Clippers, Bucks, Pacers complete 3-team trade
Lightning quick, Pacers point guard T.J. Ford is heading to Los Angeles to join the Clippers as part of a 3 team trade involving Indiana and Milwaukee.
Ford has said that he hated the Pacers front office, and coach and GM Mike Dunleavy believes he can make Ford happy, especially in a run-and-gun system that he would fit in very well in.
Ford exemplifies the perfect speedy point guard, constantly going into the lane stealing passes. He can lead the fastbreak with a passion, resulting in an easy two points down the stretch. And that is exactly what the Clippers are hoping for.
Ford knows he has to work harder if he wants to compete with Baron Davis for the starting position. He knows he must take advantage of the opportunity being given to him, no matter how small the playing time.
"I haven't really been in a place where I've been wanted. In Milwaukee, I was the starter until Mo [Williams] came. In Toronto, I was the starter until Jose [Calderon] came. And in Indiana, I was in and out of the starting lineup," said Williams. "I know I won't immediately start here in LA, but I feel that I will be able to get good minutes in LA and I hope Mr. Dunleavy will be bale to fulfill my wish."
When asked about his experience so far in the league, Ford said, "I'm going to take the experience I've had in the past and build on it, I just want to fit in and help this team any way I can."
In exchange for Ford, who averaged a career high 14.9 points a game in 30.6 minutes a game last season for the Pacers, the Pacers will receive point guard Luke Ridnour and athletic forward Walter Sharpe from Milwaukee along with guard Ricky Davis and forward Craig Smith from Los Angeles.
Milwaukee will get young point guard Sebastian Telfair from Los Angeles, and center Jeff Foster and forward Solomon Jones from Indiana.
The Clippers will also receive Jodie Meeks from Milwauke as part of the deal.
Trade Breakdown:
Clippers send: Sebastian Telfair (to MIL), Ricky Davis (to IND), Craig Smith (to IND), 2010 2nd Round Pick (to IND)
Bucks send: Luke Ridnour (to IND), Walter Sharpe (to IND), Jodie Meeks (to LAC)
Pacers send: T.J. Ford (to LAC), Jeff Foster (to MIL), Solomon Jones (to MIL)
Player Numbers:
Ford #5 Meeks #11
Telfair #7 Foster #30 Jones #44
Ridnour #4 Davis #20 Smith #5 Sharpe #24