The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 7, 2001

“Pistons Deal Cleaves to Kings”

The Detroit Pistons traded G Mateen Cleaves to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for G Jon Barry and a future first round draft pick.

Note(s):

• Detroit won’t receive the first round pick before 2004.

2001 - 2002 Player Salaries:

Mateen Cleaves, Sac: $1.3 M.

Jon Barry, Det: $3 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Neither club.

Why?

While this deal makes sense for both teams, there’s no clear “winner” from this trade. Detroit has tried all summer to improve their backcourt (and, especially their point guard) situation. Mateen, 24, struggled last season during his rookie year; and, he probably never would have been able to live up to the expectations of being a hometown kid playing for his hometown team.

“Mateen's a very physical, young point guard who is obviously still very early in his career,” said Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president of basketball operations. "He gives us additional depth and insurance at a very important position in our league. Hopefully he'll have a chance to develop as he goes forward and we're looking forward to having him.”

Mateen will have a difficult time playing any significant minutes for the Kings; however, because Sacramento already has newly acquired Mike Bibby as the starting point guard in addition to Bobby Jackson as the back up. Money was another reason the Kings made this deal. The Kings will save about $3.6 M over the next 2 seasons by acquiring Cleaves for Barry.

“We think that we have upgraded the guard position with the addition of Jon Barry and also helped ourselves in the future by adding a first-round draft choice,” said Pistons’ President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. “At 6-foot-5, Jon can play both guard positions and he has been a solid outside shooter his entire career. He is a solid veteran player with a good amount of playoff experience.”

Jon, 32, saw limited action during last season. He missed 16 games last season due to a fractured hand; plus, any minutes he would have seen were taken by Hedo Turkoglu and starter Doug Christie. When healthy, Jon is a very good three point shooter. He’s also a crowd favorite because of his on court toughness and his propensity to dive after to loose balls and make positive things happen for his teammates.