Blockbuster Trade

“Chris Webber finally left Sacramento — and for a whole lot less than a King’s ransom.

Now, the Kings will find out whether they’re really a better team without their cornerstone, and the Philadelphia 76ers will learn whether another superstar can thrive alongside Allen Iverson.” Source

“Two trades, 12 hours, nine players. The Sixers have traded Glenn Robinson to New Orleans for Rodney Rogers and Jamal Mashburn. The trade follows a midnight deal where the Sixers acquired five-time NBA All-Star forward Chris Webber, along with forwards Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley, in exchange for forwards Brian Skinner, Kenny Thomas and Corliss Williamson.” Source

“The Kings dealt Webber to the Sixers late Wednesday night in a six-player deal that dramatically reshaped both clubs on the eve of the trade deadline.

Philadelphia got Webber, one of the NBA’s elite power forwards and a five-time All-Star, along with reserve forwards Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley. The Sixers gave up relatively little in return, sending veteran forwards Corliss Williamson, Kenny Thomas and Brian Skinner to the Kings.

Webber’s departure from Sacramento has been discussed nearly since the moment Geoff Petrie acquired him from Washington before the 1999 season. The Kings’ president of basketball operations rebuilt the small-market Kings around Webber, transforming the franchise from a perennial loser to a club with six straight winning seasons and two division titles.” Source

“The Philadelphia 76ers completed their second trade in two days, sending forward Glenn Robinson to the New Orleans Hornets for Jamal Mashburn and Rodney Rogers on Thursday.

Both Robinson and Mashburn have yet to play for their respective teams this year. Mashburn has a knee injury and may never play again.

Robinson, earning more than $12 million in the final year of his contract, is on the injured list with left ankle tendinitis, though he’s been unhappy since losing his starting forward spot in training camp.” Source