Analyzing Philadelphia-Denver Trade: 76ers Deal Steven Hunter & Bobby Jones To Nuggets For Reggie Evans & Ricky Sanchez
September 10 07
It’s not the same magnitude as last December’s Allen Iverson trade. But on Monday, Philadelphia and Denver completed a minor deal, with the 76ers sending Steven Hunter and Bobby Jones to the Nuggets for Reggie Evans and the draft rights to Ricky Sanchez.
By moving Hunter, the 76ers are handing Sam Dalembert their starting center spot. The Canadian must recover from a foot injury sustained at the FIBA Americas Tournament and then prove he’s worth his ten million dollar per season salary.
Evans will provide Philly with a rugged, blue-collar rebounder. And the 76ers will also have to decide whether to sign Sanchez to a contract.
Hunter should thrive in a back-up role with the Nuggets. After acquiring Iverson, Denver became a fast-break team, pushing the ball whenever possible. Hunter, before joining the 76ers, showed promise as a reserve for the run-and-gun Suns. So he’s used to an up-tempo style and should adjust to his new role as a back-up center. Jones is a throw-in.
Denver accomplished two other things with this trade. First, they cleared 7.5 million dollars off the payroll. Second, by dealing Evans, a power forward, for Hunter, a center, they cleared up their logjam at the four-spot. Remember, Kenyon Martin is making a comeback from knee surgery.
Who won this trade: Denver or Philadelphia? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.
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