The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 16, 2000

“Eisley, Marshall Highlight 4 team, 9 player Deal”

The Utah Jazz signed and traded G Howard Eisley to the Dallas Mavericks. The Jazz also dealt F Adam Keefe to the Golden State Warriors. Utah acquired F Donyell Marshall from the Warriors as well as C Bruno Sundov who was signed and traded by the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs also sent cash to the Jazz. Boston traded G Dana Barros to Dallas. The Celtics signed and traded F Danny Fortson to the Warriors and received G Robert Pack, C John “Hot Rod” Williams and cash from the Mavs. Boston also received a conditional first round pick in the 2001 Draft from Utah. Golden State signed and traded F Bill Curley to Dallas.

Notes:

• Barros, Keefe, Pack, and Williams are all eligible to be free agents next summer.
• Dallas paid Boston $3 M in cash and about Utah $1.2 M in cash to make the salaries fit.

2000 - ‘01 Player Salaries:

Robert Pack, Bos: $3.4 M.

John Williams, Bos: $2.1 M.

Dana Barros, Dal: $3.7 M.

Bill Curley, Dal: $0.736 M.

Howard Eisley, Dal: $4.25 M.

Danny Fortson, GS: $4.25 M.

Adam Keefe, GS: $3.39 M.

Donyell Marshall, Utah: $6.8 M.

Bruno Sundov, Utah: $0.423 M.

Who got the best of the deal?

Utah.

Why?

Celtics’ General Manager Chris Wallace, said, “The intention here with this deal was No. 1, to horde more draft picks for the future, which are very important chips for us as a team over the salary cap. The NBA operates in an almost entirely over-the-cap league right now, and (draft picks) are a viable way to acquire significant talent in that situation. It gives you a great deal of flexibility - not necessarily just in using those picks in the draft but also in a trade.

“Secondly, and quite frankly, we did not want to see Danny Fortson in a Knicks uniform without getting any compensation. That is what was going to happen if we did not get this deal done.”

Basically, the Cs were part of this trade for the draft pick. John Williams’ has only played 25 games in the last 2 seasons due to a very bad back. In fact, Williams is not expected to play for Boston at all. Pack has been injury prone his entire career; however, Celtics’ Coach Rick Pitino hopes Pack can contribute behind starting point guard Kenny Anderson and newly signed back up guard Randy Brown.

Golden State has very high hopes for the 6’7, 260, Fortson who now becomes the Warriors’ starting power forward which means Antawn Jamison will start at small forward.

Warriors’ GM Garry St. Jean, said “When I look at Danny Fortson, I look at a young player who is 24 and who hasn't gotten comfortable where he has played in terms of a role and minutes. I think this is a terrific place for him. This guy has a big, big upside. When you study him, watching tape or looking at statistics, you say to yourself, ‘This guy can be a heck of a contributor.’ ”

“You've got a guy who has a big heart and a lot of pride,” St. Jean added. “One of the keys is that he really believes he can be a much, much better player than what he's shown already. And you love that. Where it takes you statistically, I don't know. But I think his rebounding and toughness and attitude adds a big ingredient to our club and helps us to win more.”

Adam Keefe, 6’9, 230, adds depth to the Warriors’ front court. Keefe’s a solid, tough role player; and, he’ll back up Fortson at power forward.

Howard Eisley will compete with Steve Nash for the Mavs’ starting point guard sport. Eisley, 6’0, is a good, not great playmaker and shooter. He’s shown the willingness to put in the work to make himself a better player. He struggled toward the end of last season in Utah because he played out of position at the shooting guard spot in order to rest guard Jeff Hornacek. Eisley should not have to spend anytime at big guard in Dallas with Michael Finley and rookie Courtney Alexander filling that role.

Dana Barros, 5’9, is a 3 point shooter and little else. However, he is experiencing back pain which is causing numbness in his foot. Barros doesn’t really fit into the Mavs’ plans; but, his back injury may scare any teams away who were interested in acquiring him.

Bill Curley, 6’9, is the ultimate role player. He’s not a quick player; but, he sets good screens; rebounds well; and plays good physical defense. Curley also has a decent shooting touch to about 15 feet.

Curley, Eisley, and Barros increase the Mavericks’ roster total to 17 players; and, according to Mavs’ owner, Mark Cuban, Dallas is not through making trades.

Donyell Marshall, 6’9, 230, is coming off his best NBA season as he averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds a game. Donyell finally realized the physical conditioning and effort required in order to be successful in the league. As a result, he improved his strength, conditioning, and overall basketball skills. As long as he maintains his new attitude and work ethic from last season, the Jazz definitely should have a keeper.

Marshall adds size, rebounding and flexibility to the Jazz's frontcourt. He can play small forward or power forward. Kevin O'Connor, the Jazz's vice president of basketball operations, calls him “one the best offensive rebounding small forwards” in the league.

Sundov is only 19 years old; but, he’s 7’2 and he has the desire and potential to become a good player. However, it’s unlikely Bruno will make any contributions for the Jazz this season.