According to ESPN.com, the Warriors are close to trading Jamal Crawford for ex-Warrior Speedy Claxton (who was originally traded to the Hornets along with Dale Davis for Baron Davis, as you well know) and Acie Law. Since Crawford can’t be traded until July 1, this trade won’t be a draft day deal (unless I’m completely confused by what the ESPN Trade Machine is telling me, which is very possible).
Law and the ghost of Speedy are under contract for one more year, while after Crawford exercises his contract option he’ll be under contract for the next two seasons. Claxton only played two games last year due to a severe hamstring injury, where Law played sparingly behind Mike Bibby for 55 games.
From what I remember, Law looked like a decent player at Texas A&M, and he’s a lot more point guard-ish than Crawford, but his lack of production in the NBA makes one doubtful he’ll be much competition for Monta Ellis or even whoever the Warriors draft tomorrow (provided the Warriors draft a PG/SG, which could very well happen). Claxton is a complete non-factor, a guy whose best years are definitely behind him because his nickname no longer fits.
This trade (if it happens) is about getting rid of Crawford, and the fact they’re going to get a year of salary cap relief details exactly what the Warriors might be thinking at this point. Namely, they (along with everyone else) are priming themselves for a run at one of the major free agents available in 2010. Or, they’re just trying to save long-term money and get rid of a player Don Nelson already alienated about three months ago. Since most of Claxton’s salary is probably going to be paid through insurance, I’m guessing it’s the latter.
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psst….according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, I’ve “gained 20 pounds and grown an inch to nearly 7 feet since the end of this past season.” and I’m known as “the closest thing to an untouchable on the Warriors’ payroll.”
Oh man Ant, I really hope that isn’t just something Raymond Ridder told you to to say so the Warriors could sell some more season tickets.
If that really is true, all that talk about you being a 3 is going to jump out the window. Like you can. You were already the most exciting rebounder in the league last year at 6′10″ and roughly 220 lbs. At 6′11″, 240 lbs? Who needs Bosh? You’re tougher than he is, anyway.
Wouldn’t I be better off in the Garnett mold though, being able to guard all 5 postions and being strong enough to play down low? I might be better off not being a “3″ but rather a somewhat lighter 4, and then running as a 5 with Monta, Stak, Magette, Wright and myself. Wouldnt’ that be a frightning lineup to run for a few minutes to end quarters. …and can’t I still guard half the league at the 3 even with an extra 20 lbs? Sure there are a few guys that might take me off the dribble, but I’ll just send it into the stands if/when they go past me.
Tony Tony Tone…
I don’t think we disagree here. Your ceiling is Kevin Garnett with 1 more blocked shot per game. KG’s never been thought of as a 3, although his defensive versatility makes him one of the most unique players in the league. And I’m pretty sure you already handle the ball better than KG, at least when you slow down a little and don’t let yourself get carried away.
With Nellie around you’ll never play SF, but that lineup you mentioned would definitely be in the gameplan…if Brandan Wright doesn’t get traded today, that is.
For some reason I have this feeling that you’re going to be playing center next to Amare Stoudemire next season…Call it a hunch.