The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 29, 2000

“Mavericks Acquire Laettner and Mills from Pistons in 5 Player Deal”

The Dallas Mavericks acquired F Christian Laettner and F Terry Mills (who was signed then traded) from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for F Cedric Ceballos, F John Wallace, G Eric Murdock, and cash.

Notes:

• Laettner, Ceballos, and Murdock are eligible to become free agents next summer.
• Mills signed a three - year contract; but, only the first year is guaranteed.
• The cash offered was, reportedly, $3 M which is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Christian Laettner, Dal: $6.7 M.

Terry Mills, Dal: $1.4 M.

Cedric Ceballos, Det: $3.9375 M.

John Wallace, Det: $2.2 M.

Eric Murdock, Det: $1.98 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Dallas.

Why?

Both teams did well for themselves. Detroit traded a player (Laettner) whose attitude had worn thin on teammates and management alike as well as obtaining a starting small forward in Ceballos who could help share the scoring burden due to Grant Hill’s bolting to Orlando.

The Mavericks’ brass loves Laettner’s skills. Christian has always been a good to great ball player. He’s a very good passer; a good rebounder; and he’s also a very good perimeter shooting big man from 18 feet and in. However, his attitude has always rubbed many teammates people the wrong way. He is expected to start at center. because Mavs’ Coach Don Nelson believes foul prone Shawn Bradley will be more effective coming off the bench.

Mills, 6’10, is expected to backup Gary Trent at power forward. Terry is a good low post defender; but, his best skill is three point shooting. He’s a career .387 shooter from three point range. He played out of position at center last year in Detroit; but, he shouldn’t be out of position with the Mavericks. Mills will be a power forward for the majority of his minutes. He should only see minutes at center in emergency situations.

Ceballos, 31, is 6’7 and he’s the ultimate “garbage” player. He scores more points without any plays drawn for him than probably any other player in the league. He’s a very good slasher and offensive rebounder. He’s not known for his defense; so, he’ll have to improve those skills in order to placate Pistons’ Coach George Irvine who plans to have a running team predicated on good defense.

Wallace, 26, 6’9, has been earned the label of underachiever while in the league. He’s shown no desire to play defense. His main objective is to score and do little else which accounts for his being traded 3 times in 4 seasons. However, he does possess a wide variety of skills on offense. He’s a good low post scorer; a good passer; a good shooter from 15 to 18 feet and also a good ball handler. Unfortunately, he’s never felt the need to develop any of his defensive skills.

Irvine said of Wallace, “He is a guy who seems to be able to score everywhere he has been, but he never seems to get much playing time. He's a talented young guy. I am interested to find out what he's about.”

Murdock, 32, has been unlucky with every NBA team he’s played. He was expected to start for the Clippers; but, he injured his ankle and never received a chance to start after the injury. Murdock is a journeyman. Detroit will be the 8th (9th if you count the Mavericks who he never played for) team in his 10 year career.

Eric doesn’t do anything well. He’s a decent shooter; a decent defender; a decent passer; etc. He’ll have a hard time making the Pistons’ roster because of newly signed G Chucky Atkins and rookie guard Mateen Cleaves. However, he may make the club as Detroit’s third point guard if Detroit opts to keep 3 playmakers.

Detroit waived Murdock on September 11.