re: My first suggestion for Danny's Chris Mills trade

[Mark Piotrowski <markp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> OK. Danny wants to acquire a wide-bodied rebounder and a veteran point
> guard. He would like to make one of those acquisitions by trading Chris
> Mills, the other by signing someone to the mid-level exception this
> summer.
>
> Here's my suggested target for a Mills trade: Memphis point guard Jason
> Williams.
>
> He's signed to basically a mid-level exception type contract for the
> next four years. He's an up-tempo point guard who can really pass and
> shoot. He's not the best defender, but he's not terrible. He has the
> personality to stand up to Paul Pierce. He knows how to run an offense.
>
> I've always been a fan of this kid as a player. His fancy passing, 
> which
> drove coaches crazy, I think was a big key to Sacramento's emergence a
> few years ago. It was infectious. Everyone on that team was looking to
> pass after Williams started it. He's learned better control under Hubie
> Brown.
>
> Is he available? He used to be. Memphis wanted out of that long-term
> deal in order to be a free agent player. They have Earl Watson and Troy
> Bell, so they can afford to deal him. Maybe Mills and a pick for
> Williams?
>
> That's my first shot. Thoughts?
>

Mark --

1.  Jason Williams --  it's a great idea that has a 0% chance of 
happening.  Jason Williams' maturation is the #1 (or 1a) reason for 
Memphis' playoff push.  I think the only caliber PG Jerry West would 
even entertain offers for would be Kidd or Nash.  I don't think Memphis 
makes a move -- they're at where we were in 2001 (on the cusp of the 
playoffs -- which would be a franchise first).

2.  Rasheed Wallace -- As far as Rasheed goes, we'd have to either (a) 
get a 3rd team involved or (b) send out too much (i.e. Ricky Davis, 
Mihm, Mills, Banks) just to make the salaries work.  I think the 
Blazers are trying to up the offers they have by waiting to the last 
minute -- i think Sheed will be dealt and wouldn't be surprised if it 
were for Ant. Jamison in Dallas.

3.  Eric Snow -- The Sixers are looking at a Salary Cap train-wreck 
with some of their recent signings (i'm looking at you Kenny Thomas, 5 
yr/ $50 mil).  Maybe they'd listen to a Marcus Banks / Chris Mills  --> 
Eric Snow / Marc Jackson (who's not needed b/c of Dalembert's 
emergence) deal.  Snow is the kind of true-PG veteran we could use -- 
the downside is he's 30 w/ 5 years left on his deal, not something to 
sneeze at.  Jackson would be a nice backup PF/C.  I don't know that i'd 
want to give up on Banks, but if Philly agreed, this speeds up the 
process considerably, and we could take a PG with one of our 2 picks 
this year.

(the other) mark