Golden Times Two...

Well, I had a busy Monday to start week 15. I made 2 deals today in my efforts to keep up with the Jones's...or in this case, the Yo Mamas, Offs, Celtics, and Circle Jerks.

I started by venturing to Yuma for a deal where I could get Aaron Brooks and hopefully Brendan Haywood. Our discussions were brief and my efforts for Haywood faded as our 3-4 emails went on. The key to this deal, like so many others, is understanding what your trading partner wants. Yuma was 10th in FG% and 10th in rebounds. So I offered up Mr. Landry (again) and again he was rejected. As it worked out, it was Scola and Hinrich for Brooks and my choice of Dunleavy, Rasheed, Al Thornton and Nate Robinson. I chose Nate because he has the most potential once he's moved from his current situation in NYK. I look at this deal in a couple of ways. I really need another PG who can score, shoot the 3, and get some ATO. Yes, I give up a power forward who is 15 and 8 with 50% shooting - but you have to give something to get something. I know Brooks doesn't steal as much as I would like, but he's a quality PG and he may even have some keeper value at just $11 bucks this season.

When I made this deal there were a few of things I could do with Nate...

1) acquire him, wait for him to be moved from NYK, and reap the rewards of another 15ppg guy in my own lineup
2) acquire him, wait for him to be moved from NYK, and then trade him for a big man
3) immediately try to trade him for a big man to cover my now lack of size

So, that leads to my 2nd deal of the day. It was with Idaho and was actually done in about 10 minutes. I started with Nate for Hawes. He countered with Nate for Gibson. Tuna explained he couldn't move Hawes because he was right up against the salary cap floor. I offered Duhon/Nate for Hawes/Gomes (assuming he wouldn't want to give up both Hawes and Gibson). He countered with Nate/Duhon/Nelson for Hawes/Gibson. I countered with Nate/Duhon for Hawes/Gibson and the deal was essentially done. Tuna provided some of his always accurate analysis --- "Taj is 10 and 10 every night" --- which of course is why Taj averages 8 and 6 on the year.

Anyways, I needed some size with the trade of Scola this morning and bringing in Hawes and Gibson should help there. I still haven't addressed my steals issue and currently sit, statistically speaking, near the bottom of the league now. So, we'll see how that plays out.

I did sign Darren Collison last night for big bucks. I bid $34 bucks for his services as I figured he would be a top notch option in NO for the next 4-8 weeks. Did I overpay for him? Yes. Did I absolutely have to have him. In my mind, yes. Tonight, he showed why I went after him so hard as he had 16pts and 14ast (4 TO). I am hoping for an ATO, 3PT%, and steals move this week with the addition of Collison, Brooks, and Brewer to my line-up.

I still have one issue to address here this week as once Jameer Nelson returns from injury (which should be this week), I will have 16 guys and once again need to make a 2 for 1 deal. Maybe with this 2 for 1 I can finally get some steals...we'll see what I can work out.