Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wasmintrade062309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns]Washington, Minnesota strike a deal - NBA - Yahoo! Sports[/url]

The Washington Wizards have agreed in principle to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves guards Randy Foye(notes) and Mike Miller(notes) for Etan Thomas(notes), Oleksiy Pecherov(notes) and Darius Songaila and the fifth pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, a league executive with knowledge of the deal told Yahoo! Sports.

Foye is a bit of a tweener, but underrated at the point in my opinion. Still I think he may end up replacing DeShawn as the defensive stopper at the 2.

Miller kind of reminds me of Tracy Murray at this stage in his career

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Well dumping Thomas' contract was a goal. Songaila is basically garbage (maybe that's harsh). Pecherov hasn't been much. They really only dumped a marginal player in Darius and the 5 for a slightly better than marginal player in Miller and maybe a good talent in Foye. Not sure they did better with this than just using the pick though. I guess dumping Etan's contract was a key.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I don't think the Wiz really liked anyone who'd be available at #5. Plus we have too many mediocre big men, primarily Pecherov, Blatche, Etan. Haywood has been pretty darn good when healthy the past two seasons, and Jevale McGee is an up and comer. I think we probably kept our best 3 bigs out of those 5. Songaila is a decent defender, but not much else.

Mike "Spanky" Miller is a solid player with good 3 point range for his size. He had his worst year last season, but he can be a contributor for us for sure. Granted I'm biased because he was a helluva player for the Gators.

I hear we were taking a good look at James Harden from Az St in the draft. Randy Foye has only been in the league two seasons, is nearly identical in size to Harden, and also plays the #2. He averaged 16+ ppg last sesason, plus he's a good defender and solid 3 point shooter. So we dump some contracts, and acquire a proven version of a guy we may draft anyway, plus get a proven vet. We definitely got smaller with this trade, but I like our guard rotation now.

I think I like this.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I liked the move rather than keeping the pick. They saved about $3 million, added a veteran, and got rid of some guys that were just taking up space, I never really liked Etan, Pecherov, or Songalia. I wanted them to trade down to the middle of the first and get a guy like DeJuan Blair or Gerald Henderson. Those guys would help on defense and I think they are both gonna be real good NBA players, but would be considered reaches at #5. Also, we got the 2nd pick of round 2 so we'll have room on the roster to sign that guy.

Guys I want in Round 2 (some would have to slip)
James Johnson (not only good at bball, but 20-0 as a kickboxer)
Darren Collison (great A/TO, leader, and winner)
Josh Heytvelt (I think his game translates well to the NBA)
Jon Brockman (rebounding has been the most consistent thing that has shown to transfer to the NBA)

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I like the move. Miller can come in and knock down some threes for them. My only question is what is their rotation going to look like? Arenas, Stevenson, Young and Foye in the backcourt, Miller and Butler at the 3, and then Jamison and McGee in the front, along with some Brendan Haywood? They're thin up front still. They need to get some more size.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=jdlea;564384]I like the move. Miller can come in and knock down some threes for them. [B]My only question is what is their rotation going to look like? Arenas, Stevenson, Young and Foye in the backcourt[/B], Miller and Butler at the 3, and then Jamison and McGee in the front, along with some Brendan Haywood? They're thin up front still. They need to get some more size.[/quote]

Exactly. I'm not sure Foye will get a ton of minutes. He averaged 16 ppg but also 30+ minutes.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=hooskins;564394]Exactly. I'm not sure Foye will get a ton of minutes. He averaged 16 ppg but also 30+ minutes.[/quote]

Yeah, but you never know. If it were me, I'd consider trading Stevenson at this point. He's not that great of a player and I don't know that he would accept a role off the bench. If it were up to me, I'd package try to see if I could get a young big who seems like he needs a change of scenery. Or I'd offer him and Jamison for Paul Millsap.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=jdlea;564421][B]Yeah, but you never know. If it were me, I'd consider trading Stevenson at this point. [/B]He's not that great of a player and I don't know that he would accept a role off the bench. If it were up to me, I'd package try to see if I could get a young big who seems like he needs a change of scenery. Or I'd offer him and Jamison for Paul Millsap.[/quote]

That is actually what I was thinking. Stevenson should be the odd man out, because to me both Young and Foye have better upside. Also Young would have little trade value, because I am sure much of the NBA feels he is unproven.

