Author Topic: Orlando looking to trade for J-Critt? (Read 120 times)

Now_Im_Not_Banned · « **on:** July 15, 2008, 10:59:50 AM »

Magic looking to deal

BY JOHN DENTON • FLORIDA TODAY • July 15, 2008

The Orlando Magic have held serious trade talks with the Memphis Grizzlies about point guard Javaris Crittenton, proof that the Magic have abandoned any serious hopes of retaining combo guard Keyon Dooling.

Dooling, Orlando's top reserve off the bench last season, blasted the Magic on Monday for offering him their Bi-Annual Exception, a contract that would be worth $4.2 million for two years. Dooling, who made $3.5 million last season while averaging 8.1 points and 1.8 assists, summarily rejected the offer saying he was "insulted" by it.

"I don't even know why they offered that bi-annual because I rejected it right away. I don't know if they were trying to devalue me or whatever the case may be, but that wasn't acceptable," said Dooling, Orlando's top on-ball defender last season. "It's ridiculous. That's not a suitable offer for someone who was a good player on a good team. It wasn't a market value offer and that's the bottom line."

Magic general manager Otis Smith has said repeatedly this summer he would like to retain the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Dooling, but only "if we can make the numbers work." Dooling had great value to the Magic last season because he could play both the point and shooting guard positions.

But the Magic have looked elsewhere this offseason, initially pursuing Chris Duhon, who ultimately signed with the New York Knicks. The Magic then signed shooting guard Mickael Pietrus to a four-year, $25.1 million free agent contract. That all but closed the door on Dooling's chance to return because of his wish to get a deal worth at least $12 million for the next three years.

"I'm frustrated because I thought their intentions were different," Dooling fumed. "More than frustrated, I guess I'd say I'm insulted by it. I thought they valued what I bring as a player and a person, but maybe I had an inflamed opinion of what they thought about me.

"We're not talking the same language. I don't know if the door is closed (on a return to the Magic), but we're not talking the same language. But I'm not doing any of the door closing. It's being closed in my face."

The agent for Memphis' Crittenton, Wallace Prather, said he was aware the Magic had started trade talks with the Grizzlies about his client. Memphis has a logjam at point guard after adding rising stars Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo in the past two drafts. Crittenton, whom Memphis acquired in the Pau Gasol trade with the Lakers, would welcome a move to Orlando where playing time might be more readily available.

"I know there's a lot of interest between the two teams and I have a call in to Otis (Smith) to talk to him about it," Prather said on Monday. "We know a lot of the players on the Magic team, so it would be a good fit for Javaris."

In other news, Glenn Schwartzman, the agent for Darrell Armstrong and Michael Doleac, has spoken to the Magic about interest in the veteran point guard and reserve center. Nothing is imminent at the time, Schwartzman said, but Orlando could seemingly use help at both positions. And the Magic are infinitely familiar with both players.

Armstrong, 40, one of the oldest players in the NBA, played for the Magic from 1994-2003 and is still one of the most popular players in franchise history. His best game last season with New Jersey came in Orlando when he had 13 points and two assists in 17 minutes off the bench.

"We just feel like Darrell could take a very good team and make it a great team," said Schwartzman, who noted that Armstrong turned down multiple coaching opportunities in hopes of playing one more NBA season. "He'd be signing at the veterans' minimum so he wouldn't cost that much. But because of what he brings to a team off the court and in the locker room we feel Darrell could have great value to a team."

The 6-foot-11, 262-pound Doleac spent his first three seasons in the NBA with the Magic. He played for Minnesota last season.

In the 6-foot-5, 200-pound Crittenton, the Magic would have a big point guard to back up starter Jameer Nelson. The Magic have just one point guard on the roster, and Dooling and Carlos Arroyo aren't expected back next season.

To get Crittenton, the Magic would most likely surrender veteran shooting guard Keith Bogans and multiple draft picks. Orlando has a glut of shooting guards with Pietrus, Bogans, J.J. Redick and rookie Courtney Lee.

Bogans, who made a career-best 148 3-pointers last season with the Magic, is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $2.9 million next season. Memphis is attempting to horde salary cap dollars and expiring contracts in an attempt to land two top free agents next summer.

Crittenton, 20, was the 19th pick of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He played 22 games with the Lakers before being traded to Memphis on Feb. 1. In 28 games with the Grizzlies, he averaged 7.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.1 minutes a game. He had 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists in April against New York, and 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists versus Sacramento in late March.

Crittenton is spending this summer playing with Memphis' summer league team in Las Vegas. Through his first three games, Crittenton has averaged 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 29.3 minutes a game.

If Crittenton joins the Magic, he will have direct ties with the Magic's best player, Dwight Howard. Crittenton teamed with Howard to win a prep state title in 2004 and went on to break Howard's school-record scoring record at Atlanta Southwest Christian Academy.

This would be great for them.

tempo2 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2008, 12:28:06 PM »

yeah i can see crittenton being a similar to dooling, whats the score with crittenton? my brother who moved out to LA last year was raving about him.

Now_Im_Not_Banned · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2008, 12:49:37 PM »

Quote from: tempo2 on July 15, 2008, 12:28:06 PM

yeah i can see crittenton being a similar to dooling, whats the score with crittenton? my brother who moved out to LA last year was raving about him.

Critt>>>>>>Dooling

Critt has mad potential and upside. He looks like a natural out there on the court and is super athletic. I think he can be something special in the near future.