Those are some great ideas. Good pick up about that Philly pick. Though I wonder if it could still be done, maybe structured to include some clause in the deal that effectively states: If Philly's 2015 1st does convey to two 2nds, then Phoenix receives the 2015 Philly 2nd rounder. That may be possible. On the other hand, it does seem likely to be more palatable to Phoenix to ostensibly receive a 1st (which becomes two 2nds). That would probably seem more appealing on its face, though the end result would be similar.
I would argue that those 2nd rounders (Philly's and Boston's) are valuable. I have seen some stats recently (on ESPN.com, I believe), that indicate picks #20-35/40 offer similar value throughout that range. Further, players drafted in the 2nd round can be offered less money for fewer years, and much of the contract can be non-guaranteed. Contracts for 1st round picks are way less flexible. An argument could be made that very early 2nd rounders are nearly as valuable as late 1st rounders, and in some cases, more preferable. I think Phoenix would need picks coming back if they were mainly receiving Green, who may walk after this year. Warren and Thomas are locked up for a few years, and Phoenix may likely require more long-term pieces in return.
I would also argue that Nelson does have value, especially if he lands on a Phoenix team with young guards he can tutor and back up as his career winds down. He can still make plays and shoot 3s, and he's the type of veteran who can either play 20-30 min a night or sit on the bench without getting cranky and unprofessional about it, whatever may be needed of him. If healthy, he's solid enough that he could play back up minutes in the playoffs, too. And if he plays poorly or gets injured, oh well; his deal is only $2.7M through next year, and that could be a decent expiring contract to trade either this summer or next season.
PS- Nelson could be traded in this deal immediately, but it would have to be structured as two separate, simultaneous trades. The trade machine approved both individual deals:
1. Green for Thomas
2. Nelson for Warren
Topic: Green to Phoenix (Read 1010 times)