I realize we gotta get rid of Jameson but I think his departure will really hurt us, as he is a consistent 20-10 guy.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I don't see how getting rid of Jamison helps them at all. He is the team leader and averages a double-double basically. His defensive deficiencies aside he is pretty indispensable to the team in its current form. We'd have to get a pretty good deal of production back in return for him.

Stevenson could bring some help but I doubt we'd get much help in the front court using just him as the bait.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=FRPLG;564435]I don't see how getting rid of Jamison helps them at all. He is the team leader and averages a double-double basically. His defensive deficiencies aside he is pretty indispensable to the team in its current form. We'd have to get a pretty good deal of production back in return for him.

Stevenson could bring some help but I doubt we'd get much help in the front court using just him as the bait.[/quote]

I would unload Jamison because he's basically a tall 3. He's not a very good post player. the Wiz could use one with all of the athletic guards they have. Push come to shove, I'd keep Butler over Jamison and that's basically what you'd have to give up to get Millsap. He's a guy who can come in and play in the post and he's young. McGee, Millsap, Butler, Young/Foye, and Arenas > McGee, Jamison, Butler, Young/Foye and Arenas because the first group can play from the inside out, the latter is just a worse version of the Magic, essentially.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I would have liked it if if the Wizards had gotten one more draft pick in this trade. Still, dumping those contracts was a nice move. Should put us in good position to make a move in summer 2010 for one of the big time free agents expected to be available-Bosh, Nowitzki, Chandler?

I figure they'll get some sort of mid-level exception to give them some more depth in the front court, but I wouldn't make another major trade (unless they can get Amare); I'd be inclined to ride out this season and go for a top flight big man next summer. Of course, any opportunity to unload Blatche and Nick Young and I'm all for that (I think both are big time underachievers with lack of focus, personally).

As for Jamison, I think you only trade him if as the trade deadline approaches and we aren't in serious contention you can trade him to a contender for some value (maybe draft picks). It would almost be like a favor to him I guess.

As for the backcourt, Dixon and James are gone (I'd assume). So take those two guys out of the equation. Arenas is the starting point guard, and Crittenton I think is his back up. So that leaves DeShawn, Miller, Young, and Foye. If those four guys all stay on the team it's a toss up between DS or Miller. I guess it depends on what you're looking for in a starter. Foye's value is probably best off the bench. They don't call him Fourth Quarter Foye for nothing. So he won't start but he'll get key minutes. He'll always get a bad rap because he's the guy the T-Wolves gave away Brandon Roy for, but that shouldn't diminish Foye's abilities.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Haywood likes the move

[url=http://brendanhaywood.yardbarker.com/blog/BrendanHaywood/Wizards_on_the_Right_Track/735065]Wizards on the Right Track - Yardbarker[/url]

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Agree with SS... dumping contracts helps us (re-signing Haywood in a few offseasons too)...

Pretty weak draft and while I liked Harden, there's no guarantee he would have been there at 5. This draft is all over the place and if it's between taking Jordan Hill or trading with the Knicks for the 8 and Hughes, I'll take Foye/Miller 10 out of 10 times.

Miller instantly upgrades the outside shooting... dude's nearly a 40 percent shooter from beyond the arc. He'll spread the floor when the big three are tied up. He's got a decent glass game and can pass. Foye's been steadily improving each season, unfortunately cut by injuries. I think he's had such low FG percentage b/c he's had to be the number 1 or 2 option for the Wolves offensively... start him as a Wiz and he's the third or fourth option and he'll flourish. Have him off the bench with Young and McGee and you've got a deadly second unit.

