The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 20, 2000

“Ewing to Sonics; Rice to Knicks; in 4 team, 12 Player Deal”

The Seattle Supersonics obtained C Patrick Ewing from the New York Knicks. The Phoenix Suns obtained C Chris Dudley, a first round pick, and cash from the Knicks. The Los Angeles Lakers acquired F Horace Grant, F Greg Foster, F Chuck Person (in a sign and trade), and G Emanual Davis from the Sonics. The Knicks obtained F Glen Rice (in a sign and trade), F / C Travis Knight, and a first round pick from the Lakers; New York also obtained F Vladimir Stepania, F Lazaro Borrell, G Vernon Maxwell, a first round pick and two second round picks from Seattle; and the Knicks also acquired C Luc Longley from the Suns.

Notes:

• Ewing, Grant, Borrell, Davis, Person, and Stepania can become free agents next summer.
• The Suns can buy out Dudley’s contract for next season for $2.3 M.
• The Knicks receive the Lakers’ and Sonics’ 2001 lottery protected first round picks as well as two 2001 second round picks from Seattle.
• Phoenix receives a 2001 lottery protected first round pick from New York.
• The conditions regarding the lottery protected picks are not yet known.
• Phoenix reportedly will receive $3 M from the Knicks.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Chris Dudley, Pho.: $6 M.

Patrick Ewing, Sea.: $14 M.

Horace Grant, LAL: $7 M.

Greg Foster, LAL: $1.7 M.

Chuck Person, LAL: $1.12 M.

Emanual Davis, LAL: $0.485 M.

Glen Rice, NY: $8 M.

Travis Knight, NY: $2.8 M.

Vladimir Stepania, NY: $0.749 M.

Lazaro Borrell, NY: $0.500 M.

Vernon Maxwell, NY: $1.6 M.

Luc Longley, NY: $5.8 M.

Who got the best of the deal?

LA Lakers.

Why?

Everyone knew the Lakers wanted no part of Glen Rice for another season; so, instead of losing Rice to a team without compensation, the Lakers not only get rid of a headache; but, they also obtain a solid replacement for their biggest weakness—a starting power forward. Grant, 6’10, will still do the dirty work performed last season by A. C. Green; however, Horace is a better low post defender and shooter than Green. Plus, Horace is much more used to the triangle offense than Green.

In addition to Grant, the Lakers also improve their bench. Person, who was contemplating retirement, may have enough game left to provide a 3 point threat; while Foster, 6’11, is an upgrade over John Salley and Travis Knight. Foster is a better shooter and a more aggressive player than those two. Also, with G Derek Fisher out of action for up to six months following surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot, Emanual Davis, 6’5, can provide a bigger presence in the back court. If Davis has recovered fully from Bell’s Palsy, the Lakers should have a bench Coach Phil Jackson won’t be afraid to utilize in clutch playoff situations.

Assuming Patrick Ewing told Knicks’ management he no longer wanted to be a Knick, then New York did the best the could in a trade. However, Glen Rice, Latrell Sprewell, and Allan Houston, will not be a good fit as teammates. Therefore, expect either Sprewell or Houston to be dealt.

Longley is a decent low post defender and little else. Knicks’ fans will give Luc a hard time for his lack of production as long as he is a Knick.

Knight is not a physical presence on defense which is a problem in the more rugged Eastern Conference.

Stepania, 7’0, is young and athletic; but, he, too, is not a physical player. He does have some good offensive skills; but, he doesn’t seem to fit into the Knicks’ long term plans.

Borrell, 28, is 6’8 and a fairly skilled small forward. He came from Cuba and played his first season in the NBA last year. He, too, doesn’t fit into the Knicks’ future plans.

Vernon Maxwell has 2 years left on a 3 year deal; but, his recent off the court problems combined with a bad knee don’t bode well for him staying with the Knicks, either.

The Sonics have long wanted a shot blocking center. They now have one in Patrick Ewing. Ewing, 38, may be moody; but, he is still one of the top centers in the league. He’ll provide Seattle a better match up against Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Arvydas Sabonis. However, Ewing has been injury prone for the last few seasons. He has chronic problems with his knees and Achilles’ tendinitis; so, there is a question about his durability.

Sonics’ GM Wally Walker acknowledges acquiring Ewing is a risk, “The trade is not without risk, given Patrick's age and previous history.” But it's a risk we absolutely had to take. To get a center, even at Patrick's age, he's still one of the top centers in the league.”

However, Ewing is a warrior who’ll add a degree of toughness to Seattle’s team. Patrick won’t be the “go to guy” in Seattle; but, he will add another consistent low post threat the Sonics can rely on down the stretch of games.

In addition, since Ewing is a free agent next summer and he backed off his demands for a contract extension, the Sonics will have up to $20 M in salary cap room next summer to bid on free agents. The Sonics didn’t promise Patrick anything in terms of another contract except to wait and see how he plays this season and based their decision on his performance.

Dudley is not even the decent scoring threat Longley is; however, Chris is a better shot blocker. However, Dudley’s contract expires 2 years before Longley’s which was a key factor in the Suns agreeing to be a part of this deal.

Suns’ President Brian Colangelo said the trade addresses “both business and basketball issues”.

In addition to Dudley, Phoenix hopes to have the services of rookie C Iakovos “Jake” Tsakalidis this season as well. Jake’s currently involved in a contract dispute with his former Greek team. If a settlement is reached or the arbitrator rules in favor of Jake and the Suns, then the 7’2, 280 pound Tsakalidis could join Phoenix for next month’s training camp.