A season ago, the Lakers made a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies near the trade deadline that brought them Pau Gasol, and with him came a trip to the Finals. For the second straight year, L.A. has traded with Memphis, although this one shouldn't impact either team in any significant way.The Lakers sent Chris Mihm and cash to the Grizz, and received a protected second round pick in the 2013 draft in return. Mihm only received garbage time minutes on a Lakers team that has the best record in the league, and with his contract up at the end of this season, L.A. was able to at least get something for him before he became a free agent this summer.
For Memphis, the move was strictly financial. It was likely one of those situations where the Lakers are paying some or all of Mihm's remaining contract for this season, and with the so-called "cash considerations" they can either have Mihm sit at the end of the bench at no cost to them, or give him some run and see if he's worth signing next season.
It's an extremely minor and inconsequential deal, but one that appears to be win-win for both sides.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-18-2009 @ 9:42PM
Jennifer said...
Looks like no more fighting with Mbenga at practice!!! LOL
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2-18-2009 @ 9:48PM
OrangeChuckE said...
2013 draft? seriously? they made a trade to impact a second round pick in 4 years and some cash? all I can is wow.
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2-18-2009 @ 10:34PM
adosbali11 said...
Brett, your lack of understanding of the reasons behind this trade is amazing. You should not discuss future NBA trades. Memphis receives Mihm for the rest of this season and the cash to pay him (maybe a little extra cash). They may give up a draft pick in 2013 and may not.
L.A., over the luxury tax, saves money. They lose a player that doesn't play so they are not hurt on the court, and save money. This trade is all about money. Seriously, how do you now know this???
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2-19-2009 @ 1:59AM
mcjesus666 said...
again they need all the cap they can to offer ariza and odom. Odom said he's willing to take less to stay. Clearing vladbad and Mihm is a prelude of things to come......
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2-19-2009 @ 11:10AM
dasarge34 said...
The trade also give the Lakers a bench spot to possibly make a trade today to get a decent center to spell Gasol. They have saved some money with teh cap when they traded Vlad as well. Either they will make a trade today or this is to get cap space to re-sign Odom and Ariza which they need to resign if not both at least one of those players.
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