SSBA

Raptors Trade:

Dominique Wilikins
Spurs 2027 2nd

Kings Trade:

Armon Gilliam
Jeremy Palacio
Trade Exception Paid By Kings


Raptors agree.

Kings agree

Real tough move to give up Nique, but this was probably the easiest deal I have ever done. When I woke up this morning I didn;t really have any plans to trade Nique, but I couldn't help myself. I like this deal for a number of reasons, and here they are:

1) It gets me back under the cap

2) Youth. Not that 28 is old, but I'm hoping to get 1-2 more years out of this lineup, and then I like my chances going forward with Gilliam.

3) Defense. I think Nique's B+ rating is pretty genereous. I think he's rather inconsistent, and has a tendency to be the weakest link in our losses with the new strong lineup.

4) Better option against Orlando Woolridge, Buck Williams, Terry Cummings

The only reason why I can see the Raptors do the deal is from a financial perspective. Production wise, I think both Nique and Gilliam shall have the same amount of production. Although, It's obvious that Nique is definitely the better scorer but Gilliam's youth and rebounding shall compensate for that.

Amount wise, it's a pretty fair deal for both sides. But I do like it for the Kings because it provides them not just a more talented player in Nique but also a much needed superstar quality SF.

I think that the 4 year difference is not a big thing. IMO what good is it when Gilliam ain't gonna reach Nique's level when he's 28. A- inside and outside rating and B+ scoring, that is superstar rating.

But yes, it's a pretty good move also for your team. You got a player that can replace Nique's niche in your team (20+ppg scorer and a good defender at the SF position) and as well gives you cap flexibility. :D

I'm a big fan of Nique and I hope he bring success to Sactown. I think he is absolutely a star. However like I said earlier, i don't think his defense is that great. Nique was decent at holding opponents to at-or-slightly-above their season averages which is ok considering the numbers he can put up, but I think Gilliam will be a big step up defensively. In the 6 games he has played as a Rap, Gilliam's opposing starting SFs have shot well below .450 while Gilliam has been in the .475-.480 range.

As well i think Nique's offense may be slightly overrated. He's not a very good shooter and gets to the line only 4-5 times a game. As a Raptor this season Nique was averaging around 26 points, 7th in the league, but taking 22 shots, 2nd in the league. On a comparison level to a teammate, Woodson scores 30ppg on those same 22 shots. 4 points makes a world of difference, we all know that.

The bottom line was this was a deal I was worried to do, but after going 6-0 against 5 playoff teams and having a +19 point differential I like this deal for me  :tup: