The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

June 24, 1998

"Nellie Deals Tractor for his man - Dirk Nowitzki"

The Dallas Maverick traded F Robert "Tractor" Traylor (6th overall) to the Milwaukee Bucks for the draft rights to F Dirk Nowitzki (9th overall) and the draft rights to F Pat Garrity (19th overall).

Notes:

• Garrity’s draft rights were traded to Phoenix. See that trade's analysis.

• Until Nowitzki signs with Dallas, his salary will not count against the salary cap.

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Robert Traylor, Milw.: $1.916 M

Dirk Nowitzki, Dal.: $1.473 M

Pat Garrity, Dal.: $0.886 M

Who got the better of the deal?

Dallas.

Why?

GM / head coach Don Nelson wanted Nowitzki in the worst way. Since Nowitzki will apparently play overseas for at least 1 year, owner Ross Perot Jr. wanted Nellie to acquire another pick before he agreed to selecting Dirk. Nellie found a taker in the Bucks.

Tractor Traylor gives the Bucks a low post scoring threat which they sorely lack. For a big man (6’7, 277), he has exceptional foot work and great hands. However, whether he can keep all the weight he lost before the Draft off is a question which can only be answered in the future. If so, the Bucks have a player.

Nowitzki, 20, is 6’11, 237. He can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. He has been compared to Seattle F Detlef Schrempf and Bulls’ F Toni Kukoc. Not bad. Apparently, Nellie believes he is worth the wait.

• After Nellie and his son Donnie flew to Nowitzki’s home in Germany, they made a “full court press” to convince him to play in the NBA this season. Then, after flying to Dallas and meeting teammates, Dirk agreed June 30th to play in the NBA this season.