The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

February 18, 1998: "3-D and Ceballos Trade Places"

The Dallas Mavericks traded G / F Dennis Scott to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for F Cedric Ceballos.

1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

Dennis Scott, Phoe.: $2.92 M.

Cedric Ceballos, Dal.: $2.6 M.

Note:

• Both are free agents this summer.

Who got the better of the deal?

Neither club.

Why?

Dallas GM / coach Don Nelson had promised Dennis he would trade him to a playoff contender because the Mavs weren’t going to re - sign him in the summer. Mission accomplished.

"We feel very comfortable about bringing Dennis Scott in," said Phoenix GM Bryan Colangelo.

Suns head coach Danny Ainge said Scott could provide consistent perimeter shooting.

"At some point, shooting could be a real necessity for us," Ainge said .

"He'll have to work his way into the lineup," Ainge added. "I'm very pleased with the way we are playing."

Cedric Ceballos, 28, is one of the best in the league at scoring without having plays designed for him.

"He's just different than Dennis, more of a slasher, a rebounder," said Nelson.