223: You Spineless Shark (Monthly Ticket Please!)

Because of the lockout, Pete Babcock had ample time to think about where to send Stevie Smith in order to maximize benefits.

The trade value of Stevie Smith was somewhat awkward.

It seemed difficult to trade him for someone better, because the Hawks were initiating the trade. In a trade, the proactive party is often at a negotiation disadvantage.

Trade for someone slightly inferior? Babcock felt that was a loss.

Moreover, Babcock didn't want to trade Stevie Smith to a strong team in the East, as that would be akin to strengthening a competitor.

So, the trade possibilities for Stevie Smith became very limited.

The Trail Blazers offered Isaiah Rider and Kenny Anderson, two problematic guards Babcock didn't fancy; he wanted their problematic young star, Yelling Maestro, but was refused.