The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive
Two Deals Today (One Major, one minor)Mullin goes to Indiana | Heat acquires Causwell
August 12, 1997: "Mullie" joins the Pacers"
The Indiana Pacers acquired veteran sharp shooter F Chris Mullin from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for C / F Erick Dampier and swingman Duane Ferrell.
1997 - 1998 Salaries:
Chris Mullin, Ind: $2.6 M
Erick Dampier, GS: $1.363 M
Duane Ferrell, GS: $1.0 M
Who got the better of the deal?
Indiana.
Why?
New head coach Larry Bird stated when he was hired the Pacers needed to acquire a scoring small forward who could lighten the scoring load on G Reggie Miller. Bird and Pacers’ GM Donnie Walsh accomplished that desire by obtaining Chris Mullin.
Mullin, 34, is an “old school” basketball player. Until last season, Chris had missed a lot of games due to injuries.
He is very fundamentally sound. He moves well without the ball. He is a great passer and a great shooter. Not too many players work any harder than Chris Mullin. Mullie is the stereotypical “gym rat”. He, along with Bird, will serve as superb examples of work ethic and fundamental basketball for the Pacers top draft pick this year, F Austin Croshere.
By trading the young Dampier, the Pacers have clearly geared their team toward a championship run. Along with Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, and Dale and Antonio Davis, the Pacers have a solid core which should help them compete for the Eastern Conference title this season. Plus, when injured F Derrick McKey returns from his ruptured Achilles' tendon, Indiana will have much more depth and versatility.
Mullin was scheduled to be a free agent next summer; however, he has signed a 3 year contract extension with Indiana through the 2000 - 2001 season worth about $10 M.
Golden State may have finally done something right. The Warriors have really made some poor acquisitions in recent years: trading Chris Webber; acquiring inconsistent F Donyell Marshall for Tom Gugliotta; giving G Tim Hardaway away; and sending C Rony Seikaly to the Magic for Felton Spencer. However, acquiring Dampier gives the Warriors much needed height, bulk, and youth to their frontline.
Dampier is a raw offensive talent; however, he is a solid defender and rebounder which Golden State truly needs. He and top pick F Adonal Foyle will definitely enhance the club’s porous defense. In fact, this acquisition may move F Joe Smith to small forward and keep Donyell Marshall a reserve unless Marshall finally plays to his potential.
Now, if the club can convince the fans “this is a good move and we’re moving in the right direction” is another story. Mullin requested a trade to a contender before the trading deadline this past season; but, he was not obliged. Recently, he had changed his mind and decided to sign a contract extension with the club because he respected new head coach P.J. Carlesimo. However, now he’s been traded.
Duane Ferrell is a true professional. He has improved his perimeter shot from about 18 to 20 feet. He is a solid defender and a true team player which the Warriors have also lacked.
“Riley acquires backup for Zo”
The Miami Heat acquired C Duane Causwell from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for G Gary Grant, C Matt Fish, and a conditional 2nd round pick in 1999 or cash.
1997 - 1998 Salaries:
Duane Causwell, Mia: $1.2 M
Gary Grant, Sacramento: unknown
Matt Fish, Sacramento: unknown
Who got the better of the deal?
Miami.
Why?
The Heat acquired Causwell to back up C Alonzo Mourning. Consequently, word has it they may trade Isaac Austin. They are in the running to obtain Detroit free agent F Terry Mills.
Causwell has been a disappointment his entire career. At 7’0” he’s a decent shot blocker and little else. He has poor hands and has been very foul prone. It will be interesting to see if Heat head coach, Pat Riley, can work his motivational magic and make Causwell a contributor for the Heat this season.
Sacramento didn’t want Causwell in the least. Causwell was a free agent; therefore, Sacramento re - signed him to a 5 year, $8.5 M contract in order to trade him. As a result, they did obtain some value for him.
Gary Grant had been suffering from back problems with the Heat. He and C Matt Fish will probably be released by the Kings shortly.
- Fish was re - signed by the Heat on 8 / 11.
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