The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 30, 2000

“Grant to Heat; Kemp to Blazers in 3 Team Deal”

The Portland Trail Blazers signed and traded F Brian Grant to the Miami Heat as well as signed and traded G Gary Grant to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland traded F Shawn Kemp to the Blazers while Miami traded F Chris Gatling, F Clarence Weatherspoon, cash and a conditional first round draft choice to the Cavs.

Notes:

• Gatling and Weatherspoon are eligible to become free agents next summer.
• In 2001, if the draft pick falls between 8 - 23, the Cavs get it.
• In 2002, Cleveland gets the pick if it's 8 or later. If Cleveland still doesn't have the pick, they’ll receive it in 2003 without any conditions.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Brian Grant, Mia: $8.9 M.

Shawn Kemp, Por: $11.7 M.

Gary Grant, Cle: $1.1 M.

Chris Gatling, Cle: $5.4 M.

Clarence Weatherspoon, Cle: $2.1 M.

Who got the best of the deal?

Miami.

Why?

The Blazers, owner Paul Allen’s billions of dollars notwithstanding, are taking a big risk by acquiring Kemp. Kemp, 31, has battled weight problems the past three seasons. He’s played at or above 300 pounds most of last season. Combined with his weight problems are his poor practice habits and poor leadership skills.

Cavs’ Coach Randy Wittman, “Shawn gave me 18 points and eight rebounds and played all 82 games. But I want my best players to be someone the young players can look up to, someone they can emulate. That wasn't happening here.”

Wittman also added, “Each year, it got worse and worse with the weight and he's 31 years old. You can't say it won't change, but what's the pattern? Where is it headed?”

Blazers’ General Manager Bob Whitsitt puts an entirely different spin on Kemp. Whitsitt was GM at Seattle when Shawn was a Sonic; and, in fact, Bob made the decision to draft Shawn which must be the reason for Bob’s positive outlook on acquiring Shawn.

“Adding Shawn shows we're committed to winning a championship,” said Whitsitt. “He's a great veteran player who has experience and versatility.”

Sure, Bob, will see how much time passes before Shawn questions his role and his lack of minutes in Portland.

Brian Grant is an ideal replacement for P. J. Brown. At 6’9, Grant does all the dirty work. He’s a great rebounder and a very physical defender. He wasn’t healthy much of last season; but, his injuries shouldn’t be chronic which means Brian can return to his solid productive self and produce a double - double nearly every night. Alonzo Mourning should love Grant’s aggressiveness because it will allow Zo to not play the best low post scorer and free him up to block shots from the weak side.

Clarence Weatherspoon and Chris Gatling add to Cleveland’s front court depth. The Cavs simply wanted to obtain some quality for unloading Shawn Kemp’s huge contract and poor work habits. Gatling, 6’10, is a good scorer and a true spark plug off the bench. He’s not happy about being traded again; but, he’s professional enough to report to Cleveland and give the Cavs his best effort.

Weatherspoon, 6’7, is a solid low post scorer. He’s not great when he has to defend taller low post scorers; but, he is a good rebounder. He also has a good mid range shot.

Gary Grant was included for salary cap purposes. With Andre Miller, Bimbo Coles, and Brevin Knight already set at point guard, Gary will be cut before training camp begins.