76ers Pistons BasketballI’m one of those really crazy NBA fans, the kind that watches NBA TV, who tries to convince his wife every year to purchase NBA League Pass for him, the kind who likes fantasy basketball better than all the other fantasy leagues he participates in. So, it’s not a surprise that I also waste my time (so I’ve been told) playing NBA video games. My game of choice is NBA Live from EA Sports.

Anyway, this is likely the least viable way to generate trade ideas for Stephen Jackson, but I decided to simulate a Warriors season on NBA Live 10, put Stephen Jackson the trade block, and see what offers came in. I did it three or four times and this is the mix of trade offers my simulated Warriors organization received for the disgruntled forward.

Let me make clear here that these are not REAL trade rumors. I am not saying that any of these teams have had talks with the Warriors. I am not saying that any of these players have been offered in trade for Jackson. I am not saying that any of these teams would be interested in Stephen Jackson.

But, this is a good starting point for generating some trade ideas and might give us a rough guess at what kind of talent the Warriors can expect if they trade Jackson. Some of the offers seems a little generous and some a little too stingy to me, but I think we can get a general idea with these simulated offers. You can post your trade ideas in the comments on this blog entry, or pick from the following 10 and say whether you like it or don’t.

1. Jackson and Acie Law for Ben Gordon, Pistons

Gordon’s 2009-10 stats: 24.0 points, 3.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds

Would it make the Warriors a better team? Gordon is another small shooting guard, basically a better version of Monta Ellis, the main differences being Gordon is a great 3-point shooter and he’s got a little more bulk on his frame. Gordon is also an excellent player in the clutch. Gordon might kick Ellis to the bench (I don’t think they could play together), and he would be a better option next to Curry than Ellis. It would improve the Warriors’ offense and increase their depth, but it would have a negligible effect on the defense and rebounding. So it would make the team better, but not by a lot.

Could it happen? The Pistons just signed Gordon and he’s a very good player, so I honestly don’t think the Pistons would trade him for Jackson at this point. I don’t think this trade could happen until December.

2. Jackson and Devean George for Mike Miller, Wizards

Miller’s 2009-10 stats: 8.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists

Would it make the Warriors a better team? Miller is a nice player and would probably play well in the Warriors’ offense. He could slide right into the starting lineup, replacing Jackson at small forward with little difference in talent. It would be an upgrade because Miller is a good teammate and his presence coupled with Jackson’s absence would improve the chemistry of the team.

Could it happen? I think this is a fair trade. I wonder whether the Wizards would be interested in taking on Jackson’s contract. Miller’s contract expires after this season. Jackson’s deal, with three more seasons left after this one, might be the deal-breaker (for the Wizards and a lot of other teams, too).

3. Jackson, Speedy Claxton and Acie Law for Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz

Kirilenko’s 2009-10 stats: 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists

Would it make the Warriors a better team? Yes. Kirilenko has been a good player (though sometimes an emotional mess) playing for Jerry Sloan in the Jazz’s offensive system. I think Kirilenko would play really well in an up-tempo offense like the Warriors’. Plus, Kirilenko would be the best defensive player on the Warriors roster. Jackson’s a good defender, but Kirilenko would be a big upgrade.

Could it happen? I think it could because Kirilenko and Jerry Sloan have had their share of issues. I also think the Jazz are unhappy with Kirilenko’s performance and emotional maturity since they signed him to a max contract several years ago. I wonder if the Jazz would be willing to take the PR hit of trading for a player of Jackson’s reputation. But I think this is a trade that makes sense for both teams.

4. Jackson for Beno Udrih and Sergio Rodriguez, Kings

Udrih’s 2009-10 stats: 12.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.0 rebounds

Rodriguez’s 2009-10 stats: 1.8 points, 1.0 assists

Would it make the Warriors a better team? I question whether Udrih is an upgrade to any point guard on the Warriors’ roster. Plus, he’s overpaid for his production and ability. I don’t see this improving the Warriors in any way.

Could it happen? I think the Kings would be willing to make this trade. I don’t think the Warriors would be interested.

5. Jackson and Kelenna Azubuike for Samuel Dalembert, 76ers

Dalembert’s 2009-10 stats: 6.6 points, 6.0 rebounds. 1.3 blocks

Would it make the Warriors a better team? It would be nice for the Warriors to have another center who can rebound and defend, especially while Biedrins and Turiaf are out. But if those two are healthy, is Dalembert just excess depth? Would he play more minutes than Biedrins? Not likely. Would he replace Turiaf as a backup center? Probably not. So, it would seem like a good short-term fix and good injury depth, but I don’t know that it would improve the Warriors in the long term. Plus, I don’t think the Warriors want to give up Azubuike.

Could it happen? I think the 76ers would be willing to entertain that trade offer, though unless they were willing to play either Jackson or Andre Iguodala at two guard, Jackson would be brought in as Iguodala’s backup and that’s a lot of money to invest in a backup forward. This trade could happen, but my guess is it wouldn’t get past the initial trade conversations.

That’s enough for now. I’ll post the other five simulated trade offers later today or tomorrow.

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