Nothing like some European reporting to stir up trade rumors just when most General Managers and players in North America are cautiously side-stepping questions in fear of invoking David Stern’s wrath.
Andres Nocioni has two years left on his contract in Sacramento for about $13.5 million and does not want to return. The Kings have apparently agreed that they would try to transfer him to a competitive team at this year’s draft. Nocioni thinks Toronto is not a bad option. But he doesn’t want to talk about rumors. This according to an interview inOle.com on June 9, 2010.
Amazing how this story surfaces just shortly after reports about Hedo Turkoglu pining for a return to Sacramento.
Well, at the trade deadline, acquiring Andres Nocioni was one of the potential options in front of the Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo. And in hindsight, it is one he should have pursued.
But before anyone gets too far ahead of themselves, one has to assume the Kings would even be interested in Turkoglu and if they are interested, what are they ready to give up to make a deal happen.
There should be no doubt the Kings want to move Nocioni.
Nocioni does have something the Toronto Raptors are missing, an element of toughness to his game.
At 30 years of age, Andres Nocioni should have a few good years of basketball left in him and with two years left on his deal at just over $6.5 million per season, he is not a cap killer.
A career 11.3 point, 4.7 rebound in 25 minutes player, there is every reason to believe Nocioni can still give a team those numbers.
From a Raptors fan perspective, a straight switch of Turkoglu for Nocioni could seem appealing. Turkoglu has four years and $44 million left on his deal and the whining to the press is starting to get on fans nerves.
And with the Kings potentially well below the salary cap after July, they can take back more salary than they send out. But the Raptors brass are likely to believe that they should get more for Hedo Turkoglu.
What would solve the “talent” discrepancy and add value to the Raptors would be the addition of a young player like Omri Casspi. Casspi, a 6′ 8″ small forward from Israel, was a rookie last season who put up: 10.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 25 minutes.
However, the Kings might be reluctant to let this young prospect go unless they believe Donte Greene is developing into their small forward of the future. Keeping Casspi and Greene after acquiring Turkoglu would be redundant.
Just because Turkoglu and Nocioni appear to be demanding their teams move them to the other guy’s franchise as they recuperate in their Mediterranean villas doesn’t mean their respective GMs see things the same way.
But it is easy to see how a deal could come to pass.
The one concern Raptors fans should have is that Brian Colangelo doesn’t get stripped of his 2010 first round draft pick in his efforts to satisfy Turkoglu’s whims. At least not unless he gets some comparable or better young talent back in return.
“At least not unless he gets some comparable or better young talent back in return.”
Would Thompson be one of them maybe?
All it has to be someone who BC = 13th pick to
I would presume that the Kings would want to include either Francisco Garcia or Beno Udrih along with Andres Nocioni in order to maintain some of their long term financial flexibility. With the Raptors providing a makeweight to make the finances work (Reggie or Marco + minimum contract).
I am doubtful that the Kings would consider acquiring Turkoglu otherwise. Too large of a financial commitment.
I think Casspi is off the table unless Toronto put their 2010 pick in play. In that case, it could be a good trade for both sides. Casspi appears to be a better player than most of the prospects in that range.
There is a deal there somewhere.
And the Kings would still have a ton a cap flexibility even with Turkoglu. They have no big contracts.
Can’t say I recollect a lot about Andres Nocioni, but from what I’ve (just) read about him (Wikipedia and what-not), I like (what seems to be) his toughness. That aspect of his game couldn’t hurt the Raptors … and if we could get Omri Casspi – him, I do recall watching and I liked him a lot – that would be near-perfect. After Hedo opened his pie-hole, bitching about how he was treated by the Raptors, I was bugged that we’d be (likely) losing a guy I thought could help, once (if) Bosh is gone, but … after letting it settle a bit, I’ve changed my mind. Coming in last year out of shape with an attitude the opposite of highly motivated … and that, after signing the big ten or so mil a year contract really says it all. We aren’t likely to compete for a championship with Hedo, so … cut him loose. Get what we can and let’s move on. No sense keeping him around to see if he’s got another good year left in him, somewhere in that too-long of a contract Bryan gave him. And I’m sure Colangelo’s thinking something similar these days. Btw, been enjoying your blog lately. Some good stuff. Cheers.
Thanks
I remember Nocioni from Chicago, I liked him them! Tough guy!
I’m not sure which is better Barbosa or Nocioni? Anyways…The Suns are going to have quite a different look next year but it is not going to be a good one. I don’t see how Turkoglu can do well in Phoenix with Nash handling the ball all the time. Giving these big contracts to these players is not the way to go IMO. I think it would be best for the Suns to start rebuilding which obviously isn’t going to happen. Warrick cannot replace Stoudemire, Frye has pretty much hit his peak, and Childress was not too successful in Greece. Hey also, could you check out my most recent post on the Phoenix Suns cuz I really want to hear your opinion on my thoughts. http://chrisross91.wordpress.com/2010/07/12/end-of-an-era/