Sixers discussed deal for Battier
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Sixers discussed deal for Battier
Update:
Although the 76ers did not make a move by the 3 p.m. trading deadline, a source confirmed that they were engaged with the Houston Rockets up until the final hours before the deadline discussing a deal which involved Sixers' forward Jason Kapono and big man Marreese Speights in exchange for Rockets' forward Shane Battier. Houston ended up trading Battier to the Memphis Grizzlies for Thabeet and a first-round pick.
This almost-trade was first reported by ESPN's Marc Stein.
Although Sixers were taking and making calls all the way up to the deadline, and this news is evidence of that, the team moves forward with the current roster. As noted in the previous post, keep an eye on Kapono and his $6.6 million contract, which could be bought out.
From earlier:
As the NBA trade madness swirled around them -- the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Boston Celtics all made significant trades -- the Sixers didn't make a move by today's 3 p.m. trading deadline.
Deciding to see what this roster could do with 25 more games together, the Sixers' brass held onto all of their assets and will play out the remainder of the season without any significant trades. It's still possible that the Sixers will buy out Jason Kapono (his $6.6 million expires at the end of the season), allowing him to sign with a contender such as the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers. A source confirmed that many teams are interested in Kapono's shooting ability, should the Sixers agree to buy him out. At today's practice, Sixers coach Doug Collins said if the team did that, it would be for Kapono's sake, but it would also have to make sense for the organization. That's something the organization will consider now that no trades have been executed.
--Kate
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I would have traded Speights and Kapono for Thabeet and a 1st in a heartbeat. That's too bad.— tripleplay83- Finally. The voice of reason (only 9). Who specifically do we want on this team that would improve it? Is your trade workable under the cap? I keep reading "big man" or "shooter". Dwight Howard is not available. Reggie Miller is not coming out of retirement. Throw some names at me. And why suddenly is there all this love for Kapono? Let him go. Set him free.— Mr Mel
- Throw some names....how about Perkins and OJ Mayo, both could have been had for Young/Speights/Hawes, just look at what the Celtics & Memphis got in return. I agree with the Kapono point, if he can't play over Jodie Meeks just let him go. — cannon00
- How about the fact that Kapono was the 3rd leading scorer after Wade and Shaq the year after they won the NBA championship. The guy has some value, seemingly just not to Doug Collins on this team. Teams are reportedly lining up if he's bought out. I don't have "love" for Kapono, but he's an asset that should have been used to improve the team. The Sixers aren't just not maximizing value, they are getting nothing from him. NOTHING!
- What would we have done with Battier anyway? We lack an NBA shooting guard and center. Battier would have just clogged up the forward position even more.
What were they thinking?— tripleplay83 - I understand the impatience guys but there was not one move the Sixers could have made that would have improved the teams performance significantly this tear or next, key word significantly. Change for sake of change makes no sense. Yes I would have liked Perkins but no way Celts trading within division. Who else that was traded would have been worth starting the chemistry building all over again?— JBP
- The only sensible comment in this entire thread! These "fans" are clueless! tripleplay83 actually said he would have traded for Thabeet in a heartbeat- unbelievalby clueless. Professional sports do not work like fantasy leagues.
- You mean you would not have traded the expiring contracts of player that don't even get time for Thabeet? You are clueless. You lose nothing in a deal like that.
- Yea, giving up Kapono (who will likely be bought out) and Speights (whom Collins refuses to play since he plays no D). For Thabeet (a project, but potential devastating defensive presence) and a first round pick.
Unbelievably clueless? At most, I'll let you call it a risk, but we know the current team's ceiling, 7th or 6th seed in the East. Take a few risks, keep getting younger and see what happens. Worst case scenario, we miss the playoffs. Doubtful since the two guys I'd trade aren't even playing this season. - I don't think anyone said shake up the roster. Adding Thabeet while giving up nothing of value would have been nice.
- I'm simply talking about Thabeet- he'd ned to improve greatly to be considered a project. Didn't we just trade the same guy to Sacramento? Both have a 0 basketball iq. I would say Dalembert is a better defensive player than Hawes, but we are playing much better team defense than we did last year. How can that be? And, you guys do realize there are two parties that need to agree to make a trade- who says Memphis would have wanted what we have to offer over Battier? Same with the Perkins deal, and doubt Boston trades a good big man within the division. I just don't feel the frustration most posters on here are feeling. I see improvement, am really enjoying watching these guys play, but I realize this team is not a trade away from taking the next step.
- But we would have been giving up nothing to acquire a guy that's getting paid nothing. At the very worst it would have been a wash. Would all like to have Dwight Howard, of course. Realistically we all know it won't happen. But just get a back up center that can block shots. Why is that so much to ask for.
- Ok, so misquote me and take out the part about getting a 1st rounder with Thabeet for players who don't play anyway.
Even so, we lose Speights' 12 minutes a game that gets us 5.6 pts, 3.5 boards and zero D. Put in Thabeet, get 3 pts, 3.6 boards and 1.3 blocks. Doesn't change much except clogs up the lane for 12 minutes a game.
Thabeet's clearly still learning and Collins may be a godsend for him. Maybe not. Point is, it's certainly worth the chance for two guys who Collins doesn't like.
Is this really that hard, sensiblephan? - Battier? LMFAO Battier was discussed???? We have a roster full of mediocre tweeners and they talked Battier???? Un-F'ing real!!!!!!!— twpman1
- Great post, couldn't agree more. — cannon00
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
