The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 21,

“Pistons Acquire Derek Harper from Lakers”

The Detroit Pistons traded the draft rights to G Melvin Levett (54th pick overall in the ‘99 Draft) to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for veteran G Derek Harper.

1999 - ‘00 Salaries:

Melvin Levett, LAL: $301,875.

Derek Harper, Det.: $1.1 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Detroit; if Harper reports.

Why?

The Pistons acquired the veteran point guard they’ve been lacking. Harper will back up Lindsey Hunter at the point guard spot. While his best years are behind him, Harper, 37, can still do a good job running an offense and making the clutch outside shot. He will not be asked to play more than 15 or 20 minutes a game.

However, Derek is considering retirement. He wants a chance at a championship not just a trip to the playoffs.

“What a shame that a player of Derek's magnitude can't end his career on his own terms,” said George Andrews, Harper's agent. “I really think he is going to retire. “Derek sees the Pistons as a playoff team. Derek would leave home for a championship team, not a playoff team.”

Levett wasn’t in the Pistons’ plans for this coming season. It’s also unlikely he’ll make the Lakers’ final roster. He’s a great athlete with incredible leaping ability; however, he needs to improve his overall game which includes developing a mid range jump shot as well as improving his ball handling skills.

Trading Harper frees the Lakers to sign free agent guard Ron Harper. Lakers’ Coach Phil Jackson needs someone familiar with the Triangle Offense he plans to implement this season. Ron would be a nice fit.

“He said he had mixed emotions about the trade, but he never said he was going to retire,” Pistons’ VP of Basketball Operations Rick Sund said. “There are no guarantees. But the thing is, we can't really lose either way. If he comes, great, we got the player we were looking for. If he doesn't, hey, all we gave up was a player who most likely would not have made our team.”

If Detroit does decide to deal Derek, Harper may go to Houston in exchange for point guard Matt Maloney. The Rockets would meet Harp’s criteria as a team with a chance at the title this season as well being closer to his home and family in Dallas.