The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

August 19,

“Orlando Deals Manning and Ellis to Bucks”

The Orlando Magic traded F Danny Manning and swingman Dale Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for F Armen Gilliam and F Chris Gatling.

Note:

• Gilliam is a free agent next summer.

1999 - ‘00 Salaries:

Danny Manning, Mil.: $6.5 M.

Dale Ellis, Mil.: $1.8 M.

Armen Gilliam, Orl.: $3.71 M.

Chris Gatling, Orl.: $4.76 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Milwaukee.

Why?

Milwaukee benefitted from Orlando’s continued “relaunching”.

“You either have a plan that's going somewhere, or you are not going anywhere at all,” Orlando GM John Gabriel said. “We think we have our plan in place.”

Neither Gatling nor Gilliam will provide much to Orlando except a player whose been in the league a few years.

Gatling’s contract expires in 2001; so, it is not a certainty he’ll be in Orlando for the next two seasons. If he does, he’ll provide some much needed low post scoring with very little defense.

Gilliam is solid; but, not spectacular. He’s a decent perimeter shooter and low post scorer. He can score in the post with his right and left hand.

“We are committed to putting the best possible team together to represent the Milwaukee Bucks,” Bucks’ GM Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement released by the team. “The additions of Danny Manning and Dale Ellis take us further in that direction. Both players know what it takes to win. They strengthen our roster by adding scoring, leadership and experience to our team.”

“By acquiring Danny and Dale we have improved our basketball team,” Bucks’ Head Coach George Karl said. “Danny has shown the ability to play all three front line positions exceptionally well, and Dale is one

of the best shooters in the game. This trade makes us a better team.”

Danny Manning is a basketball player, period. At 6’10, and despite three knee operations to repair torn ACLs, he’s still a very capable player coming off the bench for about 20 to 25 minutes a game. He’s an excellent passer; a decent ball handler and rebounder; a good shooter to about 18 feet; and, above all, a true professional on the court.

Acquiring Dale Ellis helps ease the signing of Dell Curry to the Toronto Raptors. Dale is one of the top 3 point shooters in NBA history; so, his ability to make the 3 will help his new teammates (Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, Robert Traylor, and Tim Thomas) spread the offense.

Dale has never been a great defender; but coach Karl already knew that since he coached Dale in Seattle.