The NBA deadline has come and past with a few major moves and plenty that don’t really matter other than money. So while everyone and their dog are ranking/grading the trades, I thought I better do the same – or something close to that.
Instead of giving an A or something I will try to determine why the move made sense or not. And if you disagree, please feel free to tell me why.
The Big Deals
1. Antawn Jamison to the Cleveland
There are more players involved, but this is the only one that matters. With Zydrunas Ilgauskas more than likely getting bought out and returning to Cleveland, the trade ends up like this.
- Cleveland receives: Jamison. From the Clippers – Sebastian Telfair – don’t forget the Clippers are involved here.
- Washington receives: From the Cavs – 2010 first-round pick and the rights to Emir Preldzic. From the Clippers – Al Thornton from the Clippers.
- Los Angles receives: Drew Gooden from the Wizards.
Why does this make sense for the Cavs? They get Jamison for a first-round pick that would likely be no higher than 30, and some guy named Emir Preldzic who was the Cavs second round pick last year. The Cavs make this trade for one reason that leads into more reasons. The main reason – To keep LeBron James, and hopefully win a few rings. This trade also makes way more sense then the Amar’e trade – Jamison just seems like the right type of player, but also the right personality to fit in with this group.
Why does this make sense for the Wizards? If you are going to blow things up – do it big and fast. This team was going no where and while this is horrible for the 15 fans in Washington, it makes financial sense for front-office.
Side Note – I watch the Wolves vs. Wizards game the other night. There we more people on the floor and benches then there were in the stands – sad.
I also wonder if this a little jab at Gilbert Arenas and forcing him to seek a trade – look out New York. I mean, the guy cripples you with his contract AND his behavior. Destroys the team and I doubt he will want to come back , and I can not blame him.
Why does this make sense for the Clippers? It does not for this season. But what about next season? The only way this works is if the Clippers really think they can get a max-level player in this summer. And it is an appealing option for a talented free agent. Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, Travis Oulaw, Steve Blake, and Drew Gooden provide a pretty solid team to lead. I am not saying LeBron is coming, but maybe Joe Johnson.
2. Tracy McGrady to Sacramento New York
We knew McGrady had no future in Houston. What we did not know was where he would land and what Houston would get in return. And by most accounts, Houston walked away with more than the brought to the party.
- Houston receives: From New York – Jared Jefferies, Jordan Hill, and a protected 2012 first-round pick and the right to exchange first-round picks in 2011. From Sacramento – Kevin martin and Hilton Armstrong.
- Sacramento receives: From Houston – Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey. From New York – Larry Hughes.
- New York receives: From Houston – Tracy McGrady. From Sacramento – Sergio Rodriquez.
Why does this make sense for the Rockets? Really? There can’t be much question as to why this works. You trade a player who wasn’t playing and has the largest salary this season. You get a lottery pick in Hill, and good player in Jefferies, two picks from NY – which could be high picks AND Kevin Martin. Upgrade!
Why does this make sense for the Kings? The Kings leadership must have seen enough of Tyreke Evans to make him the franchise and unload their best player in Martin for Landry, Dorsey, and Hughes expiring contract. But this moves clears a lot of cap space to allow for signing a top tier player to a max deal, or couple of really good pieces. I guess this years team will have time to gel, and play into a top-five pick.
Why does this make sense for the Knicks? Next season, the Knicks only have $18.6M in salaries. Meaning more space to make offers to LeBron and another max player – i.e. Chris Bosh. But they also need to fill a roster that would not include David Lee, Eddie House, Al Harrington or McGrady or any first round picks for three years. No matter what, the Knicks needed to cut salary for a team that had a $80M+ payroll.
3. Caron Butler to Dallas
This was the first big move and was the first example of how the Wizards are very giving and want to help solidify other teams as prime playoff contenders.
- Dallas receives: Caron Butler, Brendon Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson and cash.
- Washington receives: Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross.
Why does this make sense for the Mavs? Dallas has never been mistaking for a team with an attitude or chip on their shoulder. And a lot of times, teams with an attitude, win championships. As the Mavs roll into the last few years of the Dirk era, owner Mark Cuben knows that time is running out on this team.
Howard was not the player he once was, and didn’t seem to care, and the Mavs really had no need for Gooden. With this trade, the Mavs get some grit and a much more capable team. Plus with Erik Dampier’s outrageous contract coming to a team options for $13M, the team can let him go and resign Haywood for much less money.
Why does this make sense for the Wizards? Just like the deal with the Cavs, this trade has nothing to do with the players involved, only their contracts. And this has even less to do with this season. I am not sure what the Wizards leadership is going to do, but supposedly they want to KEEP Arenas. I understand that he is not what you would call a hot name, but but he will be if the Wizards are able to void his contract.
Other Deals
1. The only other deal that matter at was the Knicks sending Nate Robinson to the Celtics for Eddie House. Here is the deal: Traded G Nate Robinson and F Marcus Landry to Boston for G Eddie House, G J.R. Giddens, G-F Bill Walker and a future conditional second-round pick. ? It will be interesting.
2. Homer side-Note: The Wolves were active again, sending Brain Cardinal’s expiring contract to New York for Darko Milicic’s expiring contract and cash. Stupid – but no harm, no foul.
3. The last deal that is one worth mentioning is Chicago trading Tyrus Thomas for a future first-round draft pick, G Flip Murray and G Acie Law from Charlotte. Again, this move is not about players, but Chicago’s ability to offer Dwayne Wade and another max level player – i.e. Chris Bosh – a contract. But I like Thomas and Larry Brown should break him down and maybe make an actual NBA player out of him.
Double The Post 