What If Tracy McGrady Became a Knick, Buck, or Bull?

The often-outlandish Hoopshype website is reporting that there may be a trade happening focusing on everyone’s favorite superstar Tracy McGrady. Normally, the draft time is a time for speculation and crazy trades. But seeing how New York GM Donnie Walsh has managed to unload Jamal Crawford, and Zach Randolph, I really can’t put anything past him either. Let’s look at some McGrady trade options using ESPN’s trade Machine!

1.Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington, and Larry Hughes to the Rockets for Tracy McGrady

Why this works: Essentially, the Rockets have decided to tie up their payroll in two players (Yao Ming, and McGrady) and we know Yao at the moment is the better player. Acquiring Chandler (a rising star in this writer’s opinion) would suit the Rocket’s style of play and he can play SG despite what critics say.

Hughes and Harrington are added to make the salaries work even though Harrington has a player option that he would easily pick up in this economy considering he will not be able to find someone crazy enough to sign him for more than $10 million a year. So he’ll most likely pick up his option and Houston will have salary flexibility for 201.

2. Tracy McGrady to the Bucks for Milwaukee’s Michael Redd and Dan Gadzuric

Why this works: As far-fetched and unpopular as this one would be in Milwaukee, it actually makes sense financially and gives each franchise some hope for the future. Redd gives the Rockets a legitimate second-tier star and three-point threat which they have been lacking. This also clearly states the franchise intentions to build around Yao.

Gadzuric can now be Yao’s first reliable backup by playing 10-15 minutes a game without hurting the team (his jumper isn’t so bad either).  While McGrady hasn’t been healthy in years, he is one of the premier players in the NBA when he is healthy, and very much a drawing card (something Milwaukee hasn’t had…ever). McGrady would also provide cap relief for Bucks GM John Hammond in two years and allow for the REAL rebuilding to start in Cheeseville.

3. Houston receives Tim Thomas, Kirk Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas and 1.91 Million trade exception (from Nocioni trade to SAC) for Tracy McGrady

Why this works: The Bulls have up-and-coming PG Derrick Rose and a glutton of wing players. This trade will allow them to have a closer, regardless if they resign Ben Gordon or not.

Instead of being a leader, McGrady would only have to be available to finish games (think like a closer in baseball). They would finally get an actual PF in Landry who likes to rebound and play defense.

Brent Barry would be used more for his three-point shooting and veteran savvy. The best part is that they would finally get rid of that self-centered poisonous malcontent Tyrus Thomas, whose value is pretty decent right now (especially compared to last year). Houston would now have a position of strength with Hinrich running the point or even playing SG (not to mention plenty of trade options for Lowry)

Chicago and Tim Thomas have never been a good fit, so he gets to leave by default (thats called residual scott skiles dislike). Tyrus Thomas gives HOU more athleticism and youth on the front line. Thomas also gets to learn how to play the game correctly from one of the more gifted offensive minds in Rick Adelman. Heck, maybe he’ll actually justify being traded for humble hard working (albeit insecure) LaMarcus Alridge.

Overall, all three trades have their strengths and drawbacks. Personally, I feel that the Milwaukee trade is the best. Even though I am a Chicago Bulls fan, I don’t think I could take McGrady potentially playing at 65 percent for most of the year. Milwaukee could fill the Bradley Center if they started winning. A McGrady-Jefferson-Bogut trifecta sounds better than a Jefferson-Redd-Bogut one, dont you think?

I think with most of the league looking to shed salary, trading away similar salaried players with less time on their contracts will likely be the second option this offseason. For most teams, it's appears to be simple math. $40 million is less than $60 million, right? If you are the GM of the Knicks, Bulls, or Bucks, wouldn’t you at least think about it?