By: Tyler Ward
In a rather surprising move on Wednesday, the biggest trade of the offseason occurred. Sources haven't confirmed if the trade has gone down, however.
In the proposed trade, the Pacers would receive point guard Darren Collison and small forward James Posey from the Hornets. The New Jersey Nets would acquire power forward Troy Murphy from the Pacers. Recent playoff hero Trevor Ariza would go from Houston to New Orleans. The Rockets would acquire shooting guard Courtney Lee from the Nets.
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| Collison |
The Pacers would end up being the biggest winner in this deal - they finally get a point guard they desire in Collison and a defensive stud in Posey. General Manager Larry Bird had repeatedly stated that the Pacers needed a point guard, with A.J. Price being the starter at that point in time. Collison, entering his second season, will be handed the starting reins after a steller rookie campaign. While filling in for Chris Paul, Collison played admirably, averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists per game for the Hornets. In March, against the Golden State Warriors, Collison had the best game of his career thus far, dropping 16 points and 20 assists. The Pacers had expressed interest in acquiring such point guards like Ramon Sessions, Mike Conley, Jonny Flynn, and Eric Maynor, but everything fell through, which opened the door for the blockbuster trade.
Indiana also receives James Posey in the deal, who will likely back-up Danny Granger. He immediately adds depth to the Pacers, which consists of young talent like Granger, Roy Hibbert, and Paul George. It is not known if the Pacers will keep Posey or not, but if they do, it will definitely be a quality addition. With the acquisition of Posey, it means that Mike Dunleavy Jr's days in Indiana are closing - he had also been subject to trade rumors recently and will more than likely be dealt before the season.
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| Ariza |
The Hornets receive journeyman Trevor Ariza in their part of the deal, his fifth team since his rookie season in 2004. He gained success after an improbable playoff performance for the Lakers in 2008. Prior to last season, Ariza signed a three-year/$18 million deal with the Rockets, but his stint in Texas didn't last long. He played in 72 games and averaged double-digit points (14.9) for the first time in his career. Primarily known as a defensive-minded player, Ariza looks to add valuable defense to the Hornets, who were tied for 21st in the league in opponent's points per game (102.7) last season. Like Collison, Ariza will probably be put into the starting role.
With the trade of Collison, this means that the Hornets will more than likely keep Chris Paul, who has also been subject to trade talks in the last few weeks. Paul, along with Marcus Thornton and Ariza, will form a solid backcourt.
New Jersey receives power forward Troy Murphy in the trade - Murphy, who has spent the last 3 1/2 seasons with Indiana, will be going to his third team since coming into the NBA in 2001. Although he can be considered a "poor shooter" for a big man, he has had five seasons where he has averaged a double-double for the entire year. His best season came in 2008-09 when he shot 47.5% from the field averaged 14.3 point and 11.8 rebounds per game.
Murphy is also in his last year of the 6-year/$58 million contract he signed prior to the 2005-06 season. Since he has an expiring contract, he could be a valuable trade chip at the trade deadline next season. Murphy will provide veteran leadership for the Nets, especially to Derrick Favors, the future of the newly-regimed franchise.
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| Lee |
Houston probably got the worse end of the deal, as they only acquired young guard Courtney Lee. Although an up-and-coming shooting guard, Lee may not be starting material. They get rid of Ariza, who is scheduled to make $6.3 million this season. Lee is comparitively making $1.3 million in what can be considered a salary dump by the Rockets. Houston has already spent big money on Brad Miller, Luis Scola, and Kyle Lowry this offseason, so they had to get rid of a decent-sized contract. The ex-Net will probably become Kevin Martin's backup, with Shane Battier filling in for the recently-departed Ariza.
Overall, the Pacers got the best end of the deal. Houston seemed to get the worse part of the deal, with New Orleans also losing in the transaction.
