The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive
Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Icon, traded to the Toronto RaptorsAugust 2, 2001
Olajuwon Heads to Toronto
The Houston Rockets signed and traded C Hakeem Olajuwon to the TorontoRaptors in exchange for a future first and a 2002 second round draft pick.
Notes:
- The Rockets received a $5.1 M trade exception which they can use to acquire a player(s) via trade only if they are over the salary cap. If they're over the cap, they have one year to use the exception.
- The first round draft pick Houston receives is lottery protected beginning in 2002.
- The first season the Raptors qualify for the playoffs in the next 7 seasons, Houston receives the pick.
2001 - 2002 Player Salary:
Hakeem Olajuwon, Tor.: $5.1 M.
Who got the better of the deal?
Toronto.
Why?
The Rockets made every effort to retain Hakeem; however, through no faultof Hakeem or the Houston Rockets, both parties agreed to disagree which resultedin Hakeem being signed and dealt to the Raptors.
Houston doesnt receive much in return except for the two draft picks.The trade exception will be lost since the Rockets are currently $15 to $16M under the salary cap. Basically, once Hakeem told Rockets managementto break off negotiations, Houston agreed to this trade to allow Hakeem toreceive maximum money from the Raptors. Seventeen years of playing for oneorganization finally allowed Hakeem to explore other teams, cities,and situations.
It's safe to say this is one of the toughest days that I've ever hadto go through because of what this gentleman has meant to basketball in thiscity, Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said.
Olajuwon may be 38; but, hes still one of the better centers in theleague. His presence in the starting lineup will allow Antonio Davisto play his more natural position of power forward which will allow the Raptorsto balance out their starting unit (Olajuwon, Davis, Morris Petersonat small forward, Vince Carter at big guard, and Alvin Williamsat the point. Hakeem is no longer the dominant force on both ends of thecourt he once was; but, hes still capable of producing 10 plus points,8 to 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block per game which should be enough forthe Raptors.
This guy has tremendous pride, said Raptors head coach LennyWilkens, who coached the Dream at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.He wants to show everyone that he is a champion. He wants to go outon the top of his game. And I love it.
That's great for us. He does have something to prove. That's fine becausehe can prove it with us.
We're very excited about this development, said Raptors generalmanager Glen Grunwald. It's so rare that a player of his statureand caliber in the league is even possible to consider coming to anotherteam.
He's obviously been around the game for a long time, said Grunwald.And he knows a lot about it and understands what it takes to win inthis league.
