The Fun Could Start Today

by cuppettcj on Feb 10, 2009 8:07 AM EST

Two months have passed since Ernie Grunfeld traded for Javaris Crittenton and Mike James. According to NBA trade rules, that means that those two players are now eligible to be traded again starting today. If my past theory is correct, then Ernie could announce a huge blockbuster trade any time between now and the trade deadline, February 19th. Of course, there is no guarantee that he will announce by then, but I think it is possible if he has already worked out the details behind the scenes.

The only other possibility that makes sense to me is that Ernie will wait until the offseason so that he knows what his draft spot will be before dealing James. This seems less likely to me and if that is the case, then there will officially be no excuse for the terrible player rotations that Tapscott has been using these past two months.

If Mike James is not traded at all, then I will officially lose all remaining confidence that I have in Ernie Grunfeld. We shall see.

This represents the view of the user who wrote the FanPost, and not the entire Bullets Forever community. We're a place of many opinions, not just one.

Tweet Comment 26 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I actually wouldn't count on Mike James being traded.

His contract doesn’t expire until next year. I’m sure that Ernie’s gonna try, though.

But, yeah, like you, I’ve been waiting for this time to see whats going to happen.

Also, does anyone else agree that Javaris has been better than AD was this year?

The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.

by mamemimo on Feb 10, 2009 9:09 AM EST reply actions

Yes

AD was horrible for us this season, partly because he was playing through injuries. That said, he was no longer useful for the Wizards and is a much better fit in New Orleans right now.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Feb 10, 2009 9:21 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Actually, Javaris has basically the same game as AD; he’s just ten years younger and not quite as steady. The drives to the basket, size, and versatility are all there, though.

by pantslessyoda1 on Feb 10, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't get our hopes up

I have a feeling that Ern is going to wait until the summer.

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net

by Kyle Weidie on Feb 10, 2009 10:41 AM EST reply actions

That's what I think.

Etan and Mike James become much more appetizing if its only 1 year.

The Washington Wizards: providing career scoring nights for unknown opposing bench players since 2004.

by mamemimo on Feb 10, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions

For Teams That Are Out of the Playoff Picture

It doesn’t make any difference if it is this year or next. In case of a Larry Hughes trade, we’d be getting something the Bulls think is unappetizing back.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Feb 10, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions

If it happens,

It should happen soon. IF, as you said in your post, the deal has already been worked out, then it will happen very quickly.

Another piece of the puzzle, that may support your theory:
Larry Hughes has been placed on the Inactive List for the Chicago Bulls, and has not played since January 12th; recording 13 straight DNP-CD’s in that span.

Prior to Larry being benched, he was averaging about 26 minutes per game and putting up 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1steal.

So, one could theorize that Grunfeld has asked Chicago to put his player “on ice” until the trade could be completed.

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Feb 10, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

The Only Thing Is

If this blockbuster trade I was alluding to was all about Larry Hughes, then why is Ernie “protecting” JaVale McGee and Javaris Crittenton by having Tap not play them? My theory seems like it is in shambles either way.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Feb 10, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Unless the trade is larger than James/Thomas for Hughes....

Perhaps there are other players involved…. or even a 3rd team.

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Feb 10, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Etan???

Since when has his stock been any lower? Who the hell would want him

by wiggitywhales on Feb 10, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions

The Chicago Bulls

Thomas is injured, but that hardly matters.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Feb 10, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

And he'll come back eventually

His character and intensity would be a nice fit in the Bulls’ locker room, and it’s not like his knee injury will be career-ending (although I can’t think of any normal circumstances where an injured player was traded).

by pantslessyoda1 on Feb 10, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

and heart problems...

and he’s not that great. you’re right he’s intense and good character guy, but he wouldn’t be high on my list to trade for. i guess the only way you do trade for him is in a package, that way if he pans out you don’t really lose much

by wiggitywhales on Feb 10, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

You're right

I assume we’d have to throw in a second rounder or two, which I wouldn’t have a problem with. I still think this is in the realm of possibility, though.

by pantslessyoda1 on Feb 10, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

You All Are Missing the Point

Etan’s salary is easier to dump. That is the only reason the Bulls would want him. It makes trading him at the deadline next season a lot easier than trading Larry Hughes.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Feb 10, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

ah

So, you’re saying it would be easier to dump two $7 Million players next year, rather than one making $14 Million?

Obviously, one-on-one trades become easier, because you have more options; especially if your team is close to the roster maximum (Chicago has 14 players right now – but who knows where they’ll be next year).

But the question is, why do this trade NOW? Why not wait until next year?

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Feb 10, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

When Next Year?

Do you mean next year at the trade deadline, or next year as in before next season? Well, if I’m Ernie, then I wouldn’t want to wait until the trade deadline next season, because then the value of acquiring Larry becomes less, since he wouldn’t be there to help the Wizards win games to start the season. That does still mean that this could happen before next season, however.

As for the Bulls, the only reason to do it now and not later is that they may not have a trading partner for Hughes later. If they don’t dump him now, they take the chance that they may be forced to hold onto him later.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Feb 11, 2009 7:21 AM EST up reply actions

Right, this is a no-lose for the Bulls

They aren’t playing Hughes anyway.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Feb 11, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Right, but

It’s gotta be bigger than just James/Thomas for Hughes…. because if Ernie was ready to pull the trigger on the deal earlier in the year (Daniels, Etan Thomas and another player), but didn’t because Hughes got hurt… then why the delay now? I can’t believe it’s the difference between Antonio Daniels and Mike James….

My guess is:

1. That “other player” was JaVale McGee, and Ernie has changed his mind.
OR
2. There’s a 3rd team involved

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Feb 11, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

I think

Ernie actually believes Hughes could have helped the team win in the short-term, and now that we’re 11-41, there’s no point in getting anyone who could have provided a short-term gain.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Feb 11, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

I Still Think

That there may be one or two more teams involved. We know that the Bulls are shopping other players, and in order to trade Etan/James before the deadline, they have to be included in the other deal(s). In other words, the Bulls can’t trade for those two players now, and then deal them later this week, because that would violate the trade restriction rules. They probably want to include Etan in a package to one team, and James in a package to another. Once they work out their deals, we may still see our deal happen. Until then, nothing will happen.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Feb 11, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions