The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

by: Kris Gardner

The New Jersey Nets acquired the draft rights to F Keith Van Horn (2nd overall), G Lucious Harris, F Don MacLean, and F / C Michael Cage from Philadelphia in exchange for G Jim Jackson, C Eric Montross, the draft rights to F Tim Thomas (7th overall), and G Anthony Parker (21st overall).

1997 - 1998 Salaries:

Keith Van Horn, NJ: $2.655 M

Michael Cage, NJ: $1.768 M

Don MacLean, NJ: $2.120 M

Lucious Harris, NJ: $1.4 M

Jim Jackson, Philly: $4.6 M

Eric Montross, Philly: $1.52 M

Tim Thomas, Philly: $1.614 M

Anthony Parker, Philly: $0.754 M

Who got the better of the deal?

Philadelphia.

Why?

Nets coach, John Calipari, must truly love Keith Van Horn.  During the past season, New Jersey had positioned themselves through other trades to be almost $14 M under next summer’s salary cap.  However, with this trade, almost all of the Nets' cap flexibility is gone.

MacLean has 3 more years on his contract after the ‘97 - ‘98 season.  When healthy, Don is a very good scorer; however, his defense is porous and he is rarely healthy.

Lucious Harris has 5 more years remaining on his contract after this upcoming season.  Harris does nothing very well and he has yet to develop the strength to play consistent minutes as a shooting guard.

Michael Cage has a 50% guarantee on his contract for ‘98 - ‘99.  Cage is a solid, durable big man whose better days are behind him.

Van Horn has a lot of tools; however, since he is a rookie, he will go through a learning process which may make the Nets look really foolish in the short term.

Philly rid itself of long term contracts and obtain, in return, a veteran who can score (Jackson); a center (Montross) and 2 promising rookies (Thomas and Parker).

Jim Jackson is entering the last year of his contract.  As a result, Philly can try to trade him for other players or renounce his rights next summer and use his $4.6 salary as cap relief.

Montross gives the Sixers much needed height at the center spot.  Scott Williams, Cage, and Derrick Coleman, all played center last season though they are better suited as forwards.

Tim Thomas has loads of potential.  At 19, he’s very young but very gifted.  He has the ability to play any position other than center in the future.

Anthony Parker gives the Sixers someone who can shoot from the perimeter.  He is already bigger physically than the traded Lucious Harris.  However, with Jackson, Stackhouse, Thomas, and possibly a re - signed Mark Davis, Parker may not be a 76er for long.