The FO added two guys that make this an extremely deadly team that kinda looks like Orlando's recipe. The difference, of course, is that we don't have Howard- but Wood's return anchors the D. I also think our guys have the ability to drive inside, moreso than Orlando.

The moves can't be finished yet... we're definitely hurting down low a bit.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Well, the East just got a lot more interesting

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285489]Sources: Shaquille O'Neal sent to Cleveland Cavaliers in 3-player deal - ESPN[/url]

For Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. Clearly a financial move for the Suns. Good move for the Cavs. Shaq isn't the Shaq he once was, but still very effective.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=SmootSmack;564570]Haywood likes the move

[URL="http://brendanhaywood.yardbarker.com/blog/BrendanHaywood/Wizards_on_the_Right_Track/735065"]Wizards on the Right Track - Yardbarker[/URL][/quote]

No surprise. Haywood and Etan Thomas aren't exactly pals.

This draft class is pretty weak. I think we made the right move.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I like our trade, since none of the guys we lost were going to help much, although I'll miss Stewie's antics. Only Songaila provided anything last year, and a C/F with 20 min. per game has to average more than 2.9 rebounds per game. Period. Etan's contract, with its trade kicker, was weighing us down, so exchanging it for a year of Mike Miller is a nice move. I like Foye's upside and I think he's already as good as Deshawn was when healthy and a step above Young.

Given our imbalance with so many guards, we'll be making anohter move to pick up a defense-minded and rebounding PF/C. This was already necessary going against Dwight Howard in our Division, and even moreso now with Shaq in the East. My guess is we'll trade James (he still has one year on his contract, so we can't just cut him) and another player (hopefully Deshawn, although I could see us letting go of Young) for another PF/C, maybe throwing in our 2nd rounder as well. Ideally, I'd like to see us get Camby from the Clippers, who need to get rid of a big with Griffin coming in. I think Camby's still got another good year in him and he'd be a great player for McGee to learn from with their similar body types and the fact that Camby's consistently been from one of the best defender's in the league.

It turns out that we tried to include Deshawn in the Foye/Miller trade, but Minnesota wouldn't take him and insisted on Songaila.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Not really sure why we drafted another guard. I like the kid from UCF, but after just trading for Foye, we've got a logjam at guard. I would have liked to see us nab DeJuan Blair. A big body to add some beef in the low post, and we passed on him. I think he'll be a lot like Big Baby Davis as an NBA player.

Hell, DaJuan Summers would have been a solid pick too. 6-9 240.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

We just traded that pick to the Rockets for cash

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=SmootSmack;564741]We just traded that pick to the Rockets [B]for cash[/B][/quote]

What does that mean exactly? Do they literally cut us a check? There were a few players available who could have been possible contributors for us. DeJuan Blair is a beast on the glass. I'm scratching my head a bit on this one, although I have faith in Ernie.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Yeah, we are literally given cash for the player.

I would have preferred taking DeJuan Blair, since as a second rounder he'd have had a contract starting at less than $1 million and he would have filled a need with his rebounding. Selling the pick either means Abe is cheap, or, they are saving some money now for when they get a vet big (James's contract or the MLE). It's probably is a little of both, and in this economy it is tough to turn down $2.5 million. I don't see us going more than a month without picking up a solid vet C/PF.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

RUBIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We could have had a potential top flight PG which in and of itself is worth it. Look at what Paul and Williams have done for their respective teams. I still can't believe we made this deal when the reality was we had no real rush to do so. I'm not saying Rubio will definately have the impact of a CP3 but given the fact that we were picking 5th couldn't have hurt. At the same time what the hell were the T-Wolves doing drafting two passers. What are they expecting them to do pass the ball back and fourth to each other?

The T-Wolves would have had an awesome lineup with Rubio running the offense, Love and Jefferson manning the paint and Curry lining up for three pointers.

I do like though what the Grizzlies have done with their lineup. Now that Conely seems to have developed they've got an awesome front court with Gay and Mayo. By adding a presence like Thabeet they'll be able to control the paint and protect their shooters better. Marc Gasol seems like a nice down low player though obviously not a game changer like his brother but still nice. All they lack now is a consistent down low offensive player to compliment Thabeet's grunt work.

