Charlotte Converted Melvin Ely Into Pick, Cash and a Veteran
On February 13, 2007, Charlotte sent reserve big man Melvin Ely to San Antonio. The Bobcats received forward Eric Williams, a 2009 second-round pick and cash, recorded as $1 million in the detailed historical transaction ledger. San Antonio’s official release confirms the trade and the 2009 choice, while subsequent draft history associates that selection with No. 54 Robert Vaden. Ely had appeared in 24 Charlotte games earlier that year and was playing only about ten minutes per night. The Spurs wanted emergency frontcourt size during a championship pursuit, while the Bobcats preferred a future prospect right and financial return for a veteran who was not central to their rotation. It was a player-plus-pick package, not a straight player-for-player exchange.
The Bobcats Briefly Used Williams and Kept the Future Selection
Williams appeared in five Bobcats games before the team waived him on March 16, 2007. That was a minor on-court return, especially compared with the long career he had already established in Boston and Cleveland. Charlotte nevertheless gained a real second-round pick that ultimately conveyed in 2009, plus the separate cash payment. Robert Vaden, the No. 54 selection linked to the pick, did not become a Bobcats NBA regular, so the pick should be valued as a development or exchange opportunity rather than a proven starter. Charlotte’s C+ inherited grade reflects the combined pick-and-cash benefit more than the five Williams appearances. The transaction was a classic asset recovery move for a rebuilding franchise that had limited playing plans for Ely.
Ely Was a Deep Reserve on a Spurs Championship Team
Ely became one of several interior reserve options for the Spurs, alongside Tim Duncan and other established veteran bigs. San Antonio won the 2007 championship, but a player acquired as emergency depth must not automatically be assigned a central role in that title run. Ely had averaged just 2.9 points during his earlier Charlotte season segment and did not suddenly become a primary scoring center after the deal. The Spurs C grade recognizes the option to use an experienced big man behind their championship rotation, with much of his value tied to insurance rather than regular starting production. Charlotte’s higher grade is better supported by receiving a future pick and cash while sacrificing a player who had already seen his role shrink.
Final Verdict
Slight Charlotte Edge. The Bobcats earn C+ for Eric Williams, a conveyed 2009 No. 54 second-rounder associated with Robert Vaden, and $1 million in cash. San Antonio receives C for Melvin Ely as deep frontcourt insurance during its 2007 championship campaign. Neither club gained a new starring player.