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What team will Ron Artest be traded to?
Now_Im_Not_Banned:
The latest rumblings from the Ron Artest derby, via various NBA front-office sources, as the trade talk inches into its fourth week:
• Minnesota is offering Indiana anyone on its roster not named Kevin Garnett in the hope of pairing Artest with KG. That's because the Wolves are as desperate as the Lakers to make a splashy move -- in their case to keep KG energized and confident in the club's direction -- and because they see KG and Artest (assuming Ron-Ron could actually be counted on) as a devastating combo.
If Artest wants to score more, as stated in his original trade demand, Garnett is unselfish enough to make that happen. And if Artest is ever going to defer to a teammate, KG also (theoretically) has the juice and presence to make that happen. The Wolves, though, have been trying to pull a third team into the mix to better their chances of assembling a package Indy likes.
• The Lakers are still pursuing every three- and four-team scenario they can concoct (without including Lamar Odom) in their desperation to put a certifiable All-Star talent next to Kobe Bryant.
Denver, meanwhile, has led the Artest pursuit from the start and remains equally determined to team the unpredictable defensive ace with Carmelo Anthony. I'm told that Anthony, in addition to urging his Nuggets bosses to make the deal, has also reached out to Artest to let him know how badly he wants the Tru Warier in the Mile High air. Coach George Karl, meanwhile, is said to be as hopeful as 'Melo that a deal materializes.
• Tru Warrior? Golden State might actually have more pieces to deal directly with Indiana than any active suitor ... barring a change of heart from Jerry West in Memphis and an 11th-hour willingness to part with Shane Battier.
The Warriors also have a GM known for dice-rolling; just go back to last February's trade deadline when Chris Mullin was willing to take on Baron Davis in spite of a contract and health history that scared many teams off.
Now_Im_Not_Banned:
and Artest considers Odom better than him...
Artest: No trade, no surprise[/u]
By Marc J. Spears and Adam Thompson
Denver Post Staff Writers
While the Nuggets and several other teams have interest, Pacers forward Ron Artest said Saturday he wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't traded this season, and he doesn't consider himself an elite player.
Artest said he disagreed with a recent statement by Pacers president Larry Bird that he is a top 12 player. He also said the Pacers want a top 12 player in return for him. Artest was an all-star and the defensive player of the year in 2004, but he describes himself as a top 30 player, going so far as to rattle off a long list of players he regarded higher, including Gilbert Arenas, Peja Stojakovic, Elton Brand and Lamar Odom.
"I'm not a top 12 guy. I'm a top 30 guy," Artest said.
"Don't get it mistaken. I can compete and dominate my competition. I'm not a top 12 guy. But I don't think they work as hard as I do. ...
"Hopefully, I can be there one day with hard work."
Artest is averaging 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds this season, but has been suspended indefinitely after asking for a trade and hasn't played since Dec. 6. Indiana has been talking to several teams about a multiplayer deal.
"Melo is a good guy," Artest said. "He just plays ball. I've always had respect for him."
7even:
I would like Artest in Minnesota, Garnett derserves it, I feel bad for him.
Now_Im_Not_Banned:
It won't happen with Sczerbiaks big salary...
Now_Im_Not_Banned:
I would hate to see him traded to the Kings...But that's what it looks like it's gunna be, Peja for Artest...
Lets take a look at the Kings roster if the trade goes down...
PG Mike Bibby...Jason Hart/Ronnie Price
SG Bonzi Wells...Kevin Martin
SF Ron Artest...Fransisco Garcia/Corliss Williamson
PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim...Kenny Thomas/Jamal Sampson
C Brad Miller...Brian Skinner
Damn, actually looks pretty promising...The Kings could possibly finally be a good team again.
Here's how the Pacers would look:
PG Jamaal Tinsley...Anthony Johnson/Eddie Gill
SG Stephen Jackson...Sarunas Jasikevicius/Fred Jones
SF Peja Stojakavic...Danny Granger
PF Jermaine O'Neal...Austin Croshere/Jonathan Bender
C Jeff Foster...David Harrison/Scot Pollard
Still looks like one of the strongest teams in the east to me...In my opinion, the trade would probably hurt Indiana in the long run, thought their team would still be great with Peja on it...What do ya'll think?
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