Every insider thread doesn't have to say, "Insider Info" does it?!(lol) Anyway, let's get started. Lots of info to share.
I'm going to speak a little about the Memphis situation on this thread since it is relevant to the Magic. I wish this could just be a private chat amongst Magic fans but since this is a public message board that unfortunately is not the case. If any Griz fans post on this thread bashing me I fully expect you guys to get my back, lol. But don't make them to mad. We still might make a trade with them at some point in time.
I was able to engage a Memphis blogger named Joshua Coleman in an e-mail exchange. Josh is an excellent writer and updates his site daily. I noticed that since June, Josh has conducted 9 one-on-one interviews with both Michael Heisley(Griz owner) and Chris Wallace(Griz GM). This was our conversation. I'll put his answers to my questions in quotes:
Junkie: Have there been honest talks between the GM's and how serious are/were they?
quote:
Junkie,
Thanks for the questions. I'll answer them as best as I can.
There have been trade talks between the GM's going back to the draft when Memphis was trying to acquire Orlando's first round pick for Javaris Crittenton. There have been no talks involving swapping either Crittenton or Kyle Lowry for the rights to Fran Vasquez, but there is some validity to trading one of them for Keith Bogans and J.J. Redick. I doubt that trade ever comes to pass though.
Junkie: In your eyes, what compromise would both teams have to make to work something out? In other words, what would be the parameters of a trade that would suffice both teams.
quote:
I don't know that there is a trade between those two teams that would truly benefit both of them. Orlando doesn't have a frontcourt player or backup SF that the Grizzlies need, IMO. Orlando could certainly use a backup PG or combo guard, but don't seem to have the right pieces to get a deal done at this time unless they wanted to give up a future 1st round draft pick.
Junkie: Do you think Memphis will trade one of their point guards before the season and could it still work something out with Orlando?
quote:
I don't believe that the Grizzlies will trade away anyone prior to the season starting. I think that they want to see what their young players are capable of and will probably look to make a trade close to the trade deadline in February, after the roster has "sorted itself out". At that time, a trade with Orlando could definitely occur.
Regarding Chris Wallace, he has said that he is constantly evaluating things daily, so it is entirely possible that a trade could pop up, seemingly out of nowhere, and gets done before anyone even considers the possibility of it happening. I've learned not to place too firm of expectations on him.
Junkie: I'm originally from Kentucky so I like Keith Bogans, much better than J.J. Redick. Stan actually gave Keith more minutes than the starting 2 guard(Mo Evans) because he was a better defender who could also make the 3 ball. Our team had no trouble scoring points but we were just average as a team defensively which was why Keith got almost all of the 4th quarter minutes at shooting guard. And, why J.J . Redick can hardly get any minutes at all because he's not a very good defender. Many times Stan would put Keith at small forward and Evans at the 2 when he needed more defense in the backcourt. With a smallish starting point(Jammer Nelson) it's hard to find J.J. Redick any minutes and it drives his extremely large but annoying fan club nuts! If you need a quality back-up small forward(which you mentioned) what is wrong with Bogans who also has an expiring contract?
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Actually, I'm a big fan of what Keith Bogans brings to the court, but the fact that he is an expiring deal actually makes him a problem where the fanbase and the media are concerned. Because of the much maligned "Three Year Plan", the team is looking for youth at each position, so that they can use those players long-term. While I believe that Bogans could still be a solid contributor 3 years down the road, his expiring deal makes it unlikely that he would resign with a team at the bottom of the standings -- as the Grizzlies most likely will be this upcoming season. So...the fanbase/media will see it as another "salary dump", just like the Pau Gasol trade was perceived. From where I sit, I'd have no problem trading Kyle Lowry for Keith Bogans straight up. For Crittenton (who has more potential, IMO), it would probably take something more than just Bogans to get it done.
Junkie: To what level was J.J. Redick in the discussions and do you think he could still be an option? To the Griz who has more value, Reddick or Bogans?
quote:
I think that Redick is a throw-in, more than a vital part of the trade talks. In all likelihood, they just need his contract to make the trade work. I think that J.J. could be a solid bench player, but you are certainly right about his defensive deficiencies.
Junkie: I get the idea that if Otis would give up a 1st rounder we could make a deal. Is this correct? I don't see why Otis is holding onto it. It drives me nuts! I truly think Dwight Howard would like to have Javaris C. on our team as they were teammates in high school.
