Trade Breakdown: Charlotte/Portland

(2011-02-24) Trade Details & Commentary

Charlotte Bobcats traded Gerald Wallace to Portland Trailblazers for Joel Pryzbilla, Dante Cunningham, Sean Marks, a 2011 1st round pick (from New Orleans) (?-?), and a 2013 1st round pick (?-?).

Portland Trailblazers traded Joel Pryzbilla, Dante Cunningham, Sean Marks, a 2011 1st round pick (from New Orleans) (?-?), and a 2013 1st round pick (?-?) to Charlotte Bobcats for Gerald Wallace.

 

Commentary:

It has to be hard for a Charlotte fan to believe His Airness when he says that he is trying to make the playoffs when he trades away a guy who is not only their best player but a guy who could be counted on for hustle and defense every night. This trade was clearly as much about the salary dump as it is the two 1st rd picks that Charlotte is getting back. Unless New Orleans misses the playoffs (not likely), Charlotte will have the Hornets’ pick in addition to their own. However, since Jordan has proven that he has no idea how to evaluate talent I have to wonder what the final tally on this deal will show a couple years down the road. If San Antonio made this deal I wouldn’t question it, but Jordan and his crew haven’t inspired much faith off the court, as of yet.

For Portland it is hard to see why they wouldn’t make this deal. Wallace is a terrific defender and he brings hustle every night. This does make for some off-season questions though. The ink on the extension given to Brandon Roy is hardly dried and Wesley Matthews has proven he worth the risk. The team also has Nicholas Batum whom they are very high on on the bench as well. However, you can never fault a team this far over the cap for adding talent.

Analysis: Portland wins