The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

July 25, 2001

The San Antonio Spurs signed and traded G Derek Anderson and traded G Steve Kerr as well as a 2003 second round draft pick to the Portland Trailblazers in exchange for G / F Steve Smith.

Notes:

• Anderson signed a 6 year, $48 M deal.
• Kerr and Smith are eligible for free agency after the 2002 - 2003 season.

2001 - 2002 Player Salaries:

Derek Anderson, Por.: $ M.

Steve Kerr, Por.: $2.4 M.

Steve Smith, SA: $9 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Portland.

Why?

The Blazers almost acquired Anderson last summer; however, Derek decided to sign with the Spurs. The Anderson - Spurs situation became a “he said - he said” saga. The Spurs say Anderson reneged on a verbal agreement while Anderson and his agent say the Spurs never offered a guaranteed six year contract.

“I just think they're in a situation where they have to look at themselves in the mirror and say, 'What in the world were we thinking?' Because I did nothing negative to them,” Anderson said.

Said Popovich: “That's not even worthy of a response. If people are going to believe the stuff he says, I have swampland to sell you. Everyone knows it's not true.”

Regardless of who is telling the truth, the Spurs lost Anderson’s athleticism; Kerr’s perimeter shooting; but, they did gain Smith’s professionalism and outside shooting.

With Anderson, Portland adds another versatile athlete to their mix of basketball players. Who knows how well Anderson and fellow shooting guard Bonzi Wells will split the playing time? New Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks and his staff will have to determine that issue.

“Derek is one of the premier guards in the NBA today,” said Bob Whitsitt, Portland's team president and general manager in making the announcement. “He's a great floor leader and is an outstanding individual. In addition, Steve Kerr brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team as well. We're thrilled that they're joining the Trail Blazers.”

Anderson, 6’5, is 27 years of age. He’s a good perimeter shooter; but, he’s much better at slashing through defenses and finishing at the basket.

Kerr was included in this trade for salary cap purposes. He realizes his days as a Blazer are probably very short.

“I know that obviously I'm just a throw-in in the trade, Kerr said Tuesday from his home in Tucson, Ariz. “They are not interested in me, they are interested in Derek. I'm not completely sold this is my last destination with the way things work in the NBA.”

Smith is 32 and he’s had a history of knee problems; however, he only missed 1 game over the last two seasons and that was because of the flu. Steve, 6’8, is a good low post scorer against shorter guards. He’s not as quick as he used to be; but, he’s a good passer, ball handler, and spot up shooter. He’s never been known as a great defensive player; but, with the new zone rules as well as Tim Duncan and David Robinson as teammates, Steve’s defensive liabilities shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Despite the Spurs being able to obtain quality compensation for Anderson, Smith could pose a problem for the Spurs: he wants a contract extension. He has 2 years left on his current deal.

Smith’s agent Charles Tucker said, “He would like that situation, but they would have to work with him on an extension. Something would need to get done.”