Trade Jason Richardson and ...

by J-Gao on Jul 1, 2009 9:01 PM MDT

From most of the polls that I have seen on this site, if anyone else were to be traded, Jason Richardson would ideally be the one to go.

As it stands, he is the starting shooting guard for the team. He is not a great defender, but is a terrific offensive player. He can shoot the 3, post-up guards, run, and is one of the best dunkers ever. He essentially could step into the offensive void left by Marion, and, I think was better. Not defense, though.

J-Rich's contract has 2 years left for a total of $27,777,777 (according to Rotoworld).

The most commonly mentioned suitor for J-Rich has been the Minnesota Timberwolves because they have been athletic wing scorer who can also provide some star power - especially since Rubio might not come over. They don't really have any players to trade either. Well, at least not any they would give up.

What they do have is what is likely a mid-high lottery pick for 2010. The T-Wolves also got an expiring contract player in Etan Thomas. I'm no expert on the salary trading rules of the NBA, but I think a little something like this might work:

Jason Richardson, Cleveland's 2010 2nd Round Pick for Etan Thomas and 2010 and 2011 1st Round Picks.

Any thoughts on how to make it work better? Would Phoenix have to include its 2011 1st Rounder or a bench player like Jared Dudley?

The problem is that the Suns don't have anyone to replace him. Barbosa is fine offensively, but would be a defensive liability, especially next to Nash. The free agent market isn't exactly robust either. The top shooting guard is Ben Gordon who is about to sign a hefty deal with the Pistons. The best of the rest include AI, Dahntay Jones, Anthony Parker, and Marquis Daniels. AI is a definite NO. Jones and Daniels are not starters. Daniels doesn't shoot the 3-ball all too well, either, and his defensive isn't great. Jones is known as a fine defender, but isn't much offensively. Parker is decent, both offensively and defensively. He can shoot the ball, dribble, and defend. All great, except he's 34. He's already starting to diminish, as most do at that age. Still, he's the best all-round option. And if the Suns plan on contending this year, they might as well do it with a bunch of old guys (Nash, Parker, Hill). Barbosa and Tucker could spell him off the bench, so I'm not too worried. He wouldn't cost much at all either. Say, 2 years for $5-6 million max.

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Comments

Keep JRich

Personally, I hope the Suns keep him and I think he will. Some of you think he hurts the team but I disagree. Having him and Amare on the court at the same time under Gentry will be a beautiful thing, pending Amare doesn’t get traded. That’s a dynamic 1/2 scoring punch b/w those two. With a defensive center(Chandler) and defensive wing(Clark) I think we would be tough to deal with. On a totally different note, I think Earl Clark is ready to play, I watched as many Louisville games as possible last season.

Anyway, I totally want to see a lineup of Nash/Rich/Clark/Amare/Chandler next season. With Barbo, Duds, Dragic, and Lopez off the bench I think we will be pretty good.

by bradley281 on Jul 1, 2009 9:10 PM MDT reply actions

First off, the Suns already stated that Clark is a longer-term guy. He won’t start this year. They really want to re-sign Hill.

I don’t hate J-Rich. I love him as a player. He’s exciting as hell between the 3 pointers and highlight dunks. I’m don’t necessarily advocate trading him either. I’m just putting out the idea and adding my opinions on how to make it work for the team, since the Suns seem so desperate to make some moves.

"If you're a Yankee fan, or if you're not a Yankee fan - you have to admit, we're winners." - #21

"Once the Hack-a-Shaq works once, you know I’m going to see it again. The only thing worse for basketball than that defense is the Lack-a-Shaq offense, where I have to go to the bench because of foul trouble. There is no fun in that." - The Big Aristotle

"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing." - Peyton

by J-Gao on Jul 1, 2009 9:24 PM MDT up reply actions

I also really like having a high 1st round pick.

"If you're a Yankee fan, or if you're not a Yankee fan - you have to admit, we're winners." - #21

"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing." - Peyton

by J-Gao on Jul 1, 2009 9:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Disagree

J-Rich is overpaid, and he gives you virtually nothing on defense. If he wasn’t making around $13 million a year, then maybe I wouldn’t mind him, but he basically plays like a role player if you ask me. His game is identical to what Michael Finley does now. You gotta trade him.

by Aluminum Foyle on Jul 2, 2009 7:17 AM MDT up reply actions

I think if the wizards made that trade for foye and miller i think they would have took j-rich..and that 5th pick coulda got us stephen curry..oh well anyway..I think getting chandler and starting Clark or Hill if resigns would be cool..i think we need to upgrade our bench..they play good defense but struggle to put the ball in the hoop

by Lebrontophx2010 on Jul 2, 2009 12:46 PM MDT up reply actions

not likely. why you ask? Mike Miller, expiring. Jason Richardson, not.

by homer simpson on Jul 4, 2009 12:48 PM MDT up reply actions

Earl Clark

Is a superior basketball player to both Lou and Dudley. Saying that he will yield playing time to both of them is odd to say before he has even had a chance to measure up against them in training camp and against others in summer league. I personally think Kerr and Griffin are trying to spark a little fire and work into Earl given they are telling the media that he probably won’t play. I personally think he will end up getting some playing time and will ultimately turn into a very nice player.

by bradley281 on Jul 1, 2009 9:32 PM MDT reply actions

He will definitely turn into a very nice player.
I just don’t think he’ll be a starter this year. Could be a key guy off the bench, though, especially on defense.
For now, I holding out hope for Grant Hill.

"If you're a Yankee fan, or if you're not a Yankee fan - you have to admit, we're winners." - #21

"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing." - Peyton

by J-Gao on Jul 1, 2009 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions