The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

January 12, 2001

The Denver Nuggets acquired F / C Kevin Willis, C Aleksandar Radojevic, C Garth Joseph, and a conditional 2nd round draft pick from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for swingman Tracy Murray, F Keon Clark, and C Mamadou N’diaye.

Notes:

• Denver will receive the second round pick in either 2001 or 2002.
• Joseph is a free agent this summer.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Kevin Willis, Den: $2.7 M.

Aleks Radojevic, Den: $1.43 M.

Garth Joseph, Den: $0.317 M.

Tracy Murray, Tor: $3.06 M.

Keon Clark, Tor: $1.38 M.

Mamadou N’diaye, Tor: $0.722 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Toronto.

Why?

Basically, the Raptors obtained two potential contributors (Murray and Clark) for one (Willis). Denver realizes they’re taking a risk with this deal by acquiring a 38 - year old veteran and giving up 2 young, athletic big men; but, it’s a risk the Nuggets felt was worth taking.

“Our thinking was that we really needed a big guy that would be able to back up both Raef (LaFrentz) and Antonio (McDyess) for the rest of the year,” Nuggets coach and president Dan Issel said. “Come in and give us 20 solid minutes (a game). I think we did that.”

“I think you get into trouble when you start planning two or three or four years down the road,” Issel said. “You never know what's going to happen. I think Willis makes us a better team now, so it was a chance we had to take.”

Willis a proven scorer with a good low post game. He’s also a good rebounder. His size and experience should help the Nuggets in their quest to make the playoffs this season.

Radojevic, 7’3, 250 was drafted 12th overall in the 1999 Draft; but, he’s only played a total of 24 minutes due to two back surgeries—one each season. He’s currently on the injured list; and, he isn’t expected to play this season.

Joseph, 7’2, 306 is a project; but, he does have size and some decent moves around the basket. He’s a project; but, he won’t be asked to make a huge contribution in Denver.

The Raptors needed to get more athletic in the front court and improve their perimeter shooting. This trade helps solve those problems.

“I don't think this trade solves all our problems, we still have to play better but hopefully it gives us an opportunity to be better,” Raptors’ GM Glen Grunwald said. “It makes us younger and more athletic and the shooting of Tracy Murray should help Vince (Carter) in particular and the team in general. We were flawed and we needed to address some things.”

Murray, 29, had his best scoring year (averaging 16.2 ppg) as Raptor during the 1995 - 1996 season. He’s one of the league’s top three point shooters and he’s happy to be returning to Toronto.

“I've learned a lot,” Murray said. “Playing and being unhappy while you're playing (like in Washington) isn't the answer; being unhappy and not playing (like in Denver) isn't the answer. There's one place where I was playing and happy and that was in Toronto.”

Keon Clark, 6’11, 220 is the key to the deal for the Raptors. He’s 25 years old and his tremendous potential. He’s a great athlete with superior leaping ability. He’s left handed and he’s a great shot blocker. Keon lacks consistency and focus in his game; but, he should be able to produce better numbers with the increased minutes he’ll receive as a Raptor backing up Antonio Davis and Charles Oakley in the front court.

Clark has been described by some league observers as a “poor man’s Theo Ratliff”.

Mamadou N'diaye has not played all season due to a severely strained groin. When healthy, the 7’0 N’diaye is a good shot blocker with a decent face up jump shot. However, he probably won’t play at all this season.