The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

June 24, 1998

"Garrity Heads to Phoenix, Nash Heads to Big D"

The Dallas Mavericks traded the draft rights to F Pat Garrity (19th overall), F Martin Muursepp, G / F Bubba Wells, and their 1999 first round pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for G Steve Nash.

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Pat Garrity, Phoe.: $0.886 M

Martin Muursepp, Phoe.: $763 K

Bubba Wells, Phoenix: $0.312 M

Steve Nash, Dallas: $1.191 M

Note:

• Nash can be a free agent next summer.

Who got the better of the deal?

Dallas.

Why?

Dallas gave up basically nothing for Steve Nash. Steve is by far a better point guard than what the Mavs had last year (Hubert Davis, Robert Pack, Erick Strickland, Kevin Ollie, and Khalid Reeves). Steve will be the Mavs starting point guard. He is quick, tough, a good shooter, and a good passer. He may not be a great defender; but, his toughness and aggressiveness make him a great competitor.

The Suns acquired a good perimeter shooter in Garrity and little else. Pat is not very quick and really doesn’t have a defined position. His low post scoring needs to improve and his perimeter defense is a question mark. However, he’s intelligent and very fundamentally sound. Plus, their is no substitute for shooting.

Wells is a 6’5 low post scorer with a steel rod in each leg. Muursepp was told by Nelson he’d be better off playing ball in Europe in order to improve his game. This deal also takes about $800 K off the Suns’ salary cap. It may not seem like a large amount; but, it could make a difference.