Post by Philadelphia 76ers on Mar 3, 2009 16:55:21 GMT -5
Colangelo Looking For Youth, Cap Relief
Colangelo is trying to work his magic as the deadline looms
The NBA's version of Christmas is underway with hours left before trading is officially closed for the season. Usually an exciting day for Philly fans, this year looks like it will be a little more low key. With only a few deals expected and the return more than likely cap space and prospects the day won't have the usual flare it has for Sixers fans. Then again the way past deadline days have gone the fan base could likely do without the disappointment of a Cuttino Mobley or an Elton Brand.
The rumours out there today are pretty much the same as yesterday with new acquired Drew Gooden, point guard Chris Duhon, Fred Jones and Nazr Mohammed all being shopped for cap space and young talent.
Colangelo is trying to work his magic as the deadline looms
The NBA's version of Christmas is underway with hours left before trading is officially closed for the season. Usually an exciting day for Philly fans, this year looks like it will be a little more low key. With only a few deals expected and the return more than likely cap space and prospects the day won't have the usual flare it has for Sixers fans. Then again the way past deadline days have gone the fan base could likely do without the disappointment of a Cuttino Mobley or an Elton Brand.
The rumours out there today are pretty much the same as yesterday with new acquired Drew Gooden, point guard Chris Duhon, Fred Jones and Nazr Mohammed all being shopped for cap space and young talent.
- According to numerous league sources, the Sixers and Spurs have are in the final stages of a deal that would send Chris Duhon and Nazr Mohammed to the Spurs for Raymond Felton and Damon Jones' expiring contract. Philadelphia would receive a starting calibre PG in Felton that would anchor the second unit and clear Mohammed's big cap hit for an off-season where they'd have to re-sign Felton and Kevin Garnett. However, Philly wants to clear more cap space for next season before they pull the trigger.
- Recent reports have indicated that recently acquired big man Drew Gooden is unhappy with his role coming off the bench. This has prompted Colangelo to heavily shop Gooden before he disrupts team chemistry. Any deal would have to send young talent and 2009 cap relief back to Philly however. Among the teams that have shown interests in Gooden's services include the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Portland Trailblazers. Portland's lack of a center has been well documented and the possible addition of Gooden could boost their chances of a deep playoff run. Dallas lacks another big body down low considering Shawn Marion is in the SF/PF mold and could use another body down low as insurance. New York is playing Chris Kaman out of position at PF and the addition of Gooden would slot Kaman back to his natural position, center. It is believed Colangelo has offered Knicks GM a deal that would send Gooden to New York in exchange for Kendrick Perkins.
- It appears Fred Jones has played his last game as a Philadelphia 76er. With the acquisition of sharpshooter Brent Barry, minutes at SG appears to be limited. The 2004 dunk champion was brought in to provide scoring and energy off the bench but inconsistency has dodged Jones for the majority of the 2008-2009 campaign. It is reported that the asking price for Jones is very cheap and would only cost potential suitors a 2nd rounder or an expiring contract.
