The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

February 16, 2000

“Hughes to Warriors; Kukoc to Sixers; and Starks to Bulls”

The Chicago Bulls traded F Toni Kukoc to the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia traded G Larry Hughes, F Billy Owens, and F Bruce Bowen to the Golden State Warriors. Golden State dealt G John Starks, Bruce Bowen, and a conditional first round draft pick to the Bulls.

Notes:

• 1999 - 2000 Player Salaries:

  Toni Kukoc, Phi.: $4.5 M.

  Larry Hughes, G St.: $1.722 M.

  Billy Owens, G St.: $2.09 M

  John Starks, Chi.: $4 M.

  Bruce Bowen, Chi.: $0.446 M.

  Who got the better of the deal?

  Philadelphia.

  Why?

  By acquiring Kukoc, the Sixers added a legitimate second scoring option (which the team sorely needed) to guard Allen Iverson. Kukoc, 6’11, has the ability to play big guard, small forward, power forward, and, on occasion, run the offense. Toni is too quick on the perimeter for most power forwards and too tall for most small forwards in the low post. One big flaw, however, of Toni’s game is his average to below average defense. The Sixers, under head coach Larry Brown, have become one of the best defensive teams in the league. As a result, it remains to be seen how the 31 - year old Kukoc adapts to the Sixers defensive philosophy.

  The biggest questions for the Sixers about Kukoc are will his back spasms flare up the rest of this season and perhaps more importantly will Toni re - sign with the team this summer. Philadelphia will be able to offer Toni a higher salary than any other team; but, presently, it’s not etched in stone Toni will be a Sixer next season.

  “We're not doing this as a short-term thing,” Philadelphia General Manager Billy King said. “Our goal is to have Toni Kukoc finish his career here.”

  The Bulls obtained a first round draft pick and additional salary cap space for this summer in order to pursue star quality free agents like Grant Hill and Tim Duncan.

  Bulls’ General Manager Jerry Krause said, “We've taken another step in what is a step-by-step process to getting where we want to be,” he said. “We've said all along we wanted the financial ability to sign two free agents, we wanted to get younger and get additional draft choices. We now have two outstanding young players in Elton Brand and Ron Artest, a couple of others in Michael Ruffin and Chris Anstey and we could add a couple of major free agents and have three No. 1 draft picks.”

  The Bulls may try to deal Starks to a title contender before the trading deadline. If they can’t make a deal, they may waive Starks and allow him to sign with a contender such as the Miami Heat.

  Bruce Bowen, 6’7, is a role player and a very good defender. He was included for salary cap purposes. He’ll probably be waived by the Bulls in the near future.

  The Warriors wanted to obtain a young, promising shooting guard in order to provide some spark of hope to their fans. The 21 - year old Hughes could be that guard. Hughes, 6’5, is very athletic and a great leaper. However, his game is very raw. He lacks a consistent perimeter shot and his defense and work ethic need to improve a great deal. However, he’ll get plenty of minutes with the Warriors who now have a decent young nucleus of forwards Antawn Jamison and Jason Caffey, center Erick Dampier, and guard Vonteego Cummings.

  Warriors’ GM and coach Garry St. Jean said, “Right now what I want to do is encourage our fans for the future,” St. Jean said. “I want them to see that we have some dynamic young pieces that are going to grow together and help this team become a playoff team, a consistent playoff team. I think you can look around the roster and have a good feeling about the youth and about the experienced guys. We're going to keep working to improve it. There's more things we can do, and we're going to continue to do them.”

  “I hope it gives us a boost as far as the fans,” Warriors assistant general manager Gary Fitzsimmons said. “But obviously the guy has got to play into his potential. We view him as a guy who has great potential. He has a chance to be a great player in this league. Now remember, that's potential. But there are a lot of people who think this guy can be a great player in this league.”

  Billy Owens, 6’8, has disappointed and underachieved his entire NBA career. His contract expires after the 2000 - 2001 season. He is not a part of the Warriors’ long term plans.