The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 2, 2001

“Olajuwon Heads to Toronto”

The Houston Rockets signed and traded C Hakeem Olajuwon to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a future first and a 2002 second round draft pick.

Notes:

• The Rockets received a $5.1 M trade exception which they can use to acquire a player(s) via trade only if they are over the salary cap. If they're over the cap, they have one year to use the exception.
• The first round draft pick Houston receives is lottery protected beginning in 2002.
• The first season the Raptors qualify for the playoffs in the next 7 seasons, Houston receives the pick.

2001 - 2002 Player Salary:

Hakeem Olajuwon, Tor.: $5.1 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Toronto.

Why?

The Rockets made every effort to retain Hakeem; however, through no fault of Hakeem or the Houston Rockets, both parties agreed to disagree which resulted in Hakeem being signed and dealt to the Raptors.

Houston doesn’t receive much in return except for the two draft picks. The trade exception will be lost since the Rockets are currently $15 to $16 M under the salary cap. Basically, once Hakeem told Rockets’ management to break off negotiations, Houston agreed to this trade to allow Hakeem to receive maximum money from the Raptors. Seventeen years of playing for one organization finally allowed Hakeem to “explore” other teams, cities, and situations.

“It's safe to say this is one of the toughest days that I've ever had to go through because of what this gentleman has meant to basketball in this city,” Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said.

Olajuwon may be 38; but, he’s still one of the better centers in the league. His presence in the starting lineup will allow Antonio Davis to play his more natural position of power forward which will allow the Raptors to balance out their starting unit (Olajuwon, Davis, Morris Peterson at small forward, Vince Carter at big guard, and Alvin Williams at the point. Hakeem is no longer the dominant force on both ends of the court he once was; but, he’s still capable of producing 10 plus points, 8 to 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block per game which should be enough for the Raptors.

“This guy has tremendous pride,” said Raptors head coach Lenny Wilkens, who coached the Dream at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. “He wants to show everyone that he is a champion. He wants to go out on the top of his game. And I love it.

“That's great for us. He does have something to prove. That's fine because he can prove it with us.”

“We're very excited about this development,” said Raptors general manager Glen Grunwald. “It's so rare that a player of his stature and caliber in the league is even possible to consider coming to another team.

“He's obviously been around the game for a long time,” said Grunwald. “And he knows a lot about it and understands what it takes to win in this league.”