The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

January 26, 2001

The Golden State Warriors traded G Vinny Del Negro to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for F / C Corie Blount, F Ruben Garces, and G / F Paul McPherson.

Notes:

• Corie Blount waived his player option on his contract for next season and agreed to have it guaranteed.
• Garces and McPherson are free agents this summer.
• Del Negro can become a free agent next season.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Vinny Del Negro, Pho.: $2.1 M.

Corie Blount, GS: $1.3 M.

Ruben Garces, GS: $0.349 M.

Paul McPherson, GS: $0.49 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Golden State.

Why?

With the numerous injuries to their frontcourt, Golden State wanted to address that need as well as get younger.

“With the Suns' situation of losing Penny and obviously with Jason Kidd they felt they needed a veteran guard who could play both positions, a guy who could shoot the ball and has experience,” Warriors assistant general manager Gary Fitzsimmons said. “From our point of view, it certainly adds to our depth with where we've been most of the year. At the same time we get younger and get to take a look at three positions.”

Blount, 6’10, will help shore up the front court with center Erick Dampier and forward Danny Fortson still out with injuries. Corie can back up rookie center Marc Jackson as well as allow Adonal Foyle to play power forward off the bench. However, Blount has had a history of knee problems; so, given the apparent black cloud of injuries hanging over the Warriors the last two seasons, Corie’s healthy days could be numbered.

Ruben Garces, 6’9, is a banger who probably won’t see many minutes off the bench.

McPherson, 6’2, has been labeled a “power guard”. He’s very strong; but, he lacks any shooting touch or legit ball handling skills. His best skills are running the floor and attacking the basket.

Fitzsimmons said this about McPherson, “We've followed him since the summer league with them,” Fitzsimmons said. “He's more of a (shooting) guard who can swing (to small forward) at times. He's a guy we think has potential and an upside. When he's been used he's had some outstanding games. The hardest part of the deal for them was giving him up.”

“We've made a commitment to our two young big guys (Jake Tsakalidis and Daniel Santiago), and that left Corie out of the loop,” said Suns coach Scott Skiles. “Paul, we think, has the potential to be a good player, but because of Penny's injury, we felt like we needed more of a shooter and veteran guy there.”

Del Negro, 6’4, is a good spot up shooter. He excels in a pick and roll offense. He’s not great at running an offense; but, with Kidd playing, Vinny won’t have to do much except knock the open shot.