The Calm Before the Storm: Pacific Division
The Pacific Division seems pretty solid with only the Warriors looking like they might be making a big deal before the season. A couple of other teams have issues to work out but for the most part, the Pacific we see is likely the Pacific we'll get at the start of the season.
Golden State: Baron Davis' name is back in trade rumors and I wouldn't be stunned if he ended up in Beantown. If Ainge thought AI and Telfair could work, he's got to believe that Telfair and Baron could work, especially since Baron's often played alongside another point guard. My bigger fear is that we take on Troy Murphy's deal. Troy is a healthier Raef. He can do some thing but overall he's overpaid and doesn't add enough to help his team win. The Warriors are essentially where the C's could find themselves in a couple years... if we overpay our young guys when their contracts come due. The Warriors are definitely trying to make a move but, right now, they don't seem to have anyone intereted in their young talent.
LA Clipper: The Clippers seem to be set except for Corey Maggette. I'd be stunned if Maggs was a Clipper come playoff time because he can opt out of his contract next offseason, which he'll likely do since he could get a similar deal and doesn't seem exactly wanted by the Clippers. Besides Maggette, I don't see any major moves in the Clippers' plans.
LA Lakers: I wouldn't be stunned to see Lamar Odom traded but right now it seems like the Lakers are heading into the season with him at the PF spot. Andrew Bynum and Kwame might be on the block but I don't know what they'll get for Socks or who would want Brown.
Phoenix: The Suns are hovering around the luxury tax and might have to deal Shawn Marion or Barbosa (who they probably won't be able to resign next season). Kurt Thomas is another candidate but I don't see anyone being very anxious to take on his contract for an expiring deal (and I don't think Barbosa is a good enough asset for someone to swallow Thomas' contract). Orlando and Memphis might be the best options for a Marion deal (Orlando in a salary dump for Hill's contract/picks or Marion/Barbosa/Thomas for Eddie Jones/Swift/Warrick).
Sacramento: Obviously, Bonzi Wells is their main focus. They need to figure out what to do with him or how much they should try to get for him. Let him walk and the Maloofs might miss the luxury tax; resign or sign-and-trade means they'll be paying double for whatever contracts they get. If the luxury tax isn't a concern (which it appears it has become even in Sacramento), the Kings have ten million in expiring contracts in Corliss Williamson/Vitaly Potapenko. I'm sure they also wouldn't mind finding a taker for Kenny Thomas but I don't see anyone biting on that one. Odds are they'll get 25 cents on the dollar for Bonzi in a sign-and-trade and head into the season with the team they have.
Golden State: Baron Davis' name is back in trade rumors and I wouldn't be stunned if he ended up in Beantown. If Ainge thought AI and Telfair could work, he's got to believe that Telfair and Baron could work, especially since Baron's often played alongside another point guard. My bigger fear is that we take on Troy Murphy's deal. Troy is a healthier Raef. He can do some thing but overall he's overpaid and doesn't add enough to help his team win. The Warriors are essentially where the C's could find themselves in a couple years... if we overpay our young guys when their contracts come due. The Warriors are definitely trying to make a move but, right now, they don't seem to have anyone intereted in their young talent.
LA Clipper: The Clippers seem to be set except for Corey Maggette. I'd be stunned if Maggs was a Clipper come playoff time because he can opt out of his contract next offseason, which he'll likely do since he could get a similar deal and doesn't seem exactly wanted by the Clippers. Besides Maggette, I don't see any major moves in the Clippers' plans.
LA Lakers: I wouldn't be stunned to see Lamar Odom traded but right now it seems like the Lakers are heading into the season with him at the PF spot. Andrew Bynum and Kwame might be on the block but I don't know what they'll get for Socks or who would want Brown.
Phoenix: The Suns are hovering around the luxury tax and might have to deal Shawn Marion or Barbosa (who they probably won't be able to resign next season). Kurt Thomas is another candidate but I don't see anyone being very anxious to take on his contract for an expiring deal (and I don't think Barbosa is a good enough asset for someone to swallow Thomas' contract). Orlando and Memphis might be the best options for a Marion deal (Orlando in a salary dump for Hill's contract/picks or Marion/Barbosa/Thomas for Eddie Jones/Swift/Warrick).
Sacramento: Obviously, Bonzi Wells is their main focus. They need to figure out what to do with him or how much they should try to get for him. Let him walk and the Maloofs might miss the luxury tax; resign or sign-and-trade means they'll be paying double for whatever contracts they get. If the luxury tax isn't a concern (which it appears it has become even in Sacramento), the Kings have ten million in expiring contracts in Corliss Williamson/Vitaly Potapenko. I'm sure they also wouldn't mind finding a taker for Kenny Thomas but I don't see anyone biting on that one. Odds are they'll get 25 cents on the dollar for Bonzi in a sign-and-trade and head into the season with the team they have.
