Report: Sixers Want T-Mac

blowoutcards2 · 01-13-2010, 01:05 PM

Source: Sixers, Rockets talking trade

By: TOM MOORE The Intelligencer

PHILADELPHIA - An NBA source confirmed Tuesday that the Sixers and Rockets have had discussions about Tracy McGrady.

Houston is looking to deal McGrady and his expiring $23 million contract by the Feb. 19 trade deadline.

An ESPN.com story Tuesday claimed the Sixers "hinted at a package of (Andre) Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert for McGrady," though the source said the Sixers "didn't hint."

"Houston is going through the league" seeking the best offer, according to the source. "Nothing is hot."

The ESPN.com story also said "the Sixers have not completely ruled out a Tracy McGrady-for-Andre Iguodala deal. The Sixers are contemplating a fire sale if their losing persists."

The source indicated that may be off-base.

McGrady, the league's highest-paid player in 2009-10, had microfracture knee surgery last Feb. 24 but is healthy now.

The Rockets are believed to have interest in packages from teams such as the Bulls (Joakim Noah) and Wizards (Caron Butler), among others.

The salaries of Iguodala ($12.2 million this season) and Dalembert ($11.5 million) match McGrady's within the allowable 25 percent trade differential. But Houston would have to be willing to pay Iguodala and Dalembert a combined $68.5 million beyond next summer.

Such a swap would take the Sixers from a $65 million payroll in 2010-11, which exceeds the expected salary cap of roughly $55 million, to about $14 million under the cap.

Iguodala is owed $56 million over the next four seasons, with Dalembert set to earn $12.5 million in 2010-11. A team acquiring Dalembert would also have to pay a 15 percent trade kicker on the remaining money due to Dalembert within 30 days of a trade.

Houston is without a true center since Yao Ming's season-ending broken foot.

Unhappy with his playing time and the Sixers' losing, Dalembert asked to be traded a year ago, but the team was unable to work anything out. The Sixers apparently looked to deal Dalembert again over the summer and perhaps again in the fall.

"I just have to go out there and do my best," said Dalembert, a big man who is averaging 8.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in the past eight games, on Tuesday. "Whatever happens, business-wise, I can't control."

01-13-2010, 01:05 PM	#1
blowoutcards2 Administrator Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 12,536 blowoutcards	Report: Sixers Want T-Mac Source: Sixers, Rockets talking trade By: TOM MOORE The Intelligencer PHILADELPHIA - An NBA source confirmed Tuesday that the Sixers and Rockets have had discussions about Tracy McGrady. Houston is looking to deal McGrady and his expiring $23 million contract by the Feb. 19 trade deadline. An ESPN.com story Tuesday claimed the Sixers "hinted at a package of (Andre) Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert for McGrady," though the source said the Sixers "didn't hint." "Houston is going through the league" seeking the best offer, according to the source. "Nothing is hot." The ESPN.com story also said "the Sixers have not completely ruled out a Tracy McGrady-for-Andre Iguodala deal. The Sixers are contemplating a fire sale if their losing persists." The source indicated that may be off-base. McGrady, the league's highest-paid player in 2009-10, had microfracture knee surgery last Feb. 24 but is healthy now. The Rockets are believed to have interest in packages from teams such as the Bulls (Joakim Noah) and Wizards (Caron Butler), among others. The salaries of Iguodala ($12.2 million this season) and Dalembert ($11.5 million) match McGrady's within the allowable 25 percent trade differential. But Houston would have to be willing to pay Iguodala and Dalembert a combined $68.5 million beyond next summer. Such a swap would take the Sixers from a $65 million payroll in 2010-11, which exceeds the expected salary cap of roughly $55 million, to about $14 million under the cap. Iguodala is owed $56 million over the next four seasons, with Dalembert set to earn $12.5 million in 2010-11. A team acquiring Dalembert would also have to pay a 15 percent trade kicker on the remaining money due to Dalembert within 30 days of a trade. Houston is without a true center since Yao Ming's season-ending broken foot. Unhappy with his playing time and the Sixers' losing, Dalembert asked to be traded a year ago, but the team was unable to work anything out. The Sixers apparently looked to deal Dalembert again over the summer and perhaps again in the fall. "I just have to go out there and do my best," said Dalembert, a big man who is averaging 8.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in the past eight games, on Tuesday. "Whatever happens, business-wise, I can't control." __________________ Sign Up For Blowout Emails To Get The Latest Hobby Info And Exclusive Savings!