The most interesting acquisition though might have been the Magic. Assuming they keep Hedo they will have given a new meaning to spreading out a defense. If they could get Redick to play like Kyle Korver they would have taken the ridiculousness of the inside out game to a new level with Howard in the middle. Not to mention they'll have the other 4 guys starting with three point range (Nelson, Carter, Lewis, and Hedo).

[quote=SmootSmack;564446]I would have liked it if if the Wizards had gotten one more draft pick in this trade. Still, dumping those contracts was a nice move. Should put us in good position to make a move in summer 2010 for one of the big time free agents expected to be available-Bosh, Nowitzki, Chandler?

[/quote]


Dirk is easily one of my favorite players but Bosh would be better long term if we could somehow get him.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;564815]RUBIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We could have had a potential top flight PG which in and of itself is worth it. Look at what Paul and Williams have done for their respective teams. I still can't believe we made this deal when the reality was we had no real rush to do so. I'm not saying Rubio will definately have the impact of a CP3 but given the fact that we were picking 5th couldn't have hurt. At the same time what the hell were the T-Wolves doing drafting two passers. What are they expecting them to do pass the ball back and fourth to each other?

The T-Wolves would have had an awesome lineup with Rubio running the offense, Love and Jefferson manning the paint and Curry lining up for three pointers.

I do like though what the Grizzlies have done with their lineup. Now that Conely seems to have developed they've got an awesome front court with Gay and Mayo. By adding a presence like Thabeet they'll be able to control the paint and protect their shooters better. Marc Gasol seems like a nice down low player though obviously not a game changer like his brother but still nice. All they lack now is a consistent down low offensive player to compliment Thabeet's grunt work.

The most interesting acquisition though might have been the Magic. Assuming they keep Hedo they will have given a new meaning to spreading out a defense. If they could get Redick to play like Kyle Korver they would have taken the ridiculousness of the inside out game to a new level with Howard in the middle. Not to mention they'll have the other 4 guys starting with three point range (Nelson, Carter, Lewis, and Hedo).




Dirk is easily one of my favorite players but Bosh would be better long term if we could somehow get him.[/quote]

The curse continues. I don't know that it is as bad as it seems(the trade considering Rubio ended up being there) but at the very least it shows we could have gotten more. If we're still in that spot when Rubio shows up we get more, probably way more, than what we ended up getting. Such is life for the Wizards.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=FRPLG;564821]The curse continues. I don't know that it is as bad as it seems(the trade considering Rubio ended up being there) but at the very least it shows we could have gotten more. If we're still in that spot when Rubio shows up we get more, probably way more, than what we ended up getting. Such is life for the Wizards.[/quote]

Well the irony is that now Rubio might not play in the NBA because he thinks that Minnesota is a hell hole.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;564826]Well the irony is that now Rubio might not play in the NBA because he thinks that Minnesota is a hell hole.[/quote]

Rubio didn't want to play in DC either. His agent, Dan Fegan, is the one Gil dropped just before signing his latest contract. Fegan publicly stated that Rubio wouldn't go to DC. Sour grapes. Knowing all this makes me not as upset about missing on Rubio, although I think it showed EG isn't quite patient enough. Our best player being a point guard also softens the blow a bit. I never was convinced that they could both be on the court at the same time and be productive.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=CooleyAsCanBe;564854]Rubio didn't want to play in DC either. His agent, Dan Fegan, is the one Gil dropped just before signing his latest contract. Fegan publicly stated that Rubio wouldn't go to DC. Sour grapes. Knowing all this makes me not as upset about missing on Rubio, although I think it showed EG isn't quite patient enough. Our best player being a point guard also softens the blow a bit. I never was convinced that they could both be on the court at the same time and be productive.[/quote]

Is there anywhere that the did want to go?

