The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive
1999 NBA Draft Day DealsHo Grant to Sonics | Jumaine to Sixers | Bergersen dealt to Blazers | Bullock to Magic |
Nellie Acquires High Schooler Smith | Warriors Acquire Vonteego
June 30, 1999
“HO GRANT TO SEATTLE FOR MAGGETTE AND 3 VETERANS”
The Seattle Supersonics traded the draft rights to G / F Corey Maggette, swingman Billy Owens, swingman Dale Ellis, and F Don MacLean to the Orlando Magic in exchange for F Horace Grant and two 2nd round draft picks (2001 and 2002).
1999 - ‘00 Salaries:
Horace Grant, Sea: $6.5 M
Billy Owens, Orl.: $2 M.
Dale Ellis, Orl.: $1.8 M.
Don MacLean, Orl.: $2.5 M.
Corey Maggette, Orl: $1.05 M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Seattle.
Why?
Simply put, the Sonics made this trade in order to win now. Gary Payton, 31, isn’t getting any younger. By the time Maggette, 19, develops into a star, Payton will be 34 or older. Also, the Sonics expect big things from Rashard Lewis who was drafted out of high school last season.
“We felt like we had to do something pretty dramatic with our roster,” General Manager Wally Walker said. “We definitely had a need for another big guy.”
The Sonics got the physical frontcourt player they felt was one of their main needs during the offseason. And by getting rid of Ellis, MacLean and Owens, Seattle reduced its roster to only six players, which increases salary-cap space for free agency.
“I feel it's a great opportunity for me to come to an established team and play with a guy like a Gary Payton and Vin Baker and get back on the winning track,” said Grant
. Although the 6-foot-10 Grant played power forward for the Magic the past five seasons, Seattle intends to start him at center along with Baker, who is currently a free agent.
“We're going to play them together a lot,” said Sonics’ coach Paul Westphal. “Horace will guard the better low-post player, usually. Vin will be working offensively in the low post, and Horace likes it around the high post.”
Last season, Grant averaged 12.1 points (on 43.4 percent shooting) and seven rebounds in 33.2 minutes per game. It was one of the least productive seasons of Grant's 12-year career. However, Seattle views him as a quality big man who can focus on rebounding and defense.
Owens, MacLean and Ellis will not be with the Magic once the season begins. They are expected to be traded or waived.
The Magic want to become more athletic. Maggette definitely fits that need.
Maggette, 6’6, 218, will play in a reserve role next season, used at both small forward and shooting guard. There will be times he is overwhelmed. But there also will be times he makes some eye-opening plays.
His shooting is suspect. It's a major reason he fell in the draft after being considered a top-five prospect two weeks ago. His strength will be his runs to the basket and the way he finishes the breaks.
Orlando isn't expecting any quick miracles from Maggette, just a rapid improvement. They can teach Maggette to shoot. They can't teach him — or anyone else — the athleticism he already has.
“HAWKS TRADE DRAFT PICK JONES TO PHILLY”
The Atlanta Hawks traded the draft rights to F Jumaine Jones (27th overall in '99 Draft) to Philadelphia for a future first round pick.
1999 - ‘00 Salary:
Jumaine Jones, Phi.: $ 0.684 M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Neither club.
Why?
Trading Jones for a future pick saves the Hawks the guaranteed money owed to a first round pick and that’s it.
Jones is athletic and a good rebounder; but, he’s not a good enough scorer to help lessen the scoring load on Sixers’ G Allen Iverson.
It’s unlikely Jumaine will see much minutes this season barring trades.
“HAWKS DEAL BERGERSEN TO BLAZERS FOR CASH”
The Atlanta Hawks traded the draft rights to G Roberto Bergersen (52nd overall in the ‘99 Draft) to Portland in exchange for cash considerations ($500 K).
Who got the better of the deal?
Neither club.
Why?
Though the Hawks and Blazers may be discussing a trade involving G Isaiah Rider for G Steve Smith, this deal gives the Hawks some cash and the Blazers another body for summer camp.
Bergersen is a decent shooter; but, it’s very doubtful he’ll make the Blazers roster. Last year’s rookie G Bonzi Wells is expected to see minutes this season.
“ORLANDO GETS BULLOCK FOR CASH”
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded the draft rights to G Louis Bullock (42nd overall in the ‘99 Draft) to Orlando for cash ($100 K).
Who got the better of the deal?
Neither club.
Why?
Bullock is a good shooter who has improved his point guard skills. He’ll have to have a stellar summer camp to get invited to the fall training camp. The Magic are looking to acquire a starting point guard in order to return G Darrell Armstrong to his sixth man role. If he’s lucky, Bullock will impress Orlando’s coaching staff enough to get hurt and remain on the injured list all season like G Miles Simon (last year’s second round pick).
Minnesota obtaining $100 K doesn’t accomplish much; but, at least they obtained something for someone who wasn’t going to make their roster.
“NELLIE ACQUIRES HIGH SCHOOLER SMITH FROM SPURS”
The Dallas Mavericks acquired the draft rights to F Leon Smith (29th overall in the ‘99 Draft) from San Antonio in exchange for the draft rights to G Gordan Giricek (40th overall in the ‘99 Draft) and a 2000 second round draft pick.
1999 - ‘00 Salary:
Leon Smith, Dal.: $ M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Neither club.
Why?
Smith will probably play overseas for at least 1 year in order to improve his very raw skills.
The Spurs avoided paying guaranteed money to a first round pick; but, they acquired very little in return. Giricek may decide to never play in the United States.
“WARRIORS GET VONTEEGO TO BACK UP MOOKIE”
The Golden State Warriors acquired the draft rights to G Vonteego Cummings (26th overall) and a future 1st round pick from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the draft rights to C / F Jeff Foster (21st overall).
Note:
- The first round pick is lottery protected for the next four years. The Warriors have the option of taking the Pacers’ first round pick next season, unless that pick is one of the top 13. If they don’t get the 2000 pick, the same rules apply for each of the following two seasons. The fourth year is protected one through 10. The fifth year is unprotected.
1999 - ‘00 Salaries:
Vonteego Cummings, GS: $ M
Jeff Foster, Ind..: $ M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Neither club.
Why?
Neither player is expected to make a major impact in their first season.
“This is a big kid with skills,” Pacers’ coach Larry Bird said. “He handles the ball as well as any big kid I've seen in awhile. He runs, he has great leaping ability, he boxes out and he has nice moves around the basket. He's not Antonio Davis, but he brings a lot to the table.”
Vonteego is a good playmaker; but a poor shooter. Due to teammates’ injuries and other problems in college at Pittsburgh, Cummings was forced to do everything; as a result, he improved his overall game; but, he never excelled at one particular aspect.
The Warriors hope Cummings will be able to back up newly acquired Mookie Blaylock. However, like any late first round pick, Cummings is no can’t miss prospect. Consequently, Warriors’ GM Garry St. Jean expects to bring in a number of players to fight for the backup position.
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