Money matters

Financial concerns factor into Bucks' deal for Payton

It's still too early to determine the fallout from Thursday's NBA trade deadline dealings, but there is a lot to think about.

Milwaukee's acquisition of Gary Payton was a bit of a shocker -- even if Bucks coach George Karl has long coveted his former Sonics star -- if only because most experts felt Payton would never agree to re-sign in Brew Town. The experts, apparently, underestimated Milwaukee's readiness to shake things up and cut costs in anticipation of a possible future sale.

The Bucks' financial incentives helped push the team to make the deal even without any guarantee from Payton that he would re-sign. Keep in mind, Milwaukee likely still could re-sign The Glove for less money than it would have paid Ray Allen. If not, it can always do a sign-and-trade in the offseason and perhaps get back some young talent in return.

Here's more on the Bucks' financial situation -- and a few other trade deadline thoughts -- as we continue to sift through the debris:

1. It's all about saving bucks

It might not have been the overriding reason, but finances likely played a role in the Allen-Payton trade. The Bucks' owner, Sen. Herb Kohl, has put part of the franchise up for sale. In recent months, reports say he had instructed management to trim payroll if possible in order to make the bottom line more attractive for investors.

The Bucks payroll of $57 million is already over the expected luxury tax threshold. But now they can shed Payton's $12.6 million deal off their books at the end of the season. They no longer have Allen's remaining two years and $28 million, and they don't have to worry about re-signing him to a maximum contract after that.

Last summer, the Bucks got rid of Glenn Robinson in part because of his hefty contract. Now they have done the same with Allen. It's no stretch to think the small-market Bucks are keeping an eye on finances when it comes to these decisions.

2. By George, there was another reason

Allen is a model NBA star. Great player. Nice guy. Works hard in the community.

But it's no secret he and Karl did not always see eye to eye. Karl has often chastised Allen publicly for not being particularly tough, for not always playing hard on defense and for not always giving it his all in practice. Allen usually just laughed off the complaints, but sources say the friction had been building.

Earlier this season Allen chafed when Karl left him on the bench for a key stretch late in a game. Other times, Karl has chafed when Allen decided not to play because of ankle or knee ailments. There appeared to be a growing sense of distrust between the two.

Did Karl engineer Allen's ouster? That might be strong. Let's just say Karl probably didn't fight against it, especially since he has long coveted Payton.

3. Baron Davis must be hurtin'

The Hornets say they expect Baron Davis, who has been out with a surgically repaired left knee, to return as early as March 1. But Thursday's trade of Elden Campbell for Kenny Anderson seems to indicate New Orleans isn't counting on it. Hornets GM Bob Bass has been around long enough to know the old NBA maxim about trading big for small, but apparently he was willing to risk it.

Anderson provides an insurance policy in case Davis never returns to form. Otherwise, the Hornets were looking at having to play David Wesley at point and using either the erratic Courtney Alexander at shooting guard or sliding Jamal Mashburn into that slot. Now Wesley and Mashburn can stay at their more effective positions.

Like Campbell, Anderson will be a free agent after the season. With almost as many teams looking for point guard help as 7-footers, he might be almost as valuable in a sign-and-trade to the Hornets as Campbell would have been. However, if Davis comes back and takes all his minutes, Anderson is not likely to be a happy camper.

4. Jerry West is just getting started

It only took 40-some games for Memphis GM Jerry West to jettison his first draft choice. By shipping Drew Gooden to Orlando, West made it clear he's not afraid to rip up a plan and start over. Considering he also dangled Stromile Swift before the deadline, it's clear he's not at all content with his roster.

By acquiring Mike Miller from the Magic, the Grizzlies now at least have a more balanced lineup. With Jason Williams, Michael Dickerson, Miller, Pau Gasol and Lorenzen Wright, the positions are well defined. Coach Hubie Brown's job the rest of the season will be to find out who can play.

Look for West to continue the shakeup after the season. Sources say Gasol is the only player he considers close to being "untouchable" and that more moves are likely. Given West's reputation as a draft guru, he likely won't settle for such a "safe" pick as Gooden the next time around either.

5. Sometimes trades work for both teams

Thursday's undercard swap between Boston and Denver makes sense for both teams. The Nuggets shored up their thin point guard position by acquiring Shammond Williams from the Celtics. Williams, a free agent after the season, was unhappy over not playing in Boston and is expected to use this opportunity to showcase his skills.

The Celtics, meanwhile, get back a 7-footer who helped them in a limited role the past two seasons before bolting as a free agent. Mark Blount won't lead the Green to the NBA title, but he's another big body who can provide some depth at the front court. With Vin Baker struggling, Boston needed to add some size.

Like Williams, Blount and Mark Bryant (thrown in for salary purposes) are both free agents after the season. In other words, the Celtics don't have to worry about keeping them around.

Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.

 

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