| Don’t Hold Your Breath For A Deal Authored by Mark Kelly - February 24, 2005 - 12:16 am
Throughout the year, the player’s tend to be given all of the credit, and rightfully so. They’re the one’s who tirelessly work out – both in the gym and on the court – each and every day until their bodies are molded into a finely-sculpted machine. Take point guard Steve Nash for example. He’s been heralded as the savior of the Phoenix Suns, considered by some as the reason his squad has gone 41-13 over the first fifty-four games this season. Sure his passing, shooting, and up-tempo style has proved to be a perfect fit, but some people fail to delve out appropriate credit all-the-way around; shouldn’t the general managers of the team, the Colangelo’s, be given proper credit as well? After all, they’re the men responsible for the signing.
But, all of this changes once the trade deadline rolls around. The players’, still valued for their individual talents, take a backseat to the general managers. It’s their judging time; a good trade (such as Detroit’s acquisition of Rasheed Wallace last season) or a bad trade (such as the deal Boston performed when they gave up on number three pick Chauncey Billups after a mere fifty games during the 97-98 season) forms an opinion of the man in a fan’s mind that is difficult to break. It’s unfair, in a way. Like an offensive lineman in football whose only recognition is when he’s called for a penalty, one bad deadly deal unjustly judges a GM.
For the New Jersey Nets, the deadline has brought both disparity and joy over the years. This season, though, will be different. With the team seemingly set for the time being, the only moves figure to be minor. But, that still leaves room for that unbelievable, unexpected deal. Jason Kidd, for example, has been in various rumors over the course of the week.
“On the Block”
New Jersey has been very quiet recently regarding the inevitable departures of the many role players on this team. Some might draw the conclusion that their sealed mouths are the result of an incoming trade but I don’t see it; aside from the crowded guard positioning, the Nets have very little to trade. But, currently lying between the worst three weeks of the sports year – between the Super Bowl and March Madness – , it doesn’t hurt to take a look at the possibilities.
Ron Mercer, Guard: When Mercer agreed on a two year contract calling for blank with the Nets over the summer, he was immiedietly handed the second scoring option by some. Scary thought. Though Ron was attempting to fill a role that is out of his realm of talent early on, he could help an offensively deficient team for the remained of his deal. He’s not afraid to shoot, which tends to be his downfall. However, with a reliable midrange jump shot, he’s a decent call in the fourth quarter. Rodney Buford’s emergence before his untimely injury makes Mercer expendable.
Chance of Trade: 10%
Jason Collins, Forward/Center: Even unlikelier than Mercer, Collins’s name is found on this list due to the “letdown” he has been since inking a blank contract this past summer. I’ve essentially mocked myself for using the word letdown because I don’t buy into it, others do. What exactly was expected of him? The stats don’t tell the whole story. Jason does the little things that count: takes charges, makes good decisions, plays tough defense. Maybe that doesn’t justify his contract but consider this: out of every Net regular, Collins finds himself third on New Jersey’s list of Net +/- ratings, behind star players Jason Kidd and Vince Carter (statistic is from 82games.com). It’d be nearly impossible to get equal value for him in a deal for the sole reason that it’s difficult to peg where his value actually stands. By the time that is figured out, the deadline may have already passed.
Chance of Trade: 5%
Remaining Trade Exception: Once considered a real asset, out trade exceptions have been widdled down to nearly nothing due to the signing and trade of Eldon Campbell and Cliff Robinson, respectively. Still though, New Jersey has about 4.98 million dollars remaining on the trade exception. While dealing with a TE, you are able to add one-hundred-thousand dollars to the exception if it helps to work out a deal. Donyell Marshall, for example, makes 5.024 million dollars this season. A first round pick and the trade exception (totaling 5.08 million dollars) just might peak Toronto’s interest.
Other Possibilities
Jason Kidd, Point Guard: Though some believe he’ll be dealt – specifically during the offseason – I’d be shocked if he’s not starting for the Nets on opening night next November. Still, it’s better to never rule out any scenarios, though this is as close as it gets.
Chance of Trade: 1%
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