TRAIL BLAZERS ACQUIRE JASON TERRYPortland Trail Blazers trade Nolan Smith, Luke Babbitt, Dan Gadzuric, 2014 2nd rounder to Boston Celtics for Jason Terry, Chris Wilcox, Jason Collins
The Blazers and Celtics made shockwaves around the league as the Blazers acquire disgruntled combo guard Jason Terry from the Celtics in a six player deal. Terry, buried in a rotation behind Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee, was disgruntled with a lack of playing time, and the Celtics opted to jettison him and his $21 million dollar contract.
Portland improves their depth considerably, replacing the improving Nolan Smith with Jason Terry, a much better, but also much older player. Terry's contract is a major concern, as he will be paid $8 million in his final season at age 37. However, a player of Terry's caliber with championship experience and sharp shooting should be a huge boost off the bench. Nolan Smith had a promising season, but the major thing the Blazers sacrificed was cap flexibility. In that sense, the trade is a huge risk. The second trade in six weeks for the team could also hurt this team's reportedly strong chemistry. Chris Wilcox could be a gem though, as he'll shore up the backup power forward position.
The Celtics, at 22-17, will be looking to rebuild soon, and Jason Terry's contract was immediately regrettable. Terry was on the block for some time, and as a result, Boston essentially gave up their off-season pick-ups for cap room and a couple middling prospects. From a talent standpoint, they lose the deal, but long term, they save $20 million. The true winners of this trade may not be known for a couple years.
Trail Blazers get:Jason Terry
Age 35 | 7.9 PPG, 11.8 MPG (11-12: 15.1 PPG, 3.6 APG, 31.7 MPG)
Chris Wilcox
Age 30 | 1.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG (11-12: 5.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 17.2 MPG)
Jason Collins
Age 34 | 0 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 4.2 MPG (11-12: 1.3 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 10.3 MPG)
Celtics get:Nolan Smith
Age 24 | 8.4 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.2 RPG, 18.6 MPG (11-12: 3.8 PPG, 1.4 APG, 12.3 MPG)
Luke Babbitt
Age 23 | 11-12: 5.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG
Dan Gadzuric
Age 34 | 11-12: 5 rebounds, 2 games, 13 minutes
2014 2nd round draft pick (POR)
Shelden Williams Waived
Jason Collins Waived
Ike Diogu signed to 1 yr, minimum contract
Rotation:
PG - Damian Lillard | Starter
SG - Wesley Matthews | Starter
SF - Nicolas Batum | Starter
PF - LaMarcus Aldridge | Starter
C - Chuck Hayes | Starter
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G - Jason Terry | Sixth Man
F/C - Chris Wilcox | Role Player
F - James Posey | Role Player
G - Ronnie Price | Role Player
C - Meyers Leonard | Prospect
F - Tyler Honeycutt | Prospect
F/C - Ike Diogu | Bench Warmer
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G - Elliot Williams | Injured/Prospect
NLSC PROSPECTSI'll admit I've been bad about this. Starting season 2, I'm leaning towards monthly recaps. The plan is to go several seasons. Dmastawwe gets the final spot in the 2013 draft class, but 2014 is open to any and all who wish to be included. Just send me a PM.
Justine, dare, Martti and Khanwarrior won the contest, scoring 10 points apiece. Valor gets five for picking Boston and hova- and Dmastawwe three for participating with good guesses of their own. Thanks or participating, and the next opportunity to win points (and first to spend them) will be at the all-star break. Stay tuned.