Looks like the Clippers and Kings are close to pulling the trigger on a trade.

I don't understand why the Clippers would do this. Corey Maggette has a lot more value as a scorer than Artest does as a whiny, team killing nutjob.

This move if completed will either make or break the Clips' season.

Artest deal could be done soon (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-cliprep27dec27,1,2214369.story?coll=la-headlines-sports&ctrack=1&cset=true)

I heard Maggette asked to be traded a couple of weeks ago. He want's to be a starter and felt it was unfair he lost his job due to injury.

Artest is a top 5 player in my opinion.

Artest is a top 5 player in my opinion.
Top 5 in what?

if healthy (brain-wise), Artest is way better than Maggette- give you D, crashes the boards, has a nice offense game. Maggette only gives you points and cheap roids for your team.

The underachieving Clippers definitely need a shot in the arm. Missing out on AI sweepstakes last week was crusher, but adding Artest and possibly even Dunleavy Jr might be what this ailing team needs..

The underachieving Clippers definitely need a shot in the arm. Missing out on AI sweepstakes last week was crusher, but adding Artest and possibly even Dunleavy Jr might be what this ailing team needs..

Dre correct me if I am wrong but Dunleavy and Artest seem to be an unlikely fit to me. Thats is Coach Dunleavy.

Dre correct me if I am wrong but Dunleavy and Artest seem to be an unlikely fit to me. Thats is Coach Dunleavy.

I think a coach that would intentionally go to Hack-a-Ben with 4 mins left in a game and then get into a profanity laced verbal altercation with Sheed over it will fit in just fine with Artest.:nerd2:

I think a coach that would intentionally go to Hack-a-Ben with 4 mins left in a game and then get into a profanity laced verbal altercation with Sheed over it will fit in just fine with Artest.:nerd2:

That profanity laced verbal altercation only involved Sheed if I am not mistaken. I don`t think Dunleavy even responded.

Dre correct me if I am wrong but Dunleavy and Artest seem to be an unlikely fit to me. Thats is Coach Dunleavy.

Dlev, that was the thought initially with mild mannered Daddy Dunleavy handling AI, but if you recall he did coach Portland to the 2000 WCF with such headcases as Sheed, Bonzi, Stoudmaire and Pippen, so adding Artest to the Clipper mix would not be such a big deal. Sam (ET) Cassell could put Artest in his place just by staring at him with a little bit a help from Brand

That profanity laced verbal altercation only involved Sheed if I am not mistaken. I don`t think Dunleavy even responded.

I thought Dunleavy called Sheed an A-hole in retailation for Sheed calling him out for the Hack-a-Ben??? This sent Sheed bullistic getting him a tech.

I thought Dunleavy called Sheed an A-hole in retailation for Sheed calling him out for the Hack-a-Ben??? This sent Sheed bullistic getting him a tech.

He may have, not sure. Can anyone verify that is what happened??

No verification, but I recall chatter coming from both sides.

Top 5 in what?

All around game.

He's been one of the 3 best defensive players of the year for quite a few years now.

On his team, he's 3rd in scoring, 2nd in rebounding, 3rd in assists, 1st in steals, and 1st in blocks.

Plus he can rap.

Plus he can rap.

He raps.

But that is much different from being able to do it well.

Quite frankly...he sucks.

I agree though...Clippers are the winners in this trade. Brand/Artest combination is pretty fierce defensively.

Petrie is saying no way. And there are some interesting swirls from Orlando (Howard, Darko, and Artest up front?).

Kamen, Brand, and Artest would make a fun to watch frontline though.

I'm a big fan of defense. I would like to see Artest go and pair up with some other defenders to bring it back in style.