Lastly, Otis Smith and Stan Van Gundy have both said publically that they want another point guard on the roster before camp opens in the Fall. Maybe the fact that you mentioned a trade could pop up with Wallace at any moment means we could still work something. Although you did say your personal opinion was that Wallace would stay pat until the trade deadline before making any moves. I hope both teams don't wait to long to get what they want or it definitely won't work. Thanks again for the response.
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I think that Chris Wallace, who has made his name at being very good in the draft and talent evaluation, rather than free agency or trades, is more inclined to get additional draft picks in return for players, instead of just player-for-player swaps. Of course, Orlando would still have to trade a player to get the deal done during the season, since the money has to match. Perhaps a Bogan/1st round pick for Critt/whoever we sign at the minimum to fill out the roster.
On a side note, I think that the Pietrus signing is what truly signaled the end of Bogans time in Orlando. What were your thoughts on James Augustine? I noticed that the Magic released him this past week.
Junkie: After last years summer league I was high on James. He seemed to have a nice mid-range jumper and always hustled his buns off. In my opnion he needed to add some weight to be more effective. Last season he always played decent/good in his limited minutes. But in the recently finished summer league last month he looked lost. He got outplayed by for lack of a better description, summer league players.
Bottom line, do you think the Magic and Griz brass will pick up negotiations again as we loom closer to the start of the season and eventually get a deal done? From where I stand/sit I know you guys are over-loaded at the point guard position but I don't even see any internet rumors anywhere in relation to your guards being moved except with us.
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I think that the negotiations will be off-and-on for the next few months and will probably pick up seriously at mid-season. That's when I expect a trade or two to be made on our end.
Junkie: With us? What if Otis moves on another point guard before the season starts(like he said he wanted) do you still think a Crit trade with us could be worked out at mid-season? Do you see the Magic as your primary trade partner for one of your points or do you see other teams as just as viable an option also? I've enjoyed chatting with you and I promise I won't bother you any more, lol.
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I think that the Magic are probably at the forefront of trade partners, but obviously aren't the only ones being considered. It wouldn't surprise me if Otis Smith didn't want to wait and made a move prior to the season starting though. I still think that Critt will be an attractive player for any team needing help at either backcourt position though, since I believe that he's more effective as a SG.
For the record, Josh he had no problem with me sharing this with my Magic friends. Here's his link for those that are interested:
http://3shadesofblue.blogspot.com/------------------------------------------------
This was an e-mail exchange I had with Chris Herrington. If that name sounds famaliar he is the guy that immediately got on his cell phone and called Chris Wallace the morning that Steve Kyler posted his article named "Moving Memphis". I'm sure most Magic fans will remember the words Herrington quoted from Wallace when he was told about the story and the insinuations Kyler made with regard to Fran Vasquez and the Griz. "Preposterous" was just a few of the words Wallace used that morning.
Anyway, the guys on the Griz board say he is their one "true" insider.
Junkie: What seems to be the sticking point in getting a deal done. Is it a 1st rounder?
quote:
I don't know for certain, honestly, but given what Orlando has to offer, I would think a first rounder (heavily protected, surely) is gonna have to be included. Bogans would be a good short-term fit for the Grizzlies, but this team isn't really thinking short term. Reddick would be an interesting rehab project and would add another shooter, which they'd like to have, but I think the Grizzlies feel like Crittenton is the better prospect at this point.
Don't see the Griz doing it for Bogans and a second-rounder.
Junkie: Do you feel the Griz will trade one of your points in time? You obviously have an overload at the position.
quote:
I know that Chris Wallace would very much like to deal Crittenton or Lowry before the season, but is willing to go into the season with both if he can't find the right deal. I would be surprised if Lowry and Critt are both on the team after the trade deadline, certainly.
Wallace is out of the country right now, so I wouldn't expect anything anytime soon.
Junkie: Are the Magic the most likely trade partner? We need another back-up point and after surfing the net pretty much every day since the rumors started the only team I see linked with Javaris is Orlando. I don't even see any teams other than the Magic interested in acquiring a young point guard. Only veteran back-up help.
quote:
Seem to be, as lots of other potential trade partners (Golden State, New Jersey, etc) seem to have addressed that position already.
I know the Grizzlies had a draft-night deal in place to send Critt to the Wizards for their pick (to take C.Lee, actually), but Washington pulled out.
