Raptors will add Pietrus for 2nd round pick

News!

This is why I get up early, I guess.

Just got a note from an alert reader pointing out this to me, a report that says the Raptors are going to sign Mickeal Pietrus when the free agency period opens this afternoon.

Haven’t got confirmation yet – some people must not be up yet – but, on its face, it’s not a bad deal as long as it meets Bryan’s criteria of not being too expensive or too long a contract.

Guess I’ll have something to do this morning.

(And it's done; a conditional second round pick goes out to Phoenix, if Pietrus passes a physical and the fact he's got one year and $5.3 million left on his deal makes it a perfect fit for what Bryan wants to do)

Pietrus, in case you forgot, is a 6-6 small forward, played in Golden State, Orlando and finished last year in Phoenix and has long been a favourite of some of the folks in Toronto’s front office.

Stick around, we’ll get more when we can.

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Wow.

Chris Paul’s a Laker when a guy goes to bed and a few hours later when the alarm rings Chris Paul’s still a Hornet and the NBA is the laughingstock of professional sports on a day when it was supposed to re-open for business and start asking fans for forgiveness.

Guess none of us should sleep.

In case you missed it, the league – for “basketball reasons” – nixed a blockbuster trade that would have seen Paul go from the Hornets to Lakers, Houston get Pau Gasol and the New Orleans get Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and a first-round draft pick.

Funny thing? Since there was no way that Paul was staying in New Orleans when his contract expires after this bastardized 66-game season, grabbing Odom, Scola, Martin, Dragic and a pick (originally New York’s and likely in the middle of the first round of what everyone says is a stellar draft) is more than I thought they’d ever get.

That’s not Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, the right to pay Alonzo Mourning not to show and Joey Graham, that’s for sure.

These were veteran, wise NBA GMs who put this deal together – Daryl Morey in Houston, Mitch Kupchak in Los Angeles, Dell Demps doing what he could to maximize a difficult situation – and the league blew smoke in their faces. This was not Ted Steptien, this was, on its face, as good a deal as was out there.

That aside, and you can even debate if a gutted Lakers team would have been any better, the totality of the ridiculousness of the situation is what’s most troubling.

The league, of course, owns the Hornets, a scary and stupid proposition to begin with because situations like this could arise.

Having superstar players demand trades – and it’s happened in the past, is happening now, will happen in the future, get used to it – is nothing to get worked up about.

Chris Paul did what he was contracted to do. He played in New Orleans, gave it his best, made the franchise relevant and if he wanted to move eventually, that’s his right. The fact he gave his employer notice can even be seen as a good thing, he didn’t pull a LeBron or a Bosh and walk away for nothing.

Apparently, according to everything I read, a group of owners – chief among them Cleveland’s Dan Gilbert, who should really just keep quiet and count the money LeBron James made him – scuttled by complaining to David Stern about the “competitive balance” issue.

Right. They should be more concerned with making their own franchises better, hiring better people, making bold moves, doing something rather than whining.

Anyway … the biggest loser seems to be David Stern, who looks a bit like an ineffectual puppet to a new group of aggressive owners who will whine and complain until they get their way.

What happens now is anyone’s guess. There are conflicting reports on whether or not Paul will report when camp opens today, Gasol and Scola and the others are in limbo and the league’s a joke, a punchline, a comedy, just when it needs to be most forward-looking, more apologetic, most thankful that fans seem interested after being screwed around all summer.

Kinda sucks, doesn’t it?

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Now, back to, you know, stuff.

I cannot believe I missed it yesterday.

Dec. 8, 1980. John Lennon. Shot.

And if this isn't the single greatest song ever written, for lyrics and music and message, I don’t know what is.

I remember walking into the work at the Woodstock Sentinel-Review the Tuesday morning after the assassination, a bit stunned, having heard the news from Howard Cosell, and seeing a crusty old wire editor at his desk.

He gave it a bit of a yawn, said something like “one down, three to go” and he should have been slapped. But I was a respectful kid.

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The Raptors?

Hmm, let’s see.

Magloire’s and will be done today (read all about it here), everyone under contract is here and all we need now to find out today who the other two or three inconsequential free agents and how many warm bodies they might invite in a fodder.

Usually, a team likes to have 17 or 18 guys in camp, just so everyone doesn’t get too worn down or banged up with the two-a-day-workouts. Wasn’t able to reach any of The Henchmen yesterday to find out what’s up here but if they have more than 15 in, I’d be surprised. There isn’t any time to waste with guys who are simply warm bodies, Dwane Casey needs to maximize his teaching with the players who’ll be here.

Oh yeah, had a nice chat with Linas Kleiza after he got some work in.

Looks like mid-January for him to be back.

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Is it just me or has some of the air come out, locally at least, of this UFC thing?

Am told you can still buy a ticket for Saturday’s big roll-around-on-the-mat-kicking-and-holding-for-eternity event and there seems to be a distinct lack of buzz.

