PBN: Bobcats Will Trade Wallace

by Jeff Clark on Nov 7, 2008 7:05 AM EST in Boston Celtics Rumors

Just wanted to pass along this rumor from Tony Mejia of Pro Basketball News.

Multiple NBA sources have confirmed that Charlotte moving Gerald Wallace is imminent, but Pro Basketball News has yet to learn of a definitive destination at this time.

The Bobcats have apparently talked about Wallace's long-term value to the franchise (he signed a six-year, $57 million extension in July of 2007) and decided that they would be better suited allocating such a significant salary to somebody else.

Who? Word is we'll know much sooner than later.

If true, that would be the second big trade to happen already in this very young season. Throw in the fact that big names like Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, Al Harrington, Shawn Marion, and Rasheed Wallace are all rumored to be on the block and we could have an interesting year (even before the trade deadline).

It seems that the Celtics model of aquiring stars for a run at the title is starting to produce some copycat moves.

So, where do you think Gerald is headed? Mejia mentions Golden State, New York and Portland, but those teams are not part of the rumor per se.

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they better be getting someone really good in return. wallace is an outstanding defensive athlete. a player we only wish tony allen coul d approximate. i would take him in a heartbeat.

by nazzbo on Nov 7, 2008 7:12 AM EST reply actions

So would I. Wish we could put a package together to get him. He’d fill a lot of holes in the current roster.

by CoachBo on Nov 7, 2008 7:34 AM EST up reply actions

Why not Cleveland?

Obviously most of the clubs that are looking to trade the aforementioned players are all posturing for cap space for the next two off seasons to sign big name free agents that are coming out. So if Wallace is going it has to be for an expiring contract. I would guess that Wally Szczerbiak’s contract probably matches up pretty well for Cleveland.

Cleveland then moves LeBron to the PF has Wallace as the SF with Mo Williams and DWest/Gibson as the 2 guard or they throw Wallace into the 2 slot and leave LeBron at the 3 and play big. It would give them lots of options to play around with and give Charlotte a huge expiring deal.

by nickagneta on Nov 7, 2008 8:03 AM EST reply actions

Cavs would want him

but do the Bobcats really need cap space?

my guess is Golden State for Al Harrington

by Jeff Clark on Nov 7, 2008 8:11 AM EST up reply actions

Think they do!

If they do not give Sean May the qualifying offer but do give Raymond Felton one for next year that leaves 10 players on the books at $51 million including Wallace. If the Bobcats can package Wallace and say another $4-5 million in salary to Cleveland, $14 million coming off the books puts them in the hunt to land a big name free agent.

Kobe and Wade both have opt out options this coming summer and if not then well we all know there will be a glut of talent on the market the year after. MJ I am sure wouldn’t mind being awful for a year or two to sign a big name guy.

My info on salaries from shamsports.com

by nickagneta on Nov 7, 2008 8:31 AM EST up reply actions

yeah but

realistically, no free agent is going to pick Charlotte over another place given equal money (and a lot of teams will have equal money)

their best bet is to get a disgruntled star from somewhere else

by Jeff Clark on Nov 7, 2008 8:41 AM EST up reply actions

I agree

No one will want to go to Charlotte but I think its the wrong move on Charlotte’s end to move Wallace for someone else disgruntled middle of the road player. Curry, Harrington, Marbury, et al will not be the way to rebuild the Bobcat franchise. They need a star or they will be swimming in the draft lottery for years and years to come.

by nickagneta on Nov 7, 2008 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

true

that’s a good point

I guess they could move him for an expiring salary (Wally for example) and then turn around and deal that salary at the deadline – but it seems like a big gamble

by Jeff Clark on Nov 7, 2008 8:51 AM EST up reply actions

The Charlotte Observer reported that the Bobcats had no interest in Al Harrington. Reported that yesterday so it’s recent. The post (Bobcats blog) was blunt – they don’t want another tweener forward who shoots jumpshots, they’ve got enough jumpshooters, they don’t consider him an out and out power forward so he doesn’t fit any of their problems.

by Who on Nov 7, 2008 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

I always loved gerald wallace even though he has had injury problems. he would be a great pickup but I doubt we can afford him and I doubt we have what it takes to get him but man he would give us some nice scoring and defense off the bench

by Red2 on Nov 7, 2008 8:41 AM EST reply actions