The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 11,

“Ike Austin Traded to Wizards ”

The Orlando Magic traded C Ike Austin to the Washington Wizards in exchange for F / C Ben Wallace, G Jeff McInnis, G Tim Legler, and F Terry Davis.

Note:

• Wallace, McInnis, Legler, and Davis are eligible to become free agents next summer.

1999 - ‘00 Salaries:

Ike Austin, Was.: $5 M.

Ben Wallace, Orl.: $1.5 M.

Jeff McInnis, Orl.: $0.500 M.

Tim Legler, Orl.: $1.5 M.

Terry Davis, Orl.: $1 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Neither club.

Why?

Trading Austin means 4 of the 5 starters (Penny Hardaway, Nick Anderson, Horace Grant, and Ike) from last year’s starting unit during the push toward the playoffs have been dealt this off - season. Only guard Darrell Armstrong remains and Orlando hopes to bring him off the bench once again.

“This fits the plan we've been working to build a foundation in relaunching the franchise,” said Magic General Manager John Gabriel. “This was just another step in the same direction.”

Ike, 30 on August 18, was a disappointment last season. He played out of shape and over weight all season. He, reportedly, has gotten in shape this summer and looks to have a more productive season for the Wizards.

When healthy, Ike is a decent low post scorer with a good touch from out to 18 feet. He’s not a great rebounder and not much of a shot blocker.

Wizards General Manager Wes Unseld said: “I think [getting Austin] addresses a need that we all recognize we've had at the position. It complements some of our other people, especially Rod [Strickland] and Mitch and Tracy [Murray] and Juwan [Howard].”

Ben Wallace, 24, is the key to this trade for Orlando. He fits the type of player the Magic are retooling the club. He’s 6’9, 240, a great athlete, a good shot blocker and rebounder. He and Bo Outlaw should create a lot of havoc defensively for the opposition. This summer, Ben has been working on improving his offense.

“We realize we gave up a very promising young player in Ben, but we had to give up something to get something,” Unseld said.

Wallace likely will not be able to play until after Christmas because he is scheduled for wrist surgery to repair tendon damage. He injured his right wrist nearly two years ago but did not realize the severity of the damage until this summer, when his wrist routinely "locked up on him," according to his agent, Steve Kauffman.

Orlando was aware of the injury before the trade.

McInnis, Legler, and Davis add to the Magic’s depth. However, it is a possibility some or all three of them may be waived or dealt in other trades.

McInnis, 6’3, does not solve the Magic’s need for a point guard. His decision making is spotty at best and he is not a good shooter.

When 100% healthy, Legler, 6’4, is one of the top 3 point shooters in the league. Unfortunately for Tim, he has not been completely healthy in 3 years.

Davis, 6’9, is a good rebounder and low post defender. He has not fully recovered from an automobile accident about 2 years ago in which he shattered his left elbow.