New Orleans Hornets and Toronto Raptors Initiate NBA Trade Season
NBA Trade: According to sources close to the situation, the Toronto Raptors are on the verge of trading guard Jarrett Jack, forward/center David Andersen, and guard Marcus Banks to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for the expiring contract of forward “Peja” Stojakovic, guard Jerryd Bayless, and cash considerations.
Since Bayless was acquired by New Orleans from Portland on October 23 (NBA rules state that a player cannot be traded with other players before December 23), two trades would have to be constructed in order for this deal to occur per NBA League Rules.
Toronto Raptors Breakdown
The Raptors acquire the veteran shooter Stojakovic, and his expiring contract along with guard Jerryd Bayless, who has the potential to become a star guard in the NBA. Bayless, has spent the previous two years with the Portland TrailBlazers, where he has played in a reserve role with veteran guard Andre Miller playing in front of him.
The Raptors also have an opportunity to see what the expiring contract of Stojakovic along with the Chris Bosh trade exception (worth around $14M) can bring them, especially if it is a player such as Andre Iguodala, or another “superstar” caliber player.
New Orleans Hornets Breakdown
The Hornets acquire a backup guard to All-Star Chris Paul, as well as the potential guard of the future if Paul decides to leave the Big Easy. Jarrett Jack has shown that he can lead a team and/or play off the bench. The other two players the Hornets acquired, Marcus Banks, and David Andersen can spot minutes, or can be used as future trade chips if needed.
Banks, a well-traveled player, has spent time with the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, and the Toronto Raptors during his seven NBA seasons. Andersen, who was originally drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2002 out of Australia, played with the Houston Rockets last season as a rookie after the Rockets acquired his draft rights from the Atlanta Hawks. He was then traded this past offseason to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a future second-round draft pick.
Although the Hornets made a move involving Stojakovic quite early in the season, they felt that it was the right time, and they got a great steady guard that can provide a spark not only as a starter, but also off the bench. The Raptors have gained financial flexibility, and can look to make some decisions in regards to their future with this early season trade.