They also talked to Denver about Lowry for Kleiza, but Denver wouldn't pull the trigger.
Honestly, if I'm Orlando, I'm trying to get a pure point guard to pair with Howard (not Nelson or either of the guys the Griz have). Watching him with Kidd and Paul has to make you salivate at how much of a catch-and-dunk monster he can be with a good point guard.
Junkie: I totally agree with you about getting a distributing point guard. I think 1,000's of other Magic fans would say the same thing. It's one reason Otis signed Anthony Johnson, a better distributor with size and can defend. Magic fans realize he is just a career back-up, though. He is not a long-term solution. I think the Magic think Javaris can be groomed to be a distributor and add in the fact that he won a state championship in high school playing alongside Dwight already. It adds up. After having Nelson/Arroyo manning the point for the last couple of years I think management realizes we need more size at the position. Hence the interest in Crittenton.
Do you think a deal eventually gets done between the two teams and is Otis Smith being the stubborn one particularly in regards to that 1st rounder? You said yourself that Wallace wants to trade one of them so I know the interest is there. I'm gonna have to call Otis and tell him to give in, j/k.
Do you think Bogans and a 1st rounder will eventually get it done? From what you know of Chris Wallace, do you think he would be accepting of that deal?
quote:
Yeah -- that might get it done.
I think they'd rather do Reddick.
What's the deal there? Can he just not play?
Junkie: First off, the guy has a huge fan following, still. Since I'm a Bogans fan his possee is constantly putting down Keith in hopes that J.J. will get some playing time. Anyway, personal emotions aside(j/k) J.J. is a great shooter. I think everyone on the planet knows that. Our team last year had no trouble scoring points but we were avearage defensively. We played small ball the entire year with Rashard Lewis playing power forward even though he is a natural small forward. When your team's starting point guard is very small and not a great defender you have to have defensive minded players somewhere in the backcourt. Then Arroyo was our second string point and he's not a great defender either. I'm sure I don't have to tell you about J.J.'s defensive limitations hence, Redick got limilted time. He openly complained about it too. The way our roster sizes up he just doesn't fit. Keyon Dooling told me personally that J.J. was an NBA player and would have a role in the league somewhere.
I think the Magic think he may get some time this year since we acquired 2 defensive minded players this summer, Pietrus and Anthony Johnson. We'll see. Hope that answers your question. Do you mind if I share this with my Magic friends?
quote:
Thanks.
Sure, you can share.
With Pietrus and Lee both added, there doesn't seem to be many minutes left at the 2 for Bogans or Reddick, unless Lee doesn't pan out.
Lee looked GREAT in his Memphis workout, so maybe that overly colors my perception, but I think he's an NBA starter at some point.
Here is Mr. Herrington's website link for those that are interested:
http://www.cmimemphis.com/grizblog/------------------------------------------------
I'm not going to talk to much about the Memphis situation and or their cost cutting endeavors if that is the case. Just a couple of points for all to ponder. This from ESPN Insider Chad Ford:
quote:
As for the Grizzlies, on the surface, their decision to make Smith a big offer looks encouraging. I've been critical of owner Michael Heisley's unwillingness to spend money on the team. Everything they've done since January reeks of a team trying to cut costs -- at whatever cost.
For weeks the Grizzlies failed to make an offer to the likes of Smith or Iguodala despite being the only team with significant cap room. Their five-year, $58 million offer sheet to Smith has all the appearances of a savvy team taking advantage of a buyers' market and taking a shot at a young player who could be an All-Star someday at a position that they really need help with.
Look a little deeper and things aren't as clear. A source in Memphis told me on Friday that the team "already knew" that the Hawks were going to match the offer. The source held out little hope that Smith would actually wear a Grizzlies uniform. Why would the Grizzlies make an offer to a player that they knew they wouldn't get? According to one GM, it's all about appearances. "If you're getting criticized for being cheap and doing nothing this at least counts for something. Now Mike Heisley and [GM] Chris [Wallace] can beat back skeptics who question your commitment to the long-term health of the team. It happens all the time."
And to address the Vasquez rumors in which my friend Steve Kyler got "BLASTED". I can tell you that not only did Steve have sources verifying the talks but the same people that have tipped me off to things earlier in the summer told me of the talks too. And our friend KITNO, who himself lives in Memphis spoke of the same conversations also.
