[ESPN] Warriors trade J-Rich to Bobcats for #8 Wright

Sorry, Sherlock. But I have to point out that Brandan Wright WAS available when Minnesota picked at #7, and the T-Wolves passed him up to take Corey Brewer.

Still, I'm sure that Wright was probably close behind on their draft wish list.

 

I actually think this was a great trade for both teams.

Obviously, the Warriors gained some salary flexibility by trading one of its biggest contracts (at a position where they were already loaded) for young size. Wright helps them long-term; and the $10M trade exception helps them short-term. Remember that Indiana was able to turn the sign-and-trade of Peja Stojakovic to NO into a large trade exception that they were then able to use to acquire Al Harrington. This TE will be a valuable asset for the Warriors.

On the other side, I really don't think the Bobcats are getting enough credit for this deal. They already have depth at the PF position with Okafur, May and Dudley. Plus, the Bobcats also got a decent young PF prospect in Jermareo Davidson, who I have liked as a possible NBA contributor for some time.

Also, can anyone name an NBA player who averages 25+ ppg who would have signed with the Charlotte Bobcats? I didn't think so. As large a contract as Richardson has, he would have commanded possibly a larger salary on the open market had the Bobcats tried to sign him as a free agent. Heck, that is how much Gerald Wallace is asking for; and J-Rich is a better player than Wallace.

Jason Richardson fills the gaping hole the Bobcats have had at SG since the inception of the franchise. He gives the team a legitimate #1 scoring option on the floor, as he is capable of 25+ per game. He also allows the Bobcats to let Wallace go if they cannot agree to terms on a new contract with him.

All in all, I think this was a good trade for BOTH teams, a rarity these days in the NBA.