The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 5,

“Penny gets His Wish ”

The Orlando Magic signed and traded G Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for F Danny Manning, F Pat Garrity, and two first round draft picks..

Notes:

• The Magic could use the picks beginning in next year’s Draft or pass until they believe the picks have better value. They must use the picks by 2008.
• Orlando received a $1.5 M trade exception.

1999 - ‘00 Salaries:

Penny Hardaway, Pho.: $9 M

Danny Manning, Orl.: $6.5 M

Pat Garrity, Orl.: $1.02 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Phoenix.

Why?

Penny Hardaway used to be one of the top players in the NBA. Now, he’s a good player. Fortunately for Penny, he’s joining the best point guard (Jason Kidd) in the league who will make Hardaway a much better player.

Penny became a problem in Orlando. He led a players’ mutiny to get Coach Brian Hill fired as well as had difficulty in playing for Chuck Daly.

Penny is not a leader. He doesn’t handle criticism well at all. However, in Phoenix he won’t be asked to be a leader. The Suns are J Kidd’s team, period. Penny can relax and just play.

As long as he doesn’t have any more leg and / or knee problems, Penny’s athleticism, post up skills, and shooting should flourish with Kidd running the offense as well as F Tom Gugliotta, F Cliff Robinson, and F Rodney Rogers lending a hand.

Expectations in Phoenix to join the NBA’s elite level will begin.

“I'm going to go easy on Danny (Ainge),” Suns General Manager Bryan Colangelo said. “I'm going to start low and say we expect to be among the elite teams in the West. And our intent is to win playoff games.”

Orlando GM John Gabriel stated the Suns “were the only ones who really wanted him”. If that statement is correct, Penny’s declining level of play and his strange attitude should speak volumes.

Danny Manning has two years left on his contract with a team option on the third year. He’s recovered from 3 torn ACL’s; but, he is a solid basketball player who makes teammates better. He’ll be the solid veteran on the club. He should play no more than 20 minutes a game off the bench behind forward Bo Outlaw.

Garrity began to show improvement for the Suns as last season progressed. At 6’9, he’s a good outside shooter who lacks quickness and strength to be a good defender. He should back up second year small forward Matt Harpring.