Drain-O

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't Otis say that he has not gotten a single call about Grant Hill's contract. It seems after Orlando was able to get Penny and Ariza last year no else is trading huge expiring contracts. I would think that if they could trade Hill for Carter straight up they would.

I think you need to move GHill to the 2 and sign Marc Jackson at the point and Pippen at the 3. You would have the Brian "Over The" Hill All-Stars PG: Marc Jackson SG: Grant Hill SF: Scottie Pippen PF: BO C: Battie First off the bench to play any of the 5 starting positions: From NOTRE DAME: PATRICK JOSEPH GARRITY!!

I know you have to clear cap space to sign them both but what I was saying is that I think Otis is trying to evaluate the talent level of this team together before adding more parts. Not saying it is right just saying I see where he is coming from. If J-Rich is very available I would hope they are very looking into it. Also Chad Ford has a chat on ESPN at noon. Feel free to bombard him with Magic questions.

Wow.......Nothing like your GM calling out your mental toughness. In regards to Vince I see where Otis is going. Why risk the future when you can just sign VC over the summer. I also feel the reason he is talking up Ariza so much is that he wants to see how this team truly gels with the young nucleus all together. I am not saying they should not trade for VC it just appears more and more likely they will not. Also unrelated but since I do not live in Orlando does that radio station stream and does Otis have a weekly scheduled segment.

Wouldn't it be a great WWF move if Vince Carter arrived in Otis' place for the 5 p.m. interview.

I think it will be because Thorn stone-walled us. Look at these 2 trades by Thorn 1. Stephon Marbury, Somalia Samake, and Johnny Newman for Jason Kidd and Chris Dudley Winner: Thorn 2. Zo, Williams Brothers, 2 1st round picks for Vince Carter Winner: Thorn Runner-Up: Jalen Rose because when he heard about the trade his quote was "Was it for Richard Jefferson." I think Thorn is used to being the one with the major upperhand in the trade and is probably letting a little bit of ego and uncertainty disallow him from making a smart trade for his team.

I have not read through all the merged pages but this from Schmitz earlier says it all, "Magic GM Otis Smith said he has had no discussions with the New Jersey Nets about acquiring Vince Carter before Thursday's trade deadline. "Nope, haven't had any [talks with Nets]. I like our team. I like what we have," Smith said. Smith didn't rule out having a "busy" summer, however. Otis is being very smart about this ala last year with Darko, Arroyo, and Ariza. To me he is basically saying to NJ if you want anything of value trade us Vince now. If you do not we will just sign him over the summer. I say you get VC now let him play with Dwight. Let him think holy crap not only can I play at home but with the premier big man in the East. For those who say what if Vince left after the next couple months why would he. If he wants a legitimate chance of contending in the next few years he will play for the Magic. He has already made 100 + million dollars as a player through money and endorsements. At this point I would think contention and family would be his priorities. Now you never really know with any athlete but where there appears to be smoke there is probably fire.

BH Nole, I really like your proposed 3-way deal with Memphis and New Jersey. I do not think Memphis would want more because their owner has already come out and said they want to clear salary. Also New Jersey is kind of against a wall like you said. They are getting older and going nowhere and trading Carter at least Nets them something now because there is a great chance he is going to opt out. Also has Jason Richardson been discussed at all. He has been hurt but is a good shooter and great in the half-court game. Golden State has a plethora of guards and forwards who can score so I wonder what they would want. My guess would be Darko so I do not know.

That 3-way deal between the Jazz, Nets, and Magic not only benefits each team but I think it would benefit the players as well. If VC, Pierce, and Allen are truly available I do not see why Otis should not be on the phone right now trying to see what he can get them for. I am worried though that the upper management respect of Grant Hill is so high that they may not be willing to deal him to a non-contending team unless a buyout was agreed upon. Obviously him going to the Jazz would be alright but I am not sure he would like being traded to the Nets and especially the Sonics.

I was not sure where to post this but is it possible if in fact Battie and Turk continue to start that they are simply putting them out there hoping they have a few good games to see what they can get for them on the trade market. It is obvious Hill and Turk cannot co-exist and if you are not going to trade GHills contract for a superstar maybe Turk can net something of value.

I was not saying they need Banks I was simply discussing a rumor that had been out there. You are all right that the last thing the team needs is another point guard. They played Banks out of nowhere yesterday so obviously they are trying to showcase him. I would think the most logical trade is to see if they can parlay Hills expiring contract into VC or Ray Allen which I am sure has been discussed if I were to scroll through all the other pages. NJ and Seattle might both be looking to blow up and start over.

I believe it was only rated the worst because they do not use him. Plus they have so many high salaries with Nash, Marion, Amare, Diaw, and Barbosa that signing him to such a long contract was unnecessary because at some point to avoid luxury tax they have to move on of their big 5. I have read their owner is cheap and does not want to pay any type of luxury tax. I do not think it was a reflection of him being a bad player but I could be wrong.

I do not know if this has been addressed but what about Diener for Marcus Banks......He does make a little more money obviously but from what I remember he was pretty good last year in Minnesota and I think they let him walk because of Foye and all their terrible contracts. I think him and Jameer would be a pretty good 1-2 point guard tandem.