Stein: Orlando Magic Interested in Troy Murphy if He, New Jersey Nets Reach Buyout Agreement
by Evan Dunlap on Jan 21, 2011 8:01 AM EST
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PrintThe Orlando Magic figure to be interested in the New Jersey Nets Troy Murphy if the Nets buy out the veteran power forward, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com. New Jersey coach Avery Johnson has played Murphy just 18 times this season, and not once in the last three weeks, as he's focused on developing third overall draft choice Derrick Favors and Kris Humphries. Murphy isn't in the Nets' plans anymore, and as Stein explains, General Manager Billy King has allowed Murphy to step away while the front office works to trade him:
King says he and Murphy had reached a mutual agreement to try to find the 30-year-old Jersey native a new home -- preferably with a playoff contender -- if the [Carmelo Anthony] deal fell through and Murphy’s $12 million expiring contract was not needed to clinch the Pistons’ participation in the trade.
The Nets had agreed to send Murphy to the Detroit Pistons as part of a three-team deal principally involving Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Richard Hamilton. As that trade is no longer on the table, Murphy's in NBA limbo while the Nets work to find a taker for him. Good luck with that. Though productive over the course of his career, back problems and his infrequent appearances have tanked Murphy's trade value, and it's unlikely the Nets will get more than pennies on the dollar for the Notre Dame product, just one season removed from averaging 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Stein names the Magic among the teams who will attempt to sign Murphy if the Nets' attempts to trade him fall through, but provides no further details. My expectation is the Magic see him as a reliable, productive veteran who can back up Dwight Howard effectively at center. And Murphy's fantastic three-point shooting--his career mark is 39.1 percent--would give Orlando yet another lethal three-point threat. However, concerns about his all-around defense abound, to say nothing of his health: Murphy's shooting 34.2 percent this season, and 17.4 percent on three-pointers. Further, his per-minute rebounding, though not awful, is well below his career mark.
I brought up Murphy as a potential trade target for Orlando five weeks ago, just before the Magic unloaded Marcin Gortat, Howard's backup, in their major roster overhaul. Magic fans met that suggestion unenthusiastically, and I don't expect the reaction to be any different this time 'round. But if indeed the Nets buy Murphy out, he'll instantly become the best free-agent big man available, and could help the Magic give Howard much-needed relief in the playffs.
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Meh.
The Magic better do their homework to make sure his health issues haven’t caused the problems we’ve seen with him this year, or at least that he can recover in time for the playoffs.
by The BBQ Chicken Madness on Jan 21, 2011 8:46 AM EST reply actions
I think this might be madness, but I think this would be an improvement over Malik Allen.
Yep. Definitely Crazy right there…
Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson are special in their own ways. OK?
Can't believe that guy is still recovering!
That must be the worst ankle sprain in NBA history…
by Memphissleek on Jan 21, 2011 9:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Any improvement in the frontline is welcome. The problem with "anything goes" approach is that filling any spot erroneously could not be corrected at a later time, and we have seen plenty of that since the summer of last year.
As for Murphy, he is more of a PF than a Center – if I am not mistaken. My preferred choice would still be Foster which is a perfect fit in our trade exception slot.
Is he a center or a PF?
If he can play Center, then that is fine. That would be awesome. We could play him with Bass. Having him and Anderson, unless late game scenarios of trying to get a three, to me sounds redundant playing together. But if he can play some 5 for a couple of minutes that would be great.
Roll Bass and War Ryno for me
Another reason why we should hope to get him..
The opportunity to have this line-up on the floor:
5- Murphy
4-Anderson
3-Turk
2-Redick
1-J-Will
Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson are special in their own ways. OK?
....They'd look like the Pacers?
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At least two of those guys are better rebounders than Hibbert.
You mess with the 4-out/1-in, you get the Horns.
Didn't Gortat once have a famous quote about the second unit that would apply here?
All of the best sigs are taken.
You could play Gil for J-Will. "Arenas, the other white guy">
Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.
Hello, handsome, is that a ten-gallon hat or are you just enjoying the show?
by Both_Teams_Played_ on Jan 21, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
is the Magic in some kind of weird...relationship with the Nets?
we keep going back to them…
Excuse me while I whip this out.
I didn't say we were
just that we share a pretty significant trade relationship with the Nets and here we are again talking about trading with the Nets
Excuse me while I whip this out.
by TheGiantSquid on Jan 21, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
he's probably gonna get bought out and we'd sign him for the vet minimum
we have nothing to trade for him – his salary is 11million
oh I see /o\
hflsdjhfkds fail
Excuse me while I whip this out.
by TheGiantSquid on Jan 21, 2011 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
More likely the biennial
by the way, I apologize for upsetting you Wednesday night. (Even players wife’s had surrendered. I am forced to quote the raven).
Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.
Hello, handsome, is that a ten-gallon hat or are you just enjoying the show?
by Both_Teams_Played_ on Jan 21, 2011 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
thank you
I’m sorry for reacting so badly :| I’ve been stressed and haven’t slept much and took it out on the wrong person. Next time I’ll take it out on someone like Polega or Matt B. :D
Excuse me while I whip this out.
by TheGiantSquid on Jan 21, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
:-D
Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.
Hello, handsome, is that a ten-gallon hat or are you just enjoying the show?
by Both_Teams_Played_ on Jan 21, 2011 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
I primarily know him as a PF
How often has he played C? And how would he hold up? I mean.. we can’t have all 5 guys on the perimeter. Playing the 5 would definitely remove his three point opportunities… or at least severely affect it.
hes more a stretch 4 than a center
espn has him at 6’11" 245 though.
He's like Z, essentially.
Stretch 5.
Otis Smith, what you've just done is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard of. At no point in your rambling, incoherent trades were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having witnessed it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by MoveThoseChains on Jan 21, 2011 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Over the last 3 years he has spent 1/3 of his time at center.
Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.
Hello, handsome, is that a ten-gallon hat or are you just enjoying the show?
by Both_Teams_Played_ on Jan 21, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
I can't tell if you're agreeing or disagreeing,
but he can play the 5 as far as I’m concerned.
Otis Smith, what you've just done is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard of. At no point in your rambling, incoherent trades were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having witnessed it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by MoveThoseChains on Jan 21, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Well, he's *been* an elite rebounder.
Is he still? I guess that’s the question.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
VERY enthusiastic about this
Troy Murphy is so underrated! I always thought he could be a great piece on a good team. He was barely allowed to play last year, and he’s in pretty much the worst situation possible. I don’t think you can blame him for strugglingwith his shooting. Go back to 08-09 and 09-10 — this guy averaged over 14 points and 10 boards both years. 58% eFG in 08-09 with pretty high usage. Started over 70 games. This guy is a quality piece that we should not miss the chance to buy low on.
Interesting.
This goes back to SVG not simply wanting a “body” but a productive one that fits the system. Problem is…isn’t he just another Ryan Anderson?
by O-Town MagiCane on Jan 21, 2011 12:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He is Ryan with better rebounding and more experience. He holds his own at center and should be a fit..
Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.
Hello, handsome, is that a ten-gallon hat or are you just enjoying the show?
by Both_Teams_Played_ on Jan 21, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Surprisingly not *that* much better as a rebounder
Murphy’s got a TRB for his career of 16.1%. Anderson’s at 13.8%, and that’s with 2 of his 3 seasons being on the Magic, playing alongside D12. Murph’s a lot better on the defensive boards, but Anderson’s actually better on the offensive glass. Except for the lack of shot-blocking, I’d be interested to see the two of them play together, because their rebounding skills are complementary.
Bob.
Great
That would be a sweet deal if we could get him. I would like to see Van Gundy start developing Clark. We will probably need him in the playoffs or near future and he is not ready.
Interesting
Just depends on how much money he wants, assuming he is indeed bought out, which may not even happen. I can’t see us trading for him. He’d be an obvious upgrade over Malik.
by Ol' Uncle Munnerlyn on Jan 21, 2011 1:39 PM EST reply actions
Healthy
If Troy could stay healthy this could prove to be a great move. The guy can rebound.
FEED THE BEAST!!!
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Jan 21, 2011 1:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Buy him out (:
wouldn’t mind seeing Murphy in a Magic jersey
I just don't see Foster being bought out.
He is their only real backup Center and has an expiring 6.5 million dollar deal. Unless he BEGGED Indiana to be bought out, I doubt they would.
I like the idea of trading for DJ Mbenga if Otis doesn’t think we will have a shot at signing Murphy once he is bought out (hopefully nobody trades for him). I think Mbenga would be a nice legit Center to have coming off the bench. He only makes a little over 800 K and its only a 1 yr deal, so I think a future 2nd rounder or rights to Fran Vasquez and/or cash could probably get it done. In limited minutes this year in NO, he’s avg. 10.5 boards per 40 mins.
It isn’t nearly as good as Foster’s 14.2 boards per 40, but he’s still can be productive in limited minutes.
You can follow me on Twitter. Also run the @Amway_Get_Loud account.
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New Orleans tied for 3rd in the West.
Don’t see them giving up a big man.