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;564826]Well the irony is that now Rubio might not play in the NBA because he thinks that Minnesota is a hell hole.[/quote]

:D He's right.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

But the Celtics keep getting stronger...They're going to sign a former Wizard shortly by way of Detroit. By the way, Detroit is giving up a lot of their talent to reduce their cap. Has anyone heard who they plan on signing?

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=JLee9718;566226]But the Celtics keep getting stronger...They're going to sign a former Wizard shortly by way of Detroit. By the way, Detroit is giving up a lot of their talent to reduce their cap. Has anyone heard who they plan on signing?[/quote]

Last I heard there was a Rip for Boozer trade rumor floating out there.

Will be interesting to see who if any of the four big men the Wizards are reportedly going after they will sign-Jason Collins, Magliore, Nesterovic, or Frye. Given the choice I'll go with Rasho with Frye a distant second.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=JLee9718;566226]But the Celtics keep getting stronger...They're going to sign a former Wizard shortly by way of Detroit. By the way, Detroit is giving up a lot of their talent to reduce their cap. Has anyone heard who they plan on signing?[/quote]

Celtics might be getting Grant Hill as well.

I wouldn't mind seeing us make a run at Brandon Bass

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Might be Oberto

[url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Wizards_offer_deal_to_ex-Spur_Oberto.html]Wizards offer deal to ex-Spur Oberto[/url]

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=SmootSmack;567654]Might be Oberto

[url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Wizards_offer_deal_to_ex-Spur_Oberto.html]Wizards offer deal to ex-Spur Oberto[/url][/quote]

Bleh...ho hum.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

For what they say they're targeting-a 10 minutes a game veteran big man-I don't think Oberto is a bad choice at all

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I wouldn't mind Oberto coming here. He's probably willing to take a little less since Detroit will be paying 1.9 million of his contract. That will make his double cost for the Wiz (luxury-tax penalty) easier to swallow. He's smart and has had success. I don't see him lasting more than one, maybe two years, but I like him for now.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Yeah I don't see what is wrong with Oberto. Definitely an upgrade to the roster. You think we can play with Brenda and Oberto at once?

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=hooskins;567724]Yeah I don't see what is wrong with Oberto. Definitely an upgrade to the roster. You think we can play with Brenda and Oberto at once?[/quote]

Brenda? My sister is on the Wiz and didn't tell me.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

Oberto accepted the offer, so it looks like this team is set unless something comes up during the season and we're able to move Mike James's contract, or package him with another one of our expiring deals (e.g. Mike Miller) for an impact player.

This hasn't been the sexiest offseason for the Wizards, but it has been methodical and has managed to build what should be a solid team.

I'm still waiting to hear about Gil's recent strength-training and workouts in Chicago, but I am optimistic.

Also nice to see that Javale was invited to the US Basketball camp as well. It's the JV squad, but training with elite young players under a smart coach can only help the kid.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

I still don't see any improvement in the Wizards, even with Arenas coming back. Man, I hope I'm wrong.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=JLee9718;570624]I still don't see any improvement in the Wizards, even with Arenas coming back. Man, I hope I'm wrong.[/quote]

Arenas and Haywood coming back. Plus DeShawn, who adds defensive value. Another year of development for Javale. The addition of Randy Foye. Key veterand depth in Mike Miller and Oberto. Definitely see improvement.

Interesting that the T-Wolves have already traded Etan...to the Thunder.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

[quote=SmootSmack;570626]Arenas and Haywood coming back. Plus DeShawn, who adds defensive value. Another year of development for Javale. The addition of Randy Foye. Key veterand depth in Mike Miller and Oberto. Definitely see improvement.[/quote]Not to mention Flip Saunders. I think he's going to have a great impact.

Now the only thing that I worry about is the improvement of some of the other teams in the East. Either way, I just hope the Wizards play hard and are fun to watch because over the past 2 seasons they haven't done a whole lot to keep my interest up, especially with the Caps playing so well.

Re: Report: Wizards Trade for Randy Foye and Mike Miller
 

But selling the #2 was a surprise to me.