Multiple team deals: the right way to trade?

[Dash]

It seems that we've been seeing more and more trades that involve 3 or more teams. Why is that? The work to get a deal done certainly seems more as opposed to a traditional trade involving just 2 teams. The reason is because many front offices are finding out that those kinds of deals get them more in return while giving up less. A master of the art is Houston's general manager, Daryl Morey. A wide majority of Morey's trades in his tenure have been these 'multiple team deals'. Morey's strategy in these trades are looking two or more teams that have a specific need and if each of those teams can fill those needs. I'll provide two examples of this:

 

Example one

 

Memphis receives: Magic's 2009 first round draft pick, Mike Wilks, and Adonal Foyle

Houston receives: Kyle lowry and Brian Cook

Orlando receives: Rafer Alston

 

The needs:

 

1) Houston wanted to acquire a backup point guard and rid themselves of Rafer Alson and hand the keys to the team to Aaron Brooks

2) Memphis were unimpressed with Lowry's play and wanted to acquire a first round draft pick.

3) Nelson was out for the season (well he came back in the Finals but played horribly) and the Magic needed a veteran point guard.

 

What if Orlando tried this trade straight up? The Magic could have spoiled the Rockets out of the party, and traded their first for Lowry. However, Lowry was still young and didn't have the poise and playmaking skills (yet) to feed a superstar center. Alston wasn't great but he helped Orlando reach the Finals.

 

What if Houston tried this trade straight up? Houston could have tried to acquire Lowry without the Magic's help but they would have failed miserably. Memphis was in no way interested in trading for a veteran like Rafer Alston and Houston recently traded their 2009 first to the Sacramento Kings in order to get Ron Artest. Houston wouldn't be able to trade their 2010 first rounder (NBA league rules state that you can't trade two firsts for two consecutive years unless you acquire another one) and thus try to trade the 2011 first, By allowing Orlando into the deal, Houston saves themselves a first round pick and get a quality young prospect for just Alston.

 

Example two

 

Nets receive: Sasha Vujacic, 2011 Lakers first round pick, 2012 Rockets first round pick (lottery protected)

Lakers receive: Joe Smith, 2011 Warriors second rounder, Bulls 2012 second rounder, rights to Sergei Lishouk

Rockets receive: Terrence Williams

 

The needs

 

1) The Nets wanted to unload the disgruntled Terrence Williams and wanted to bolster their chances at Melo by acquiring first round picks.

2) The Lakers had to high of a payroll and felt they needed to shed some salary.

3) The Rockets wanted a nice young prospect at a cheap price.

 

What if the Lakers tried this trade straight up? Acquiring Terrence Williams instead of Joe Smith would have been huge for the Lakers, but their very late first round pick was not going to get the deal done. In a trade for Melo, Williams is more valuable than the 28th or so pick in the draft, hell even a second rounder is because of the salary differences.

 

What if Houston tried this trade straight up? The Rockets could have possibly done this deal without the Lakers, but Daryl Morey is always looking to get pieces at the lowest cost possible. By including the Lakers, the Nets get a first round pick and a decent sized expiring contract that could also be used to help facilitate a potential Melo trade. Houston saves themselves a draft or two and maybe even a player.

 

Thoughts?

[Newman]

The reason for these multiple team deals is because the range of players + picks available in one trade increases, period. They are more complicated but the teams usually get more back and as a fan, I love seeing multiple team trades because I like seeing players in new jerseys.