The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

February 1, 2000

“Mercer Dealt to Denver in 5 Player Deal”

The Denver Nuggets traded G Ron Mercer, G Chauncey Billups, F Johnny Taylor and a conditional first round draft pick to the Orlando Magic in exchange for F / C Chris Gatling, G Tariq Abdul - Wahad, and a lottery protected, future first round draft pick.

Notes:

• • 1999 - 2000 Player Salaries:

    Ron Mercer, Orl.: $2.3 M.

    Chauncey Billups, Orl.: $3.1 M.

    Johnny Taylor, Orl.: $1.172 M.

    Chris Gatling, Den.: $4.76 M.

    Tariq Abdul - Wahad, Den.: $1.595 M.

    Who got the better of the deal?

    Denver.

    Why?

    It became clear to Denver coach / GM Dan Issel that Ron Mercer was going to ask for the maximum salary allowable under the collective bargaining agreement (starting salary of $9 M) this summer. Issel and the Nuggets did not want to pay Mercer that much money; consequently, Mercer was dealt in order for the Nuggets to receive compensation for him.

    Mercer is a scorer. Nothing more. He’s never been a good defender which newly acquired Tariq Abdul Wahad is quite simply because Wahad wants to play defense. Mercer doesn’t. Also, Wahad will probably ask for a starting salary between $3 and $5 M this summer which is much more palatable to pay than Mercer’s demands. Also, Wahad doesn’t look to take as many shots as Mercer did which rubbed some Denver players the wrong way.

    Gatling will provide the Nuggets another scoring option in the front court. He’s an adequate defender at best who has a tendency to gripe and complain if things don’t go his way. However, his scoring off the bench will ease the offensive load placed on F Antonio McDyess and G Nick Van Exel.

    Orlando Magic GM John Gabriel said, “Ron brings us great athleticism, along with the ability to score. He gives us another go-to guy and we now have the signing rights to what will be one of the top free agents this summer.”

    “In addition this transaction gives us added salary cap flexibility as we continue with our plans which began this past summer,” Gabriel said.

    Gabe speaks highly of Mercer now; but, there is no guarantee Mercer will sign with Orlando this summer. The Magic have the money and play in a warm weather climate; however, Mercer may still opt for another team. In addition, Orlando may decide to sign Toronto’s Tracy McGrady or Charlotte’s Eddie Jones instead.

    “We wanted to both fortify our team now and solidify the groundwork for the future,” said Gabriel. “We'll feel the loss of not having Gatling coming off the bench, giving us meaningful minutes. Both he and Tariq were instrumental in our great start. But we're not giving up on this season.”

    Billups is out for the season following surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder he injured in December. He was included in the trade for salary cap reasons. The Magic waived the requirement for him to pass his physical. It’s very unlikely Billups fits to any of the Magic’s future plans and it is very possible Chauncey will re - sign with Denver this summer.

    Johnny Taylor returns to the Magic which drafted him in 1997 and dealt him to Denver in 1998 for F Keon Clark. He’ll be waived in a few days or merely be a 11th 12th man on the roster at best.