[ThePundit]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers exchanged problems with the Golden State Warriors, and the eight-man trade seems likely to help both sides -- though it might create a few new dilemmas for both clubs as well.

The Pacers traded Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson to Golden State on Wednesday for forwards Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy in a large, bold deal to shake up two struggling teams.


The Pacers also sent guard Sarunas Jasikevicius and forward Josh Powell to the Warriors, who also gave up forward Ike Diogu and guard Keith McLeod. Though the trade involved no superstars, it removed several potential reasons that both clubs have hovered around .500 for much of the year.

Murphy, Dunleavy and Diogu had been reduced to high-priced backups for failing to produce more in new coach Don Nelson's offensive-minded system. Harrington, the most accomplished player in the trade, struggled to get comfortable alongside Jermaine O'Neal in his first season back with Indiana -- while Jackson has been dogged by legal troubles and attitude problems all season.

Both clubs' top executives decided a wholesale swap was one possible way to fix things. According to Chris Mullin, the Warriors' vice president and a former player for both teams, the shuffle will benefit everyone involved -- even if such a big roster shake-up throws off both teams' chemistry for a few key weeks before the playoff race begins in earnest.


"I think this makes us more athletic," Nelson said. "I was looking for a little more dominance in my players, and I think this gives us that look."

"Al is a guy we've looked at for a while," Mullin said. "Al is a guy that's probably a lot stronger than people know. He can guard his man in the post if need be. He's gotten better over the years."

Jackson averaged 14.1 points per game, but has been almost nothing but trouble for the Pacers since his involvement in that infamous brawl in the stands at Detroit two years ago.

He was involved in a fight outside an Indianapolis strip club on Oct. 6, and is scheduled to go to trial Feb. 12 for firing a gun during the fracas. Jackson also was briefly suspended by Indiana for a sideline spat with coach Rick Carlisle last month.

Dunleavy, the No. 3 overall pick from Duke in 2002, has been booed regularly by Golden State fans this season. He hurt the Warriors with everything from his nondescript play to his seemingly aloof attitude.

Pacers, Warriors swing 8-player trade - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

I think Golden State got a lot more talent but much bigger headaches in the process. Both Jackson and Harrington are mal-contents. I personally, would never want Steven Jackson on my team.

[EmpireWF]

I like what Indiana gets back. The players have potential to do great but they need to be coached better.

I like Digou and Murphy specifically.

[ThePundit]

What about Dunleavy? Do you like him?