Friday, February 22, 2008

NBA Trade Deadline

Well well well, I do apologize for the lag in posts, to many things going on right now, but no excuses and play like a champ!

Well the NBA Trade Deadline has passed and these past few weeks have been out of control in terms of the caliber of players that are being moved. Let's get a grading on the moves!

12/29: Utah traded Gordan Giriceck to Philadelphia for Kyle Korver

Well considering the fact that this was not technically a deadline deal, the Jazz are a ridiculous 19 and 3! The Jazz went from a playoff bubble spot to a solid 4 seed in the insane Western Conference right now. With one of the best point guards in the league now (yes, presently) Deron Williams and low post presence of all-star Carlos Boozer, and all the role players you could want this gave Utah the spot up 3 point threat they desperatly needed. The Sixers get an expiring contract at about 5 mil, which are always valuable in the NBA.

Utah Grade: B+
Sixers Grade: B

02/01: Memphis trades Pau Gasol, '10 2nd round pick to Lakers for Aaron Mckie, Javaris Crittenton, Kwame Brown and 2 1st round picks.

What?! Where did this trade come from?! And how did the Lakers STEAL Gasol from the Grizz?? Let's be honest they gave up two first round picks that will be in the 20's, no doubt, and the Lakers already have the young talent they need in Bynum, Farmar and Ariza to compliment Odom, Gasol, Fisher, and oh yes Kobe Bryant. The Lakers are 7 and 1 since the trade and are in a dead lock with the Suns for first in the division. Analysts are salivating over the thoughts of a frontline of Odom, Gasol, and Bynum. The key for the Lakers is the health of Bynum and Kobe, but as far as the trade...stunning.

Lakers Grade: A
Grizzlies Grade: D-

02/06: Phoenix trades Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal

Some may say this was in reaction to rival Lakers move, some may say it wasn't. I say that this came out of nowhere as well and who knew that Shaq was on the trading block and that it was possible to move him because of his contract. Despite several people doubting this move, I do indeed like it. The Suns the past few years have had virtually the same team and it has not gotten them to the Finals. With Nash not getting any younger, I like the very risky move. Shaq could find new motivation and once he gets adapted to the system, it could be an entertaining squad to watch. I don't wanna hear that the Suns are a running team and Shaq will slow them down, because when was the last time you saw a 5 man fast break? Someone needs to rebound and outlet the ball, right? I also love this trade for Miami as well. I would take Wade and Marion as a duo any day with the odds on top 5 pick in the lottery this year. Even if Marion opts out, the Heat will have saved a ton of money on the Shaq deal.

Heat Grade: A
Suns Grade: B

02/16: Sacramento trades Mike Bibby to Atlanta for Shelden Williams, Tyronn Lue, Anthony Johnson, Lorenzen Wright and a 2nd round pick

Wow, the Atlanta Hawks in the playoff mix for the first time in a while make a move that will almost certainly get them into the playoffs. As long as Mike Bibby stays healthy, a lineup of Bibby, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Al Horford sounds pretty good to me with Acie Law IV and Josh Childress off the bench. The Kings did not really receive much back other than the former number 5 pick Williams, who has been a bust so far. Maybe a change of scenary can revive his career?

Hawks Grade: B
Kings Grade: C

02/19: Dallas trades Devin Harris, Trenton Hassell, Keith Van Horn, Maurice Ager, DeSagna Diop, 2 Picks, and Cash to New Jersey for Jason Kidd, Antoine Wright, and Malik Allen

I think this is a solid move for New Jersey as long as they keep overhauling the team and going for a youth movement. Richard Jefferson can still play, but I would look to move Vince Carter. The Nets have some talented young guys in Marcus Williams, Devin Harris, Shawn Williams, and Josh Boone. For Dallas, that was definitely a reaction to what has taken place in the West so far and they decided to give up a good amount of players for ex-Mav J. Kidd. This move is definitely for the present and while I think it will help the Mavs in the regular season, but in the postseason going against bigs like Duncan, Shaq, and Bynum, they may struggle.

Mavs Grade: B
Nets Grade: B+

02/21/08: 11 Player Trade ~ Cleveland receives Ben Wallace, Delonte West, Joe Smith, and Wally Szczerbiack. Chicago receives Shannon Brown, Cedric Simmons, Larry Hughes, and Drew Gooden. Seattle receives Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall, and Adrian Griffin.

Wow, what a way to end the trading season in the NBA than going out with an 11-players, 3-team deal gigantic deal. LBJ was upset because the Cavs missed out on Bibby and Kidd, but Cavs GM Danny Ferry was able to give Lebron a sniper from the outside (Wally), a young spot up shooting point guard (Delonte), a defensive role player with experience (Big Ben), and a role playing big man who can contribute (Joe Smith). I think it was a solid move for the Cavs and elevates them to Celtic/Piston land in the East. I am not really sure what the Bulls are doing now with a surplus at the guard position, Hughes/Gordon/Deng/Heinrich/Duhon/Thabo. I guess they are preparing for either Deng or Gordon to leave this offseason? For the Sonics, it's simple, they are looking for expiring contracts and salary dumps.

Cavaliers Grade: A-
Bulls Grade: C+
Sonics Grade: N/A

Well there you have it. And of course Yao goes down for the season in the West to make things even more wild.

...til next time

-E