Warriors … will buy out the remainder of the $12 million owed Murphy in the final year of his contract and allow him to become a free agent.
Chances: Boston and Miami are the frontrunners to sign soon to be free agent Troy Murphy, league sources tell SI
What it would take: Buyout

Knicks forward Corey Brewer
Contract: Signed through this season ($3.70 million; $4.97 million team option in 2011-12)
Statistics: 24.3 minutes, 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.2 blocks, 38.4 FG%, 26.3 3-PT FG%, 70.8 FT%
Rumor: Sources say that the Knicks were looking to bring a fourth team into the deal in order to unload Corey Brewer. Several teams were interested, including the Celtics, but New York couldn’t work things out.
Chances: One ESPN.com source said that Celtics GM Danny Ainge was actually trying to recruit a fifth team to take Nate Robinson and a Boston first-round pick to complete the deal for Brewer. However, by the end of the afternoon, the Knicks decided to pull the trigger on the deal with Brewer going to New York.
What it would take: Robinson, or Daniels and Wafer/Bradley

Clippers guard/forward Rasual Butler
Contract: Signed through this season ($2.40 million)
Statistics: 18.2 minutes, 5.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.2 steals, 0.4 blocks, 32.1 FG%, 31.5 3-PT FG%, 69.2 FT%
Rumor: Butler is hoping for a fresh start after playing sparingly for the Clippers this season, a league source said.
Chances: The Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Nets are interested in the long-range shooter.
What it would take: Buyout or Daniels
THE UGLY: DOWNGRADES

Free agent guard/forward Sasha Pavlovic

Contract: Unsigned.
Statistics: 15.2 minutes, 3.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.5 blocks, 37.0 FG%, 33.3 3-PT FG%, 80.0 FT%
Rumor: It may be more likely a new Celtic comes from a group of players who’ve been mentioned as potential buyout candidates — Morris Peterson, Jason Kapono, Rasual Butler and Sasha Pavlovic among them.
Chances: “They’re definitely out there looking,” said one team executive to the Herald. “But Danny’s not giving anything away. They need a player, but they’re not going for just anyone, I can tell you that.”
What it would take: Cash and cutting Wafer/Harangody
Thunder forward Morris Peterson

Contract: Signed through this season ($6.64 million)
Statistics: 5.8 minutes, 1.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.0 steals, 0.0 blocks, 40.0 FG%, 0.0 3-PT FG%, 0.0 FT%
Rumor: It may be more likely a new Celtic comes from a group of players who’ve been mentioned as potential buyout candidates — Morris Peterson, Jason Kapono, Rasual Butler and Sasha Pavlovic among them.
Chances: “They’re definitely out there looking,” said one team executive to the Herald. “But Danny’s not giving anything away. They need a player, but they’re not going for just anyone, I can tell you that.”
What it would take: Buyout
Free agent forward Rasheed Wallace

Contract: Unsigned
Statistics (2009-10): 22.5 minutes, 9.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks, 40.9 FG%, 28.3 3-PT FG%, 76.8 FT%
Rumor: All season long there have been rumors of Wallace perhaps coming back, but Ainge did not seem to endorse such a suggestion.
Chances: “My guess is that he’s not in great shape and no I haven’t had any contact with him,” Ainge said. “We’re full of big guys; we have plenty of big guys.”
What it would take: Cash and cutting Wafer/Harangody
76ers forward Jason Kapono

Contract: Signed through this season ($6.64 million)
Statistics: 4.9 minutes, 0.8 points, 0.4 rebounds, 0.1 assists, 0.1 steals, 0.1 blocks, 27.3 FG%, 25.0 3-PT FG%, 50.0 FT%
Rumor: It may be more likely a new Celtic comes from a group of players who’ve been mentioned as potential buyout candidates — Morris Peterson, Jason Kapono, Rasual Butler and Sasha Pavlovic among them.
Chances: “They’re definitely out there looking,” said one team executive to the Herald. “But Danny’s not giving anything away. They need a player, but they’re not going for just anyone, I can tell you that.”
What it would take: Buyout
Knicks guard Roger Mason

Contract: Signed through this season ($1.40 million)
Statistics: 8.2 minutes, 0.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.1 steals, 0.0 blocks, 6.3 FG%, 0.0 3-PT FG%, 50.0 FT%
Rumor: The Celtics are looking for a backup to Paul Pierce and the candidates are Cleveland’s Anthony Parker, who is playing out an expiring contract, New York’s Roger Mason, Washington’s Josh Howard and perhaps Indiana’s Dahntay Jones.
Chances: “We’re out there looking but we’re not just going to do something to do something. We’re clearly looking. We’re don’t have a lot of assets to move. We’ll see what happens,” Rivers told The Globe.
What it would take: Harangody and Wafer, or Bradley

Pacers guard Dahntay Jones
Contract: Signed through 2012-13 season ($2.50 million this year, $2.70 million next year and $2.90 million player option in 2012-13)
Statistics: 10.9 minutes, 5.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.2 steals, 0.0 blocks, 51.8 FG%, 41.7 3-PT FG%, 76.5 FT%
Rumor: The Celtics are looking for a backup to Paul Pierce and the candidates are Cleveland’s Anthony Parker, who is playing out an expiring contract, New York’s Roger Mason, Washington’s Josh Howard and perhaps Indiana’s Dahntay Jones.
Chances: “We’re out there looking but we’re not just going to do something to do something. We’re clearly looking. We’re don’t have a lot of assets to move. We’ll see what happens,” Rivers told The Globe.
What it would take: Daniels.


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