UPDATE (11:58 am): Check out some related thoughts from the good folks over at Third Quarter Collapse.
This is what the Warriors are trying to do to the Magic right now. [via i282.photobucket.com]
JUMP!
My partner in trying to make some of the slowest parts of the NBA offseason interesting Adam Lauridsen has the 411 in Watson's Future, My Nightmare Rotation, and Wright's Ups and Downs [Fast Break]:
the Magic's preferred offer for Watson is apparently a chunk of the Turkoglu trade exception, a second round pick and the rights to Milovan Rakovic (read the Magic summer league bio here - he didn't play due to the absence of a contract, possibly to keep him available as an easier-to-move trading chip). It sounded earlier this summer as if the Magic and CJ had worked out the numbers on a deal, so the sticking point here is likely the Warriors holding out for a first round pick, cash, or both.
If the Warriors can net a trade exception, a second round pick, and Rakovic for Watson I'll be impressed. If they can steal a first round pick from the Magic for Watson I will be amazed. Neither move is going to directly help the Warriors improve one bit on last season's 29 win disaster, but that's still some good stuff.
Building off what my another one of my partners in trying to make some of the slowest parts of the NBA offseason interesting JAE noted earlier in Belinelli Traded, World Does Not End: State of the Warriors after the trade, Nellie and Riley seem to be going out of there way to stockpile trade exceptions and expiring contracts (Speedy Claxton- $5.2 million, Acie Law- $2.2 million, Devean George- $1.6 million, and possibly Brandan Wright- $2.7 million). Who knows if they'll land a major impact player before opening night Wednesday October 28th at the Roaracle against the Yao and TMac-less Houston Rockets (see 2009-2010 Golden State Warriors Schedule + 82 "Unstoppable Baby!" Predictions) with these cap friendly contracts- fingers still crossed- but I do expect them to be major trade players in-season and at the 2010 trade deadline. Remember that's when Speedy had his most amazing act for the Dubs the first time around (see Warriors Acquire Two-Time All-Star Baron Davis From New Orleans- Warriors.com).
Wat's on:
- Rumor: Magic and Warriors talking sign-and-trade for C.J. Watson
- RUMOR: Magic to Sign Warriors Restricted Free Agent C.J. Watson