Point Guard Drama

Bibby to Atlanta, but what about Jason Kidd?

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, we have seen (arguably) one of the largest contingencies of “big name” players being moved from one team to another. And its understandable to be flustered that all of this moving is going on when we have a team in Cleveland that is in dire need of something. I italicize as while we need a point guard in the biggest way, we have still had a tendency to get a bit upset when we see a Pau Gasol or a Shawn Marion move to another team without our brass even trying to bring them over.

Or at least that’s what we think.

I mentioned it briefly this morning, but it is now being reported in the Sacramento Bee that the Kings have agreed to send Mike Bibby (in principle) to the Atlanta Hawks for Tyronn Lue, Anthony Johnson, Lorenzen Wright and Shelden Williams. I know what you’re all saying. The Kings traded him for WHO?

(Side note: If anything, the fact that Beno Udrih went from unemployed to starting point guard should be the part to make us a bit perturbed. But it looks like the Kings will lock him up for a while…)

Now, I admit that I was a bit shocked to see that collection of players moved for Bibby. There is a boat load of talented swingmen in the ATL, and to not have to move someone of the likes of a Josh Childress for the point guard is a great move by the Hawks. For now. Keep in mind that this team is already paying Joe Johnson $13 million this season, with $14 million coming over each of the next two. Add in Bibby’s $13 million for this season and $14 million for next, and it is going to be very, very hard to re-sign Josh Smith (arguably their best player) who will undoubtedly opt out after this season with his qualifying offer being for only $3 million.

And before you ask how Atlanta could get Bibby for the four aforementioned players but Cleveland could not, realize one thing: Atlanta is one team that is in the same position this season that we will be in next season. Lue, Wright, and Johnson are ALL expiring contracts. Williams is only in a second-year lottery pick that simply would not get time in Atlanta with their current lineup, and offers a bit more upside than Shannon Brown.

And if after all of that does not make you feel any better, perhaps this will:

There is no progress to report on the stalled Jason Kidd trade, but the New York Post says that the Nets have also received offers from the Nuggets and the Cavaliers.

While it does not offer up who the Cavaliers have in fact offered up to New Jersey, two things cross my mind. 1) After last night, it could be very, very hard to get rid of Daniel Gibson, and 2) At least we’re trying!!

This has to count for something, right? We’ll see what happens after it is all said and done. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t come back to bite us…

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