I’m quite fine with that, actually. If they had it in my back yard I’d sit on the front porch and all it’s going to do this weekend is screw with the grunts trying to do their training camp jobs.

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Twitter’s new slogan is Yours To Discover.

What? They don’t have google at their office?

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Comments

[doug]

wow this whole Hornets thing is just enough to make one laugh, and shake their head, but it's also sad and deplorable at the same time...and these are the same owners that the "greedy players" should have given in to and were in in the wrong for not accepting their offers....this is a mess, and the league had better get it's act together fast, or get a commissioner that is in fact interested in maintaining some integrity in the league...when guys like Cuban and Gilbert can whine enough to veto a trade then their are major systemic issues with the league....but that aside, the Lakers may be glad this deal fell through, as to get rid of both Gasol and Odom for Paul is a little over the top and for me personally, i am not a big Paul fan, yes he is good, but he is not a game changer in my opinion......yea was listening to the Q yesterday when they had their Lennon tribute on, made me reminisce, and sometimes people don't deserve respect, respect isn't a given it is earned and that editor needed a dressing down, but then again was he worth it .....Pietrus good addition, nothing wrong there with that pick-to me...cheers

[Dan W]

I agree the NBA stopping the trade does not make sense. If it is all true, that was a great amount of talent sent back for Paul. Odom, Scola, and Martin are all borderline all star caliber players. Dragic is a good back up and they get a first round pick too. That team with who the Hornets have left could probably still make the playoffs. If the NBA owned the Rockets it would make sense to stop it since they seem to be giving up a lot for Gasol. Deron Williams who is comparable to Paul talent wise was traded for less. It's stuff like this that gives credibility to Tim Donaghy that the NBA fixes games. Oh well.
Really Like the addition of Pietrus. Good defender and shoots the three well. Plus he seems to play with an edge.

[Sam]

I love the addition of M.P for our sf spot. B.C was always interested in aquiring him. Would be a great move.

[Sam]

Hi Doug: Love your blog. it's like my daily doze of coffee that has to be consumed. do you know who else (Center) B.C might target for cheap 1 year contract?

Blogger's note: Wish I did but I think next up is a third PG

[Angelo]

Michael Pietrus would be an interesting addition, doesn't drive to the basket but rebounds and shoots it up from the 3 opening up penetration room for Derozan, I read that he had knee issues and visited the Shaolin Monks in China for treatment..

Not a bad move but I think bidding for the amnestied Richard Jefferson might have been a better 1, even though it would have been a multi-year deal it would have come at a great discount.

[Sam]

Hi Doug: what is logic of having 4th pg behind JC,JB and barbosa?

Blogger's note: What if this coach doesn't see Barbosa as a PG? Ok, end of private Q and A, I'm afraid. Thanks

[Peter]

I don't think that the biggest loser is David Stern. I agree with your earlier statement that the Hornets were getting pretty good value. The biggest loser is the Hornet's GM. Not only does he NOT get what seemed to be a good deal, he now has to work in a environment where he has no clue what he will be allowed and not allowed to do!

[Sam]

Doug: by adding another PG, do you think Coach Casey move DD to 3rd spot and have barbosa and jc in the back court or even barbosa and JB?

Blogger's note: Can't do all Q and A here, other stuff to do but, perhaps, on a very rare occasion and depending on matchups. That'd be very small lineup

[kyle]

Dumbfounded is the probably the best word to describe what I think of the NBA's block of this deal.

I thought it was pretty ambitious for LA to give up what they did, to strip things apart (esp if part 2 was Howard). It's not like N.O. was getting nothing in return - some pretty solid pieces for a guy who's leaving April 27 - for nothing, zero, zilch - if they don't make the playoffs. As you point out Doug, these are experienced GMs completing a solid, if not somewhat complicated deal.

I saw written last night that the Hornets without Paul are worth about $20 mil less (as the league tries to sell the team). But it seems a done deal that he's elsewhere next year anyway, so what are they worth then? Cap space? Most of the contracts that were part of the trade expire after 2012-13. I don't get it.

I don't really care if this happened or not, but was happier it was going down in the West conference. All I can say is that Paul better not be traded this year or the NBA look like bigger fools. And it better not be to the Knicks!

[Sam]

Thank you Doug. You are truely the best. appreciated for answering all my questions. Time for you to get a big fat juicy raise. :-)
Let's go Raps.

[David in Oakville]

Nicely said on all accounts Doug.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Chris Paul and all pending trades now. ESPN is now reporting that Howard wants NJ... how can than happen given what they have left to trade? The Lakers, Rockets and Hornets deal certainly seemed fair from a "basketball" stand point.

2 PM cannot come fast enough,, it should be an interesting evening.

[AT]

wow, the Hornets are going hard pressed to match what they got in this deal, and is it up to Stern now to ensure that they get a better deal...

now what if Hornets get their hands tied and Paul walk away for nothing???

