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Thursday, February 22
 
Fans: Young players help Wizards future

ESPN.com

Here's what you had to say about the Mavs' acquisition of Juwan Howard as part of a eight-player trade with the Wizards on Thursday:


Mavs will see Howard's worth
As a Wizards fan, I'm sorry to see Howard go. While he never was worthy of his massive contract, he didn't deserve the ill-treatment from the fans. Now he gets a chance to follow ex-Wizards forwards Chris Webber and Rasheed Wallace to stardom on a new team. Though there's no obvious candidate to replace Howards' scoring, at least the Wizards get some decent talent in Courtney Alexander and Etan Thomas.

Dan Diamond
Philadelphia, PA


Will Juwan stay in Dallas?
I hate to tell you, Dallas, but you blew this one. The last time Juwan tried to leave Washington, he came right back, commissioner's orders. The last time MJ traded Obinna Ekezie, he came right back after getting cut. So really, all you know that you've got is Calvin Booth, who can block many shots and pick up many fouls in a small amount of time. That you've got Shawn "Big Dog" Bradley for. And to get these guys you gave up 3 mill and five players, including your number 1 draft picks last year? Oh, wait, you got rid of Christian Laettner. Mazel tov on an excellent trade.

J. D. Strassberg
Ithaca, NY


All around great move
I think this was a step in the right direction for the Wizards. They obviously aren't going to win now, especially with their current team. Dallas traded away a large chunk of their team that has a decent record, PLUS a good young "prospect" in Alexander. Vaught solidifies the forward position along side of Laettner, a position where Howard has struggled all season. They also get some cap room, which is what Jordan needs to woo players to the nation's capital.

Chris Schrader
Davidsonville, MD


We need Howard
This is a very dangerous trade for the Mavs. Davis keeps 'em in the game no matter how far back they are. The loss of Laetner means more minutes for the foul-prone Stickman with no clear backup. Vaught doesn't put up big numbers but his loss means the Mavs are very small right now. Howard needs to put up huge numbers to pull this one off.

Patrick
Fayetteville, AR


Mavs will feel quick effects from deal
i think that you have to look at it both ways. the mavs got the better deal if your looking for instant impact, cause that is what howard gives them. the Wiz probably got the better deal from a payroll perspective since they would be losing $16.9 and also seeing that rod will soon be gone, they will have the money to get a good free agent , along with a high draft pick. overall though i think the Mavs got the better deal right now if u put Nash, Finley, Howard, Nowitzki all together at the same time on the court.

Chris
N.Y.


Young ones contribute to Wizards
The Mavs gave up two key players, Christian Laettner and Hubert Davis. Juwan Howard is a solid player that will help the Mavs into the playoffs this year. In the long run, the Wizards received the better end of the deal with young players Courtney Alexander and Etan Thomas.

C.McLeod
Highland Village, TX


Proud of Cuban
Well...first of all, I believe Mutumbo would have been an excellent fix to Dallas' rebounding woes. But, adding Juwan to our depth at forward can't hurt. He adds some much needed size to the front court all though I don't think he will get as many shots as he desires during the play-off stretch. The losses really wont affect the chemistry of the team (although I have to say I had a liking to Christian Laetner), but we will miss Davis' three point abilities. I'm proud of my Mavericks for actually being aggresive and it's nice to see that the Mavs are actually on the winning side of a trade this time. Thanks Mark Cuban!

Pablo
Grand Prairie, TX


Way to go Michael
I think that the trading of Juwan Howard to the Mavericks is Michael Jordan's first major step towards making the Washington Wizards into a contender. The Mavericks also benefit with this trade but in the long run, it will be the Wizards who are going to be the winners for making this trade. This is the first move by Michael to get the team he needs to win in the East. Strickland is next on line to go.

Ralph Pena
New York, NY


Money not spend wisely
What is Mark Cuban thinking? Of all the possible players we could have gotten why choose Howard? He's six feet, ten inches tall and is going to cost the Mavs $40 million over the next two years. Cuban may be a billionaire, but this trade was ridiculous.

Roger Craft
Lubbock, TX


Bright future on the horizon
This was a very good trade for the Wizards. They have received a supporting veteran in Hubert Davis, another quality veteran in Loy Vaught, Christian Laettner who can contribute before going to the CBA next year, and the best of all two productive rookies in Etan and Courtney. This was the only move that they could make. And if only they can go into the offseason and keep Strickland (veteran point), while still promoting the growth of the next generation ( Rip, Courtney and Etan) this could be a playoff team by 2009. Hey at least things are looking up!!

Derek
Leominster, MA.


Wait for next season
The trade won't make any difference in the final outcome of the Mavs' season. They will make the playoffs and be gone after the first round. Watch out for next season though.

William B.
Springtown, TX


Change had to happen
It's painful, as a Wizards fan, to see yet another rebuilding effort, but I guess it had to be done. It's only a good trade if the salary cap room leads to the acquisition of players that can lead them to the playoffs... I'll reserve my judgement until then.

Brett Green
Frederick, MD


Laettners' numbers show
Despite their UNC-Duke personal rivalry, Laettner has super respect for Michael Jordan. Respect is the key to Laettner's performance. If Laettner gets the minutes he will get his numbers back to 18ppg and 12rpg. A 51% field goal shooter (82% free throws), Laettner can take big men inside or outside -- that is something that Jordan really needs. I suspect that if the Washington deal does not work out, the Lakers will pick him up in a minute. They tried to get him from Detroit.

Tim Huff
Los Angeles, CA


Young players will be missed
This trade is absolutely ridiculous for the Dallas Mavericks. I have no idea why they would give Washington a possible starting lineup for a lazy bum (Howard) due to make $40 million over the next two seasons. Give Courtney Alexander a few years to mature and he's going to be a great player. Why any team would do Michael Jordan a favor is beyond my comprehension.

Jerry
West Covina, CA


Gives room for expansion
This trade should help both teams but for different reasons. Dallas has immediately upgraded their front court by displacing Christian Laettner with Juwan Howard. Enough to win a championship? Probably not, but Howard is capable of being a very productive complementary player and Dallas offers a situation that will not demand that Howard be anything but complementary. This trade allows Washington to free up some much needed salary cap room. It has been clear for some time that Michael Jordan would like to rid the Wizards of the contracts of Howard, Rod Strickland, and Mitch Richmond. This can now be done by the end of next season which would allow the Wizards to pursue potential free agents such as Steve Francis, Lamar Odom or Elton Brand (just to name a few). Add in the Wizards upcoming first round draft pick (probable top three) and the 2002-2003 regular season is beginning to look pretty exciting.

Joe Scott
Crofton, MD




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