Undiscussed Dwight trade dilemna

by dukenilnil on Jan 17, 2012 10:27 AM EST

**caveat** I hope Dwight chooses to stay, but this post is addressing an aspect the various trade packages that may need rethinking

To date, all of the rumored/proposed trade packages in the press include the Magic "dumping" the "bad" contracts of Hedo and Duhon.

After 12 games, the question now is, if the Magic must trade Dwight, do we really want to get rid of Hedo (and to a lesser extent Duhon)?

The prevailing wisdom is that Hedo's and Duhon's salaries are albatrosses around the neck of the Magic. I don't think that is true anymore. Based on last year's performance, yes, but the performance this year I think suggest otherwise.

I think the Magic should think long and hard about "dumping' Hedo and Duhon's salary in any trade because I don't think they will find replacement players (who are attainable) offering similar value to the Magic (taking into account team unity). The better avenue might be to package Dwight and Jameer and/or J rich for more star power in return (or just Dwight). That package is more appealing to other teams and transfers roughly equal salary, hopefully resulting in more in return.

For Hedo, I think he provides solid return for the investment. As SVG likes to have run an offense where the PG is not necessarily the dominant assist/ball mover, having a point-forward on the floor is very valuable to the Magic. Hedo has been playing that role with aplomb, averaging better than 2:1 assist/to, and shooting very well . In fact, outside of rebounding, he is outperforming his '09 year and nearly matching his '08 year just with fewer shot attempts. I think Hedo offers a style of play and performance that the Magic won't find elsewhere for similar or lesser money.

I think the same holds true (to a lesser extent) for Duhon who is making 3.25 this year. While that's a lot, I'd argue that the Magic would be hard pressed to find a backup PG for equal or lesser money (who would be traded by the current team) who could provide similar return. As currently structured, the Magic rely less on their PG than most teams, mostly just a steadying pressence who can hold down the fort and provide some solid D. Right now, Duhon is hitting the shots when called upon (would actually like to see him shot a couple of times more per game), and is averaging a little better than 2:1 assist/to and playing with a steady, albiet unremakable, consistency.

Thus, I think the Magic shouldn't be so quick to dump the salaries of Hedo and Duhon in any trade of Dwight.

This FanPost was made by a member of the Orlando Pinstriped Post community, and is to be treated as the opinions and views of its author, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

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What 'additional star power'?

Presumably Dwight all on his own will get as much star power as the other team is willing to give up. I don’t see Jameer and/or JRich really sweetening the pot that much. Just because Hedo is playing much better this year doesn’t mean that contract isn’t an albatross.

by aakks on Jan 17, 2012 11:24 AM EST reply actions

Depends on the teams involved

Logic would dictate though, that if a team would take Dwight and essentially wasted players in duhon and hedo to them, then adding something of value rather than a burden should net more in return.

by dukenilnil on Jan 17, 2012 11:53 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

Except we're already not going to get equal value for Dwight

So why would we add more value?

by aakks on Jan 17, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

I agree that moving Hedo is a bit questionable

He fits in the system and after touring the league for a couple of years has said how much he likes it in Orlando and would love to stay for the rest of his career.

Then again, if Dwight is gone, it’s rebuilding time for the next few years no matter if he is traded or walks – so it probably doesn’t matter all that much in the end anyway.

I'm torn. Is JJ Redick the White Mamba or the White Ray Allen?

by EnnBee on Jan 17, 2012 12:20 PM EST reply actions

we shoulda signed nate robinson

Don't be a follower homie, be a leader! And if I lose you on twitter, then so be it

by supermantotherescue on Jan 17, 2012 6:59 PM EST reply actions

I've been discussing it in my sig :)

I know the consensus around here is to blow it up, but I just don’t think I can stomach it. I’d rather put together the best team we can and be the thorn in the side of all these teams. I’m a die hard Magic fan and every game is important to me. I am somewhat conflicted though as the best chance to stay relevant also sends Howard to the Lakers, which I also can’t stomach.

Keep Hedo

by Satch30 on Jan 17, 2012 10:51 PM EST reply actions