[Peter]

Can you put Dan Gilbert's letter on Facebook so that we can all discuss it? That's unbelievable! Lack of professionalism? Not acting in the best interests of the Hornets? Is there a reason that Gilbert's letters get more publicity than his team?

Blogger's note: Gimme a second to get the link and I will. Go back to the Facebook thingy in a bit and it'll be there. Just working on some other stuff

[Dave]

It was just announced that Bell and Rogers combined resources to buy MSLE.

[SheikYurbouti]

Crazy stuff with the league blocking that deal. It would seem NO did very well on the deal, but I can't fathom how that deal is good for Houston. Pau's a damn good player, but he's 31 and they gave up an awful lot. Maybe I'm missing something. Can anybody clue me in to why this made any sense to the Rockets?

[skiff]

This Hornets thing is crazy. And I don't know the details, but if I'm a NO fan, I kinda like this trade. That's pretty good value for a trade with a great player and a limited oftions due to looming free agency, public trade requests, etc. And if I'm LA & Houston, I'm screaming bloody murder at the other teams for interfering. If Gilbert is at the center of it too, he really is a petty d-bag! Has anyone squandered good will faster than him with his moronic open letters, role in the CBA talks and now this. Yeesh!

- 2 questions. For everyone: Is this the year that Ontario Lotto brings NBA games back on to Proline? I thought I remembered reading that a while ago.

- For Doug: Any idea what the impending ownership change at MLSE will mean for the Raptors in general

Blogger's note: Can't imagine it means anything, really; business as usual.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Remember me asking if you'd be spending the 9th in a rubber room, Doug? Are there any vacancies? Shaping up to be quite the Friday...
Pietrus and Magloire are just the type of veteran experience the young'ns can benefit from. So far, so good. Unless Sgt. Stern puts the kibosh on that too.
Cheers. Go Raps?

[Matt M]

The league should have made the Bird exception better for long term players, i.e. more money with more years of service (i.e. three consecutive) necessary to qualify and the provision that the person couldn't be trade for a term afterwards (i.e. at least a year, maybe two) if they wanted stars to stay with the team that drafted them. I'm sure the players would have traded something for that (additional revenues anyone?). Blocking the potentially best deal the Hornets could get from this situation is just disturbing.

[Mike M]

I wonder if the league fines Danny Granger for his twitter comment:

"Due to the sabotaging of the LA/NO trade by david stern, and following in the footsteps of my athlete brethern Metta World Peace and Chad Ochocinco, I'm changing my last name to "Stern's Bi#&h" #effectiveimmediately"

You can find it here: http://m.tmi.me/j9xgT

[John]

Doug,

I do understand your point about stars always and forever demanding trades, but feel that your slight on ownership is not completely warranted. More than ever, players have brought a new age playground mentality to the NBA... "My best can beat your best". The dichotomy in the league is getting wider with this. While I have little sympathy for Dan Gilbert and his antics, I do (as a season seat holder) get a bit down knowing that few talented players want to come to Toronto until we land a star... to give them reason. It's a shame..... I don't know that Magic would demand to be traded to Boston to play with Bird, but then again these are different times....

[Ryan]

Someone needs to resign over this trade. Reading that Pietrus could be coming to the Raptors would have been interesting to me today (and it will definitely sink in as such in a few days, if it happens), but this nixing of the Paul trade effectively means something is clearly wrong in the league. I'm disugsted that the trade could not go through because one of the worst teams in the league's owner complained about it. I'm still holding out hope that someone will come to their senses and allow this trade to go through, for the love of basketball.

[Kevin]

I disagree with the assessment of the trade. This is an ok trade if you are a GM but a terrible trade if you are an owner. NO will have a worse team without Paul and they are now worth less in value without him. Peter Vescey's column was bang on for once. I agree that it is ridiculous for the league to own this team and they need an owner to make this decision. If they want mediocre players with locked in money then so be it, but don't allow a GM without equity make the decision. Take a stand make him play, let him walk and use your cap space on 2 or 3 players willing to band together in 12/13. It really is the same trade as the VC trade.

[Tim]

I'm glad the Raps are getting Mickael Pietrus. I kind of lost track of him after he left Orlando, but I remember being a fan of his back when Orlando was a title contender. The amount they're paying him isn't too bad, and the second round pick isn't much to give up, either.

But this Hornets-Lakers-Rockets thing is definitely a WTF moment. I can't see the Hornets ever getting a better deal than this. I feel bad for Dell Demps. No wonder the trade veto is going to be appealed -- I hope it's overturned. Maybe the Hornets' potential sale price would be better with Paul on the team, but they're definitely weaker on the basketball front for not being able to make this deal.

And now, I just read Brandon Roy is retiring! Man, what a big day.

[Ryan]

Kevin, it's in no way at all comparable to Vince Carter's trade. Kevin Martin and Luis Scola are starters on any team in the league. Martin is a scoring machine. The Raptors got backups and reserve players. It's not even close.

[Tim]

Also, the NBA never should have bought the Hornets in the first place, and the league probably should have contracted them during the lockout.