The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive
Milwaukee gets Ervin Johnson | Stanley to Minnesota | Cato for Anstey
Lawson for Washington | Jackson for Cotton | Bruton for cash | Collins for pick
June 25, 1997: "Milwaukee welcomes Ervin Johnson"
The Milwaukee Bucks acquired C Ervin Johnson from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for swingman Johnny Newman, F Joe Wolf, and the draft rights to F Danny Fortson (10th overall).
1997 - 1998 Salaries:
Ervin Johnson, Milw: $1.8 M
Johnny Newman, Den: $1.2 M
Joe Wolf, Denver: $0.300 M
Danny Fortson, Den: $1.291 M
Who got the better of the deal?
Milwaukee.
Why?
Ervin Johnson gives the Bucks a defensive presence. He can block shots plus rebound. Ervin played in all 82 games last season. He will compete with Andrew Lang for the starting center spot.
Johnny Newman and Joe Wolf do not figure prominently into the Nuggets’ future plans. GM Alan Bristow wanted to rid the club of long term contracts (Johnson has 6 years remaining on his deal) and gain additional salary cap flexibility. Newman and Wolf are eligible for free agency.
Rookie Danny Fortson should give the Nuggets a physical presence on the club. He has to prove he can score over taller players in the pros. With the Nuggets going to a youth movement, Fortson should see a lot of minutes. Some in Denver have begun comparing him to former Nuggets’ forward Calvin Natt who had a solid NBA career.
“Clips trade overweight underachiever to Minnesota”
The LA Clippers acquired C Stojko Vrankovic from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for C Stanley Roberts.
1997 - 1998 Salaries:
Stojko Vrankovic, LAC: $3.48 M
Stanley Roberts, Minn: $3.7 M
Who got the better of the deal?
Minnesota.
Why?
Stanley Roberts has always had the ability to be a very good center; however, his horrible conditioning has never allowed him to reach his full potential. If he can get in and then stay in shape, the T-wolves have a steal. If he doesn’t, then they can buy out his contract and use the room created to go after a free agent.
Stojko can block shots. That’s all. He gets into foul trouble way too often and way too early. His agent is close friends with Clips’ coach Bill Fitch which must have helped in making this trade. If Fitch gets any positive production from Vrankovic it will be a plus. He has two years left on his contract: $3.48 M in ‘97 - ‘98 and $4.06 M in ‘98 - ‘99. Well, the Clips finally got a center. I think.
“Nellie Strikes Again”
The Dallas Mavericks traded the draft rights to C Kelvin Cato (15th overall) to Portland in exchange for the draft rights to C Chris Anstey (18th overall) and monetary considerations.
1997 - 1998 Salaries:
Kelvin Cato, Port: $0.999 M
Chris Anstey, Dall: $0.857 M
Who got the better of the deal?
Portland.
Why?
Cato should provide Portland with an athletic shot blocker. He could replace free agent Chris Dudley in terms of blocking shots.
Chris Anstey, has been described by some as “another Shawn Bradley”. Nellie must like that type of player. Presently, it’s uncertain if he can get out his contract with his team in Australia in time to participate on the Mavs Summer League squad. He has ability; but, it’s yet to be seen if he has NBA ability.
“Nuggets continue dealing, this time with Orlando”
Denver traded the draft rights to 2nd round pick F Jason Lawson to Orlando in exchange for the draft rights to Orlando’s second-round pick, G Eric Washington and the Magic’s second-round pick in 1999.
1997 - 1998 Salaries:
Jason Lawson, Orl: $0.242 M
Eric Washington, Den: $0.242 M
Both players’ salaries are not guaranteed.
Who got the better of the deal?
Neither.
Why?
Neither player may make the club’s roster.
“Sonics continue trend of trading first-round pick”
Seattle traded the draft rights to first-round pick G Bobby Jackson (23rd overall) to Denver in exchange for the draft rights to G James Cotton (33rd overall) and Denver’s own second-round pick in 1998.
1997 - 1998 Salaries:
Bobby Jackson, Den: $0.695 M
James Cotton, Sea: $0.242 M
Cotton’s salary is not guaranteed.
Who got the better of the deal?
Denver.
Why?
Seattle did not want to give guaranteed money to Jackson, a player who would not make the club. James Cotton is athletic; however, it’s unlikely he will make the club.
The Nuggets plan to sign a veteran point guard through free agency and have Jackson back him up. Bobby is a good defender who has to develop his playmaking skills.
“Grizzlies trade pick for cash”
Vancouver traded the draft rights to G C.J. Bruton (53rd overall) to Portland in exchange for cash considerations.
1997 - 1998 Salary:
C.J.Bruton, Port: $0.242 M
Salary is not guaranteed.
Who got the better of the deal?
Unknown.
Why?
Bruton possesses true playmaking skills; however, its unlikely he will make Portland’s squad this season. The Blazers will probably want a veteran to back up starter Kenny Anderson.
Vancouver picks up some cash.
“Clips and Sixers wheel and deal again; this time w/ each other”
The Philadelphia 76ers traded the draft rights to G James Collins (33rd overall) to the LA Clippers in exchange for the Clips second-round pick in 1998.
1997 - 1998 Salary:
James Collins, Philly: $0.242 M
Salary is not guaranteed.
Who got the better of the deal?
Unknown.
Why?
Collins is a scoring guard which the Sixers have in abundance. He probably won’t make the club. He may be involved in another deal.
The Clips obtain a future second-round pick which they can use in future trades.
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