http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18425842/cleveland-cavaliers-acquire-...
Delaney was only getting 16 minutes per contest so far, and with this trade he will have to compete for time with Mo Williams, who comes over to Atlanta as part of the deal to send Kyle Korver to the Cavaliers.
Mo Williams has been averaging 8.2 PPG, 2.4 APG, 1.8 RPG, in about 18 minutes.
Delaney has been averaging 5.5 PPG, 2.9 APG, and 1.8 RPG in about 16 minutes.
What could benefit Delaney here is that Williams is on an expiring contract and is seven years older than Delaney so it could be that Atlanta looks to package Williams off as Atlanta are still looking for ways to trade Theo Sefolosha and Paul Milsap. Williams could be used as a chit in terms of sweetening a deal.
Will be interesting to see what develops out of Atlanta. Kind of shocking to see a Division Leader look to implode three of their top six scorers mid-season.
Comments
Hawks fan checking in. Delaney has been hot and cold, but I think Coach Bud likes him as his second PG - he's been given a fair shot and his minutes seem to be slightly increasing of late. Sauces are that Williams is not staying on the roster and will be packaged in an upcoming deal.
As for "imploding," Korver is struggling - like a lot. 2 seasons ago he was flirting with a 40-50-90 season, but his body seems to be failing him at this point in his career. He was a great Hawk, and while it stings a bit to see him leave, he will play better in Cleveland. Less minutes and more of a spot up shooter.
Milsap is an intriguing situation. Trade rumors were flying last year and it seemed to greatly sour his relationship with management. He's a FA this year and word is Bud isn't sure he can resign him. However, Milsap has publicly said he wants to be back. I think that's just lip service to the fan base, but I'm honestly not sure. Sefolosha is the head scratcher. He's a solid defender and passer who can get hot from deep (although he's struggling from 3 this year). I think we could resign him at a good price, so best guess is Bud wants to develop the young wings he drafted this year.
Long winded way of saying I'm pretty sure Malcolm will remain PG #2 and hopefully we'll continue to see him develop.
I could actually see his role increasing now that Atlanta seems to be mailing it in.
More OT conversation; I was watching the Rockets the other day seeing Montrez Harrell play and I couldn't help but think of what if Greenberg would have been a better coach at getting the most out of his players. Harrell, who decommitted once he was fired, Doe Doe Smith (currently with the Mavs), Malcolm Delaney (Hawks), Erick Green, and Jarell Eddie have all spent time or currently are in the NBA. I'm more than happy with Buzz and the future is really bright but it was an interesting thought exercise. As we can see, there wasn't a talent issue during those years.
Don't see that happening- Williams only played because the Cavs were so thin at backup PG behind Kyrie. Williams will be bought out before the trade deadline.
Malcolm has nothing to worry about.