Artest to Pacers: Trade me

[Malfa]

lebron is more than capable of playing SG as artest plays SF

[Fenix]

Why would Indiana send Artest, an elite talent and only one who can effectively stop LBJ, to a contending Eastern team like Cleveland? Or any team in the East? The thing is, he's also practically saying that he'll be only for rental if he's send to the West, so who could he take him? Ideally, Cavs are the right place for him. He's a much better fit with James than Hughes. He's a better shooter and is that defensive presence that the Cavaliers lack. But wouldn't it be ironic if the Pistons got him for Prince ?

And I don't blame him. I go the impression that the chemistry isn't all that good with this Indiana team, that they don't have a true leader (just a wannabe one in O'Neal) and I also agree that Artest's talent is being limited in their system.

[J@3]

any chances that he might go to Cleveland? maybe a Hudges for Artest might work.

I'd play him as a PF and SF while Lebron alternates the SF and SG.

You'd do what? What do they do with Gooden and Donyell? PG and SG?

[iG®]

I think by far the most realistic scenario is trading Ron for Peja. Both want trades, Artest wants to the WC, same postitions...

[Andrew]

I was interested to hear Indy's perspective as I'm sure others were, because I know how he holds loyalty in high esteem (as do I) but at the same time has defended Artest's actions in the past. I was however kind of expecting you to react that way Indy, given how it's a bit of a slap in the face to the Pacers' organisation.

The best thing you can say about it is that he's upfront and honest (I should clarify, I used the word "admire" loosely in my previous post) but as you basically said that honesty should be with Carlisle and Walsh, with the matter resolved behind closed doors.

I just find it very strange, because it seems like a complete 180 in his attitude towards the team. It might be understandable if they hadn't stood by him last year or he was buried on the bench or not getting any shots. I suppose like many players before him he feels he could have it even better than he does now but like so many players before him he's looking to go about it the wrong way, through the media.

[cklitsie]

All the fans of west coast teams saying their team needs to get Artest are stupid. He said he's going to go East after his contract is up either way.

ps. I love Artest and I think he'll rule the planet when he comes to the Knicks. On-court, he's the Larry Brown kind of player. Off-court they should just lock him up until game-time.

[Matt]

Artest wants to the WC

"If I go to the West Coast, I would come back to New York after my contract is up," Artest said

anyway, Artest will no go to Cleveland for sure...that's just shooting yourself in the foot. NY doesn't have the pieces that Indy wants...they'd probably want Frye & Ariza in a deal, but that aint happening. I see him going West..

If Indy can get Battier in a deal, i'd take it (they have v similar salaries). Battier plays hard defense, scores and is a great teammate. But West won't do this given that he already had Wells & J Will, and besides Grizz are building their offense around Gasol and they dont need another player eating up his shots.

Oh and no one in Detroit wants Artest....not the way Prince is playing

[Drex]

Holy crap...I'm really surprised about this. He's not playing with the media as Indy said with previous Artest's comments. I'd say he's going to NY. Ollie and Nailon for Artest

[FendeR`]

Ollie and Nailon for Artest

Hell yeah.

[frenchy]

The Bulls love Peja, SacTown likes Artest
so try this
Bulls get Peja
Kings get Artest
Pacers get Gordon + Thomas

I do not know if it is ok with the $$$$$

[-BHZMAFIA-]

I don't know if I would want the Grizz to give up Battier for Artest. He is an all-star caliber player, but Battier has been having one of his best seasons so far this year shooting around 53% from the field plus his hustle and everything. And I think West already said Battier is a lock for Memphis if I'm not mistaken but I wouldn't consider it a big loss if we did get Artest though. It may ruin team chemistry a little bit IMO.

[Fenix]

The Bulls love Peja, SacTown likes Artest
so try this
Bulls get Peja
Kings get Artest
Pacers get Gordon + Thomas

I do not know if it is ok with the $$$$$

I don't get why everyone are saying that Bulls want Peja. I know Skiles coached him in Greece, but he's not really that 'Skiles' type of player. He's soft as a pillow, can't D anyone up and is a nutcase. IMHO, Artest for Stojakovic straight up is a steal for the Kings.

[Indy]

I go the impression that the chemistry isn't all that good with this Indiana team, that they don't have a true leader (just a wannabe one in O'Neal) and I also agree that Artest's talent is being limited in their system.

I'm gonna go ahead and completely disagree with you here. Jermaine started the season shaky as the leader, but ever since Croshere made the comments about nobody being a leader, JO has stepped up and become a monster. He is playing outstanding, he's keeping everybody healthy, he's defending incredibly, he's not bitching at the refs, if he disagrees with a call he politley walks up to the ref and has a conversation with him. He's matured 5 years in the last 3 weeks, and I have no doubt that Jermaine is a leader that can win this team a championship if the right pieces are in place.

[Fenix]

Of course you disagree with me, you're Indy. I don't know how 'playing like a monster' and not bitching to the refs counts as a sign of leadership , but hey, you're the one with inside info. I'm betting that Sarunas becomes da man before the season end.

[Matt]

i can't see Indiana winning anything w/o Artest. Whoever they get won't be as tough and that would be a huge blow in a physical series against Detroit. Let's assume they do get to the Finals, what use would Bowen be? none, he'd get owned in the post by Artest.

They'd have to miraculously get Pierce to get equal value.

[cyanide]

I gotta admit that the Pacers won't be the same without Artest's defense and intensity, and as for getting someone of equal value, it's impossible. The only close player in his position that's a good defender and scorer is, as VanK mentioned, Tayshaun Prince.

[Sac-1]

While we're talking about Artest has anyone heard that Ron Artest has become the first NBA player to sign with k1x?

[Jesus-Saves34]

k bulls aren't going to give up Ben gorden And Thomas to get Peja in return thats like trading new sneakers for old ones that you can only jump two inches with. (agreed peja is arguably the softest player in the league)

[Anthony15]

Nuggets would mind getting Gordon. We can have a three way deal with Ind + Chi. Denver sends Martin to Indy, Indy sends Artest to Bulls and Bulls send Gordon to Denver. I don't really like the way Martin is starting to play for Denver...

[Cable]

Doesn't Indiana already have an all-star PF? Why would they want Martin?

[[L3]1101]

People people, remember the salary cap!!! Tim Thomas is getting paid 13+ mil/year, while artest is getting paid 6+mil/year. Martin is getting 10+ mil/year. How in the world are they gonna work out this deal??

[dada]

This is surprising... anyways come to the Lakers Ron. You can attack Jack Nicholson all you like and he won't even mind.

I wouldnt really want Artest in LA, at least with all those rumours about Phil bein interested in Chris Bosh. If that doesnt work out then maybe Artest.

[Emiliano]

If Artest seriously wants to get traded, the fans will not like him ever again. I mean seriously, the fans last year supported him and everything. They were eager for him to come back next year and be a championship contending team.
I'm losing some respect for him...

[Riot]

Indy, have you burned your Artest jersey yet?

[Amphatoast]

People people, remember the salary cap!!! Tim Thomas is getting paid 13+ mil/year, while artest is getting paid 6+mil/year. Martin is getting 10+ mil/year. How in the world are they gonna work out this deal??

i guess that's why peja is a strong candidate since he is making only $7million

how about to the bucks for maglorie? salaries work out, pacers get a much needed center, bucks get improved defense