s_knight8

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/143352p-126922c.html

Jerry West, on a constant hunt for talent for his Memphis team, added
some more by taking Bonzi Wells off Portland's hands. All West had to
give up was an overpaid, 32-year-old bench player (Wesley Person, at
$7.7 mil) and a future No. 1 draft pick, which is protected until
2006, when the Blazers would get it regardless of where Memphis
finishes. West is on a mission to stockpile talent, so that he can
then make a run at Kobe Bryant this summer in a sign-and-trade deal.
For the Blazers, their trading of Wells marked the first time they've
followed through on a pledge to their fans that they intend to purge
their roster of bad actors. They've still got a long way to go.