Dirtybirds81

J. Oneal

for

K. Thomas & 2003 1st rd pick

MikeDC

Surely you jest.

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CaronOwnsU

A real trade rumor floating around regarding the Pacers is:

Samaki Walker, Tracy Murray and Mark Madsen (expiring contracts) to the Pacers for either Ron Mercer or Austin Croshere.

GM Walsh is willing to mess with team chemistry in order to get sufficient cap space for next summer to re-sign Reggie, Brad and Jermaine.

How do Pacer fans feel if Mercer is moved though?

Absynth

those three for chroshere...i would do in a second.

CaronOwnsU

I agree.... If Donnie Walsh can convince the Lakers to take on Croshere's contract in exchange for expiring deal then he is GM of the year in my book. Getting rid of this contract significantly enhances his ability to sign Brad, Jermaine and Reggie next summer without any major issues.

CaronOwnsU

But, would you do this deal if it meant giving up Ron Mercer?

Personally, I think he is as perfect a bench scorer as a team can have. In level of importance to team scoring and chemistry, I put right below Corliss Williamson's importance to Detroit.

MikeDC

Mercer is expendable. Bender and Croshere both could step into his minutes.

The Lakers wouldn't take on Croshere's contract, i think you're stuck with it. Thus, the only way to move the necessary cap space is to trade Mercer.

To me, it's a complete no-brainer. If there's any faith that Jon Bender won't be a total bust, you do this deal without hesitation.

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Absynth

mercer i feel is really really good as a backup. He is a starter on like 75% of other teams...but the pacers are very deep. I think the only way he would be moved is in a deal involving chroshere, thus moving both at once.

CaronOwnsU

Good points... But, I heard a rumor that Mitch Kupchick was interested in adding Croshere to the Lakers as an efficient and reliable third offensive option.

Also, I don't think Mercer is that expendable yet even with the Pacers' depth. I really don't see Bender being able to step into Mercer's role of instant/reliable bench scoring. But, maybe it's just me?

BTW, would the Lakers not take on Crosher's contract simply because Jerry Buss doesn't want to pay as much of the luxary tax this year as he already is. I could be wrong. But, I heard recently that Mitch has been imploring him to make a move regardless of finances and that Phil has even joined in the pleas.

Anyway, its all just speculation on my part.

MikeDC

The main factors I see are:

1. Mercer is more tradeable than Croshere because although they make about the same $$ 1) he's better, 2) his contract expires in like 2 years, while Croshere's has like 4 years left after this one. Either one would be bad news for the Lakers as far as the finances go, but Mercer isn't AS bad.

2. You could be right about Bender. He could just plain be a bust. But when they've got so much invested in him, and when moving Mercer would be such a huge help when it comes to re-signing your best players, I think it's a risk you have to take.

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peejay2288

If I was GM, I wouldn't do that deal for Tim Duncan and and two 1st round picks. Jermaine belongs in Indiana, end of story. About getting Samaki Walker, Mark Madsen, and Tracy Murray..this deal won't happen. The Pacers need someone to play at the pointguard position. The most realistic trade I see happening right now is Austin Croshere for Eric Snow. I think that would be the last piece of the puzzle for this franchise.

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Absynth

they wouldnt do it straight up tho...a.c. for e.s.???

roverrover

heatfan don't be dumb. of course they wouldn't so why ask. 6ers get a bench player with an all star salary...and loose a perfect pt guard to iverson. Uh huh. Think, then post.