February Trade Rumors: Splitter to Utah

Our latest rumor comes from Chris Sheridan, who stated the following when discussing the impending trade deadline. "Here is the latest they are telling me: The San Antonio Spurs are the front-runners to land Al Jefferson in a trade with the Utah Jazz – and they are frontrunners like Secretariat was in the 1973 Belmont Stakes."

Later on Sheridan mentions possible players involved in a deal, as well as why the teams are natural trading partners. Check out his excellent article here.
Here is a link to his piece














Why for San Antonio:
 The Spurs are already an elite team with a chance at a title. They are a veteran team with only so many years left in their window. With Tim Duncan nearing the end of his career it is championship or bust for the Spurs. That is why a deal in which they are sending out some ancillary pieces for a starter makes since. Al Jefferson to the Spurs would be such a deal. Jefferson is an elite back to the basket scorer, partnering him with Tim Duncan would make for a dominant interrior attack to balance their stellar play from the outside (lead by Manu Ginobilli and Tony Parker).  This deal takes them one step closer to the last title of the Duncan era, there is no more important reason than this for making a deal

Why for Utah:
Currently Utah is a team brimming with front court talent. Their two starters are all star caliber players, and they are backed up by one of the most promising young big men combinations in recent memory. Currently this team is a late playoff seed in the west.

In order to get better in the long term, they need to move their older free agent bound big men to make way for their prize prospects and strengthen other deficient areas of the team.

The Jazz's biggest need is a point guard. Patty Mills is a young player who could take over the point for the forseeable future. Along with Mills they would receive Splitter, allowing them to keep strong depth in the front court. Captain Jack would be thrown in for salary purposes.

Check out the rest of our February Trade Rumor Series
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Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth

February Trade Rumors: Al Jefferson to the Clippers

Trade Rumor Four:
Our fourth installment in the trade rumors series takes us to Utah. This trade is based on the recent rumor of Kevin Garnett to the Clippers. The rumor of KG to the Clippers was flawed for many reasons. 1. Kevin Garnett has a trade clause and happens to be one of the most loyal players in basketball. 2. The Celtics would probably want more than the package of Bledsoe and Butler. Although this rumor does not seem likely it does give us some pertinent information that we can use to form a similar trade. From this trade you can figure out that the Clippers are interested in acquiring a center for a package that could include Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler. This trade could only be consummated after Chris Paul has come back and shown he is 100%.

The Source:

Clippers are certainly looking to add a frontcourt piece for postseason run. They'd inquired about Cavs' Anderson Varejao before his injury
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 4, 2013

Sources tell Sporting News that the #Clippers have contacted the #Celtics about Kevin Garnett. Offer would include Caron Butler and Beldsoe.
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 3, 2013

Why For the Clippers:
The Clippers are a great team dealing with a tough run of games while its best player is injured. With Chris Paul out they have failed to take care of the basketball and it has lead to losses. Without Paul they need D'Andre Jordan to step up, but his usefulness has greatly diminished. The Clippers need a center that they can trust down the stretch, one who can get they can dump it down to for a bucket anytime they need it. Jordan has been so woeful at the free throw line (shooting 47%) that the Clippers can not afford to have him in the game in crucial situations. They need someone who can play impactful minutes at the five spot for them in the playoffs.
This was essentially the package that was rumored to go to Boston in a Kevin Garnett deal. It stands to reason that if the Clippers could not get KG they would be content to add a player of Jefferson's considerable talents.
Why For the Jazz:
The Jazz have good talented young players at every position except point guard. This off-season Milsap and Jefferson will be free agents, (with Kanter and Favors backing them up) it is unlikely that both come back. In moving Jefferson the Jazz would free up more time for Kanter and Favors as well as picking up a prospect that allows them to set their nucleus for years to come. Bledsoe, Hayward, Kanter and Favors is a great future.

Other Posts in Trade Rumor Series
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Second
Third