Drew Gooden, Joe Smith reach buyouts

[Dan's Brain]

Contract buyouts are The New Black this year.

The Spurs are rumoured to be the front-runner for Gooden's services, which would be a great move for them. A bit more frontcourt offense and rebounding, and another big body to compete against the Lakers in a likely conference finals matchup. I thought a Cavs return would also be a good plan for Gooden, but Joe Smith obviously got in first.

As for Smith, he's probably on his way back to Cleveland, which is a good plan with Ben Wallace being out for the next couple of months with a broken leg.

[Andrew]

Just barely in time to be eligible for the postseason. They'd be solid pickups for the Cavs and Spurs who needn't rely heavily on them in the grand scheme of things but could do with another big to bring in off the bench when needed (moreso the Cavs in light of Wallace's injury).

[benji]

See if I ever trust Joe Smith again...

[NovU]

I hope to see Gooden ends up being a Spurs. If it happens, it should compensate in some ways for their stupid trade involving rights for Scola for basically a pick.

[Clueminati017]

Good job Sacramento...

They know how to screw this one up. Knowing very well they need a good power forward help them out since Shareef had to quit. The power is shifting to San Antonio in favor to win the west more. Joe Smith to Cleveland.... Interesting.

[Andrew]

Looks like Jason Thompson is being groomed as their starting power forward of the immediate future though. With the deadline deals they made, wholesale changes (save for a couple of players) probably aren't too far away beginning this offseason.

[Cleveland wins]

I would love to see cleveland get gooden again, but there's a lot of people out there who are cavs fans that wanted to see gooden go. But why not the celtics signing gooden, maybe to some kind of minimum deal? Maybe for one year or something. Would marbury's contract be in the way in order for the celtics to sign him?

[Alejandrov011]

Stromile Swift was waived by the Nets... And the Suns are interested

[Cleveland wins]

Well, i wouldn't doubt it, stoudamire's out, so the suns need another big man. But if they do get swift, how would he fit into their system?

[tee-pane]

Well, i wouldn't doubt it, stoudamire's out, so the suns need another big man. But if they do get swift, how would he fit into their system?

Swift is a player that is known for his dunking ability, with the Suns running he would be a good fit imo.

[NovU]

I've been keeping my eyes on Stro Swift since the day he was drafted by Vancouver Grizzlies, and I can tell you he can't do any good for any team except in garbage time.

[Andrew]

I would love to see cleveland get gooden again, but there's a lot of people out there who are cavs fans that wanted to see gooden go. But why not the celtics signing gooden, maybe to some kind of minimum deal? Maybe for one year or something. Would marbury's contract be in the way in order for the celtics to sign him?

No, Marbury's contract wouldn't prevent them from signing Gooden if both sides were interested but the Celtics just signed Mikki Moore to fill that exact same role.

[NovU]

Speaking of Marbury, it has been a disappointment so far. Benji was right on that Marbury messing up one of the best guard rotaion in the league. I hope to see Marbury play better soon.

It's great to see Gooden with Duncan. I hope both him and the team will get into 100% game shape before the playoffs including Ginobili. I don't think it will take too much time for Gooden to find his place with his new team, as I think he's a good complimentary player to good big man like Duncan. Nice pick up by the Spurs.

[Andrew]

So far the Marbury signing has been what I figured it would be. I wouldn't say it's destroyed the team because if all else fails they can cut him loose, bench him or whatever but it hasn't immediately propelled them to being the clear cut favourites to win it all as some suggested.