The finances: Murphy is slated to make just over $8 million this year and $50 million over the next five. Pietrus will make $2.5 million and is eligible for an extension this summer. Taft makes just $660,000. Lue will make about $7 million over the next two seasons, while Harrington would need to sign a contract starting around $8 million to make the numbers work.

Why it helps the Warriors: Something along the lines of this proposal seems imminent. As much as Golden State benefits from Murphy's rebounding and shooting range, the team needs a low-post scorer. Murphy devolved -- much like the others on his team -- into a long-range chucker last year, shooting 2.4 3-pointers per game and making just 32 percent of them. Harrington is a skilled back-to-the-basket scorer who, though not the rebounder Murphy is, should help shore up the Warriors' inside game. Golden State also must be cost-conscious. They plan to play Monta Ellis more, which means they'll have to pay him by 2008. They probably can't afford to keep the talented-but-frustrating Pietrus. Lue's contract, up after next year, will create salary space to sign Ellis.

Why it helps the Hawks: Atlanta is prepared to lose Harrington. Depth in the frontcourt is needed -- their big men are Zaza Pachulia, Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams -- and Murphy provides rebounding, plus offensive versatility. He needs to cool off on the 3-point tries, but he does have shooting range and room to improve. He could be an All-Star in the East, eventually. Pietrus and Taft are both decent young players who might do well with some playing time. The Hawks would like to deal Josh Smith, and having Pietrus aboard would make him unnecessary.