RUMOR: Eric Dampier for Rip Hamilton

New article on Detroit's shopping for a Center.

HOOPSWORLD


Does anyone believe Erick Dampier is actually going to be in Dallas on opening night?
While it sounds nice to say Shawn Marion and Josh Howard could play together on the wings in Dallas . . .and they might just be able to . . .it seems more likely the Mavs continue to shop Erick Dampier, who's contract will end this season if he doesn't average 28 minutes per game (he averaged 23 last season). That's basically a $12 million ending deal, and so many teams are looking to cut costs that it just seems unlikely that Dallas would be unable to move it.
Consider for a moment two teams who are looking to cut salary, and also happen to have a gaping hole in the middle after moves made to date. First on the list is the Phoenix Suns, and while Suns' owner Robert Sarver's first choice isn't dealing with Dallas, he's not having much luck getting a deal done to cut additional costs. The Suns are said to be interested in moving Jason Richardson, and his deal is close to enough that a trade for Dampier would work . . .and give Phoenix a center to play ahead of Robin Lopez.
Second, the Detroit Pistons are currently without a center and are shopping guard Richard Hamilton. Rip's number also matches up with Dampier's, and again, the Pistons have seen both of their centers sign with other teams over the last few days.
If the Mavericks are serious about adding a shooting guard, which they should be, and about trading Erick Dampier, there are certainly some discussion to be had that accomplish both of those things. And imagine how good the Mavs would be with Hamilton or Richardson starting next to Jason Kidd and Marion coming off the bench with Jason Terry.
Scary good .

LOL what are you kidding.

So Damp makes $10M next year and $13M in his final year.

He's about to turn 34 years old. Dallas was slightly better off without him on the court last year. He averages 5.7 points per game. Good shot blocker. Good rebounder... and even on the offensive boards he is good.


In a game against Denver in the playoffs this year, he played 22 minutes, had 0 points, 4 rebounds, 5 turnovers, and fouled out.

Very Amir Johnson like..haha. I hope this move stays in the rumor pile. It would be horrible.

If he had an expiring contract, that would be one thing.

Dumars would be stupid to do that trade.

Does he expire or not?

If that minutes clause is in there, then it is essentially an expiring deal, right?

Maybe not so bad, if we are able to acquire something better next summer.

If this dude is not an expiring contract for 2010 then this would seal Joe's fate as the worse GM in history. Pull the trigger if it gets us a one year rental and back in the running for 2010 otherwise . . . STAY THE H%LL AWAY!!!!!!

I am definitely NOT in favor of Dampier EVER donning a Pistons Uni. Just another rumor to keep the speculation alive.

Dampier for Hamilton? Guess their salaries match up...Not as bad as it seems if Dampier does not get his minutes and his contract expires...

Now Hamilton or Prince for Josh Howard seems to measure up as far as talent goes.

Dallas has two starting SF's (Marion and Howard) on the roster.

What if Kwame is so bad that the new coach feels compelled to play Dampier for 30 minutes per game? Would this result in a firing?

Some guys have too much pride to lose.

Just say No to this Deal...I am in favor of trading for Cap space when it makes sense, but we already gave up to much for CB last season and suffered through a nasty unproductive season.

I know there is no title in sight but if I am to shell out another $135 for League Pass next season, I want to see at least some competitive BB played at the Palace.

I mean if Rip has to go, lets get more out of it than just Dampier...throw in Bass and we give them max or Sharpe or that last draft pick..

NO WAY.

I'm sorry, an expiring contract is only worth so much IMO. Rip for the ever popular, highly regarded Capp Spayce is just not going to cut it.

If Joe does, start the Fire Joe Dumars Chants.



The dropoff of talent from Rip to Erick Damiper is astounding.

Now Chandler yes.

my guess is this rumor is coming out of Dallas, and not Detroit.

everyone knows Dampier sucks.