On the same day James Posey was leaving the Celtics, Elton Brand was house hunting in Philly, and Josh Smith’s agent was soliciting offer sheets around the NBA, Marcus Camby said he felt like a scapegoat after being traded to the Clippers.
Memo to Marcus: Don’t take it personally, my man. It’s business, just as it was for Posey and Brand and Smith. And every other NBA player, for that matter.
Money, not emotions, runs the NBA. Camby wasn’t traded because the Nuggets didn’t appreciate his contributions. He was shipped to the Clips because the deal provided his former team with salary-cap flexibility.
Camby was none too happy the day after the deal, understandably so. But in time, he’ll realize the economic reality of the situation. The Nuggets weren’t about to win a championship and they were getting old at key positions. In the aftermath of the deal, they have a chance to retool with younger players.
Camby was traded for a handful of reasons, none of which had anything to do with his production or his character. For one thing, he’s pushing 35 years old. He also had the most tradeable contract, and unloading it provided the Nuggets with a $10-million trade exception.
Now they’re free to trade for a $10-million player, presumably one considerably younger than 35, without having to match salaries, as the salary cap normally dictates. It’s an enviable position, one the Nuggets are fortunate to find themselves in.
The trick, of course, is to trade for the right player. And, if they let Allen Iverson’s $21.9 million salary drop off their books, to sign the right free agent. The last time they had a big chunk of cap room, former GM Kiki Vandeweghe spent it on Kenyon Martin. That’s why he’s the former GM.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily sports commentaries on The Jimmy Page midday during the week. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
