I also think that Marquis and a 1st for Jamario Moon is the best realistic option.
Reasons:
1. He probably covered LeBron every day in practice and knows him well;
2. Dan Gilbert would probably OK the trade just to give us an edge on the heat;
3. Cavs are rebuilding and would find a pick attractive;
4. Moon and Daniels both expire after this year - little risk for anyone.
IIRC, the Celtics were interested in Moon before Cleveland signed him. I think Cleveland would do this trade (Daniels and a 1st round pick) in a heartbeat, but I’m not sure the Celtics would. Ainge prizes his draft picks and doesn’t concede them readily. I think he’d be more likely to try and lowball Cleveland with an offer of Daniels, a 2nd rounder or Luke Harangody and some cash to pay Daniels’ salary. Cleveland might do it, too. I don’t think anyone else is going to offer them a 1st rounder or talented prospect for Moon.
I like Moon. Mediocre man defender but a useful cog in the team defense because he knows how to use his length and athleticism to grab defensive boards, block some shots and play the passing lanes. He’ll also fill a lane on the fast break. And he’d be more of a threat than Daniels from deep (not by much though).
Not sure Doc would be enamored with adding a wing with so little offensive ability, unless he’s truly dominant defensively. Rodney Carney’s been available forever and we’ve never even tried for him. Guys like Lasme, Dahntay Jones, JR Giddens and Brandon Wallace always intrigued him with their athleticism and defensive mindsets, but they always lose out. TA’s offensive potential and defensive dominance made him the exception (and even he lost out on minutes to Daniels when they were both healthy).
Anthony Parker on the other hand might be more tempting to him. Elite spot-up shooter, with a skilled offensive game to absorb Daniels’ usage, and an underwhelming, but competent defensive player (unless he’s chasing Ray Allen off screens). Not sure if Doc views him as a 2/3 like Daniels or more exclusively as a 2.
Really, though, I think they have to try to land TA. He’s a proven asset to this team and he’d be needed more than ever with Rose, Wade, LeBron and Kobe looming as likely playoff opponents. He’d also be less of an offensive liability with Delonte on board to space the floor and create scoring opportunities. Having Delonte and TA manning the perimeter defense would also make me feel a lot better about having Shaq come off the bench. And have I mentioned that he’s averaging an utterly ridiculous 3.7 steals per 36 minutes this season? Insane.
Memphis has some value for him, but not appreciably more than Sam Young. They’re also going to be in need of some cash if they want to keep Randolph and Gasol.