The other day when you guys got mad at HoopsWorld for ranking the Magic 6th in the East I know Steve was having some dialogue with you guys on the comments section. I took this quote from there:
quote:
No worries... There is a lot more to be said about the Memphis thing, but honestly - if Chris Wallace wants to say they have not talked to Orlando about Fran, that's fine... I am totally comfortable with that response... doesn't mean its true... but if thats Memphis' position fine... Memphis fans are very sensitive to the way their team is being presented and they and the voices that represent them choose to lash out, rather than reach out - I'd have loved to have set the record straight but that would have hurt others and its not worth it... I am big boy, I can take the heat, if I couldn't I am in the wrong business.
In my opinion it could still happen. Just a very slim chance, though(lol).
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Now these comments came from my Magic Insider. The same source I've been using all summer long. These quotes were just given to me last night.
Junkie: What is the latest on the Crit situation?
quote:
The Bogans for Critt deal is still out there, but Otis is a little leary of Critt, as just being a shoot first guy and not really a distibutor of the ball. Otis was not real impressed in Vegas, and that is the hold up..
Otis wants to trim payroll with a Bogans trade, because we are very close to the luxury tax area... He wants a little cushion in case of an injury, we may need to sign someone during the season... So, in that sense a trade of Bogans for Critt, would be perfect(it would save us close to $900,000), Otis is just not sold on Critt, as our future PG, he is more of a Dooling type, and Otis would like to find a PG of the future. Otis may still pull the trigger for Critt, because of future potential of learning to become a better passer. So, the ball seems to be in Otis's court on that deal. The draft pick thing is not really the hold up, Otis would do the deal if he decides he really thinks Critt could help now and more in the future.
The only area we are looking for right now is the 3rd PG and that is it, we are not really looking for another big...
The whole Magic Organization is VERY high on Courtney Lee, and thinks we have the steal of the draft!!!!
The problem right now is since we are so close to the Luxury Tax, Otis has to be sure when he does a trade or a signing, that it is a person who will actually project to what the team needs for now and the future. So, this is the whole reason for the hold up of anymore trades or signings at this point. Otis is just making sure we do the right thing, because we have a very small window for any mistake signings at this point. This is also the reason Auggie was let go, the team knew he would be in a suit most the season, and wanted to save his money for other needs..
Hope this helps...
All in all, the Magic are really not doing a whole lot before training camp, other than a PG.
Junkie: What are the long term plans for Hedo?
quote:
The team is doing nothing with Hedo at this time....unless a GREAT offer comes along that cannot be passed up.. Otis is not shopping him, but has got some interest from other teams for Hedo...but nothing as of yet too good to pass up..
Otis is very happy with the team as is, and just wants to add another PG, only.
Now, here are some quotes from conversations dealing with this subject I had last week with other very reliable Magic sources.
Junkie: Are we trading Hedo?
quote:
Are you kidding me! H-E-L-L, NO!
Junkie: Who's on the trading block to get us that 3rd point guard?
quote:
Sorry Junkie, but your boy Bogans has got to go! Stan will just keep playing him and the young guys won't get any playing time.
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Now, to conclude are these are my opinions.
On Hedo, I think the Magic think they can re-sign him and evidently don't mind going over the luxury tax to do so. As was spoken in some insider threads earlier this summer I think there is a chance Turk comes off the bench as a 6th man next season with Battie possibly starting. All those new line-up ideas will be worked out in the pre-season so we'll see.
As far as our overloaded shooting guard situation and how it relates to us getting another back-up point guard here's my thoughts. I think Pietrus starts. I think the Magic(Otis) want to trade Keith Bogans. I think the Griz want J.J. Redick. If J.J. stays I just cannot see him beating out Courtney Lee. I mean the reason Lee was drafted in the first place is because J.J. and company weren't getting the job done. The Magic have said all summer they were searching for a player that could be in the rotation with their #22 pick. A guy who could help them.
If Pietrus starts, Bogans is traded and Lee gets the back-up minutes, how many minutes will be left for Redick? Not a lot in my opinion. I suppose you could pair J.J. with Anthony Johnson and put Pietrus at small forward since Mickael can play multiple positions. We'll see.
I think we all know J.J. isn't going to have a very positive attitude if he isn't getting any minutes.
For the record, I'm from Kentucky so I like Keith Bogans. But, if trading him means we improve our roster and team he can't get out of here fast enough for me.
Go Magic!!!!
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