The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

November 21, 1997: "Chambers leaves Phoenix for Milic"

The Phoenix Suns traded veteran F Tom Chambers to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for rookie swingman Marko Milic.

1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

Tom Chambers, Phila.: $272 K

Marko Milic, Phoe.: $242 K

Who got the better of the deal?

Neither club.

Why?

Both Milic and Chambers were reported to be suffering from lower back strains, which appear to be as contagious as the flu in today's NBA.  Both also have not appeared in a regular-season game.

"It's a perfect opportunity for us to see Marco Milic and see what impact he can have on this team," said Suns General Manager Bryan Colangelo, who described Milic, 6 feet 6, 235 pounds, as an undeveloped player with Dan Majerle's kind of potential.

For the Sixers, the acquisition of the 6-foot-10 Chambers appears to be temporary.  Chambers, sixth among the Suns all-time leading scorers, will fill a roster vacancy left by Derrick Coleman, who was placed on the injured list because of an irregular heartbeat.  Coleman is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks.

Sources in Philadelphia said the Sixers also acquired Chambers as a potential cost-cutting move.  The Suns signed him to a one-year deal for $272,500, the minimum for veterans.  However, only $100,000 is guaranteed.  For Chambers to collect the balance, he has to be on the roster on Jan. 10.

Milic has a one-year deal, all guaranteed, for the rookie minimum of $242,000.  The Sixers will save $142,000 if Chambers is released before Jan. 10.

The Suns already are loaded with players of Milic's size and probable position.  The difference between some of those players and Milic is that their skills are developed.

Cedric Ceballos, a 6-7 former All-Star, has appeared in only four of nine games.  George McCloud, a 6-8 swingman, also has appeared in only four games as he struggles to find his shooting range after suffering a bruised knee in preseason.

Further pressure for another deal seems to be building.  Before the Milic acquisition, Ainge said that neither Ceballos nor McCloud is comfortable with limited chances to play.

"I think it's very unlikely that you'll see him play competitive in a game anytime soon," Colangelo said.