The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 25, 1997: "Kemp gets his wish in blockbuster 3 way trade"

The Seattle Sonics traded F Shawn Kemp, "The Reign Man", to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Cavs also obtained G Sherman Douglas from the Milwaukee Bucks.  The Bucks obtained G Terrell Brandon, F Tyrone Hill, and a conditional 1998 first round pick from the Cavs. The Bucks then traded F Vin Baker to the Sonics.

Notes:

• • 1997 - 1998 Salaries:

    Shawn Kemp, Clev.: $3.3 M

    Sherman Douglas, Clev.: $4 M

    Terrell Brandon, Milw.: $1.8 M

    Tyrone Hill, Milw.: $4.1 M

    Vin Baker, Seattle: $4.1 M

    Who got the best of the deal?

    Seattle.

    Why?

    The Sonics rid themselves of Kemp, who stated he had “played his last game in a Sonics uniform” after the Sonics were eliminated by the Rockets in last year’s playoffs; and received a 25 year old, 3 time All - Star in Vin Baker.  Seattle probably received the most value for Kemp they could get from any other team.  Kemp felt betrayed and hurt by the Sonics’ organization.  Now he will have a fresh start.

    Baker may not be the shot blocker Kemp is; however, Vin has a solid low post game and, unlike Kemp, he is a good passer out of double teams.  Vin, also, should excel in the Sonics up tempo offense. Baker should enjoy playing for a winner (for a change).

    Cleveland and Milwaukee also helped themselves.

    The Cavs finally did something positive this off - season.  After losing Bobby Phills and Chris Mills; and being turned down by countless other free agents, obtaining Kemp is a big plus!

    The Cavs will be able to run more which will please the players as well as the fans.  Sherman Douglas is a decent point guard; but, he’s no where near the caliber of player Terrell Brandon is.  Since, Sherman is a free agent after this season, the Cavs can free up $4 M next summer.  Bob Sura and rookies Brevin Knight and Derek Anderson are the future of Cleveland’s backcourt.

    Look for Kemp and the Cavs to sign a new contract very soon.  The Cavs have about $9.5 M of cap space which will make the disgruntled Kemp very happy.

    Brandon and Hill figured to opt out of their respective contracts in the near future; thereby, leaving the Cavs with no compensation in return.

    The Bucks addressed their desperate need for a point guard by acquiring Brandon.  Terrell should team with 2nd year big guard, Ray Allen, and make the Bucks a much better team.

    Tyrone Hill will do all the dirty work at the power forward spot.  Milwaukee should be a better club overall: defensively as well as team chemistry.  However, with Baker gone, much of the scoring load in the front court will fall to Glen Robinson.  It will be interesting to see if Robinson can handle the new found pressure. (It says here—he can’t.)  Maybe this is the year Milwaukee finally plays to its potential and actually makes the playoffs.  It would be the first time since the '90 -  '91 season.