"...sometimes your eyes lie to you..." ~SVG | I'm on Twitter
by magicfaninTN on Jan 22, 2011 1:08 AM EST up reply actions
Well, if the Magic are looking for an NBA-quality big man, he's certainly that.
I’d prefer more of a post presence, and as said before, he seems more like he’d fit into Ryan’s role on the team. (If nothing else, the Magic’s offense doesn’t really make room for a three-point-shooting center.) But if we’re talking about getting a backup C who’s as good as the other players on the team, well, Murphy definitely deserves his spot in the rotation. (Seriously, this guy has been one of the most underrated players in basketball for years.)
Compared to the other guys who have been mentioned, I think I’d rank him slightly behind Dalembert, because Dalembert’s a shot-blocker, and because he’s a few years younger. (Yes, I know he’s a half-season rental, but it’s nice to put that option on the table for next season.) I’d put him ahead of Foster, because I don’t think Foster does anything but rebounding especially well.
You mess with the 4-out/1-in, you get the Horns.
Actually, I could see Murphy working well with Bass
Let Bass play the inside bruiser role on offense, with Murphy acting as a stretch 5.
Bob.
This
I think having Anderson and Murphy on the court at the same time might be a little redundant.
Roll Bass and War Ryno for me
Hopefully that can be avoided by moving Anderson into the starting lineup.
Then Bass and Murphy can both be themselves with the 2nd unit.
Otis Smith, what you've just done is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard of. At no point in your rambling, incoherent trades were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having witnessed it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by MoveThoseChains on Jan 21, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
That could be ugly on defense, though.
I trust Dwight to stay on his man, and know he can defend him effectively.
I trust Anderson to stay on his man, but I know he can then get beaten one-on-one.
I know Bass is a tough defender one-on-one, but I don’t trust him to make the right rotations to stay on his man.
Murphy isn’t a good one-on-one defender. And while I suspect he’s able to stick with rotations in a general sense (he’s been in the league for a decade), he’d have to learn the team’s defense.
So there would presumably be a point where both Murphy and Bass would be at risk of getting crossed up on D.
You mess with the 4-out/1-in, you get the Horns.
If we have a three-point-shooting center, does it mean we can play the 5-out, 0-in offense at last?
All of the best sigs are taken.
My thoughts exactly. We could shoot only threes at least for a quarter.
Don't mind my spelling. I'm a Typo Master.
The reason why we were against it before was because he was on a 15 million dollar salary,
Signing him under these circumstances changes everythig, he would do great with our team and at times we could play him next to dwight , a real twin towers that can function properly
I'm surprised Otis Smith's close relationship with Murphy hasn't been brought up yet.
Murphy was also with the Warriors when Otis, GIlbert, and JRich were there. Otis has claimed to have a similar relationship with Murphy as he does the other two current Magic players. If Murphy were to be bought out, I would consider it a strong possibility that Orlando is his next stop, especially since he’s capable of playing center behind Dwight, and his price tag would be the veterans minimum.
This is the exact quote from Otis:
At a time that we were creating the player development program, there was none. So, Gilbert, Jason Richardson and Troy Murphy were my first three, and it was a time when the league had only six teams doing playing development. So, you can make a big deal out of it, and it is, but it’s because we developed a program based on relationships. So, I’m just as close to J-Rich, just as close to Troy.
Here’s the link of the Sentinel Q&A with Otis:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/mobile/sports/os-orlando-magic-otis-smith-0119-20110114,0,4360911,full.story
Really isn't that what the Magic are right now? The Warriors or Suns with a legit 5?
Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson are special in their own ways. OK?
This isn't fair.
If we have to be the Warriors, I want Stephen Curry.
You mess with the 4-out/1-in, you get the Horns.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooootis come out and plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagic come out and plaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
Roll Bass and War Ryno for me
Totally Nerd name
Jay's favorite line: "Dog, in due time"
Now he look at me, like "Damn, dog, you where I am"
A hip hop legend.
I think I died in an accident, cause this must be heaven.
We would need Pietrus to get bought out and brought back.
"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07
If Murphy is bought out by NJ, and becomes a free agent, you don't think the first call comes from Otis Smith?
I’m not saying Otis is going to trade for his $11 million contract because he’s friends with the guy. We need a backup center, Murphy fits that role. There’s a match here if he’s availible for the vet minimum, that’s all I’m saying.
It would be weird. But considering he already went out and traded for Gilbert and JRich, he might as well get Murphy as well.
Unless Dalembert becomes a free agent. Then I’d take the shot blocker.
Between Murphy and Dalembert, I would rather have Dalembert...
… but I guess we’re not really in position to be too picky right now. My only concern is Murphy’s health.
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