Suns, Rockets, and 76ers: A three way deal that works for all

Both the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets have been in talks with the Philadelphia 76ers about adding Andre Iguodala to their roster. Which deal works out better and what can each team offer?

The Rockets have time. They are in no hurry to trade Tracy McGrady because in the worst case, at the end of the season it will clear a lot of space under the salary cap (including other expiring contracts this year).

The 76ers want to clear as much as possible, they are disappointed in this years start and the owners want to save as much money as possible. The best way to do so is to trade two of the three highest salaries on the team, even if it means trading their best player.

What can be better then getting the biggest contract in the league today which expires at the end of the season? Also, McGrady can play until the end of the season and if it works out, the 76ers can try and sign him for next year for much (much) less than what he gets today.

The Suns have a dilemma. They planned on trading Amar’e Stoudemire before the February 18th deadline, but suddenly, STAT said he is thinking of signing an extension. Not just that, the Suns now have a five game winning streak that has a lot to do with Amar’e. In the past four games his stat’s are:

RPB 12.2                                                                                                                              PPG 27.75

Steve Kerr said that he would be happy if Amar’e stays and agrees to the extension that the Suns will offer (which I read will between $12 to 15 million). The question however, is does Amar’e really think he can get a maximum deal from a different team? With the future cap being lower, his lack of defense, and his history in injuries will there really be a team that will offer him the max? I don’t think so. The smartest thing for Amar’e to do is stay with the Suns.

The Suns desperately want Iguodala on the team, and the other option is Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa. The 76ers will not want Richardson and his two more years of $12 million. For that they have Samuel Dalembert that they desperately want to trade as well.

Houston is playing much better than expected without Yao Ming, and at the moment are just outside looking in to the playoffs. The Rockets play a fast game and can use more fire power from downtown. Adding players like Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa will just do that. They are two players that do not have an ego and will fit in good with the Rockets.

This way, all teams get what they want:

Rockets get: Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa                                                    Rockets send: Tracy McGrady to the 76ers

76ers get: Tracy McGrady                                                                                          76ers send: Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert to the Suns

Suns get: Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert                                                           Suns send: Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa to the Rockets.

This trade also works well on the ESPN trade machine.

GM's, make up your minds, make the change, you all need it.