NBA Midseason Report

NBA Trade Deadline Report

A few major trades this past week before the trade deadline definitely shook up the league. Although many teams added crucial parts that make them a serious title contender, the big names such as Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer remained in Phoenix and Utah respectively. Here’s a breakdown of the major deals that were finalized before the trade deadline:

Knicks get: Tracy McGrady, Sergio Rodriguez

Kings get: Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey from Houston and Larry Hughes from Knicks

Rockets get: Kevin Martin and Hilton Armstrong from Kings and Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries from Knicks

Analysis: As expected, the Knicks cleared some cap space in anticipation of this summer’s loaded free agent class. New York gave up a lot for an aging T-Mac who has been injury prone over the past few seasons. The Knicks should have been more patient with their first round draft pick Jordan Hill and instead should have given up a future draft pick. New York is thinking more long term in this deal and now has enough cap room to sign a Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, or Chris Bosh in the offseason. The Rockets are a winner in this trade by dumping T-Mac’s $23.5 million expiring contract and adding a talented young star in Kevin Martin. The Kings can afford to let go of Martin, who are looking to build a team around their rookie phenom Tyreke Evens. Without any of the three teams involved in any serious title contention, this trade will not really affect the rest of the season.

Bobcats get: Tyrus Thomas

Bulls get: Ronald “Flip” Murray, Acie Law, and a future first-round draft pick

Analysis: With the surprising Bobcats in the midst of the Eastern playoff race, the additional of Tyrus Thomas is a major upgrade to their frontcourt. Thomas fits in perfectly to the Bobcats up tempo style and brings even more energy to a young team who is looking to make a serious playoff push in the East. Thomas is one of the best defenders in the league who could be counted on to guard a Lebron James or a Paul Pierce if they met in the playoffs. On the other end, all indications point to the Bulls attempting to clear cap space in order to land one of the many prizes in next year’s studded free agent class. If the playoffs started today, the Bulls would own the number 6 seed and would play a seven game series against Boston. With virtually no hope of winning a playoff series, I think that it was a good move for Chicago to dump cap room and save money for the offseason.

Wizards get: Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton, and Quinton Ross

Mavericks get: Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson

Analysis: I think we all know who got the better end of this deal. The Mavs have been longing to get rid of Josh Howard who has had his share of problems on and off the court. Dallas replaces Howard with two time all-star Caron Butler, who should greatly help take the pressure of Dirk Nowitzki at the offensive end. Brendan Haywood gives the Mavs a presence on the glass other than aging Erik Dampier who cannot guard a dominating center in the playoffs. DeShawn Stevenson is also a guard shooting guard who can come off the bench and provide a spark. To say that it has been a tough season for the Wizards would be an understatement. The embarrassing gun incident between Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton along with a terrible record is as bad as it gets. I guess you could say that the Wizard’s motto going into next year is “out with the old and in with the new.”

Grizzlies get: Ronnie Brewer

Jazz get: 1st round draft pick

Utah is the clear winner because they manage to get a first round pick for a role player. Ronnie Brewer has a lot of potential and is still young but not a starting shooting guard on a championship team. Brewer was drafted 14th overall but clearly did not live up to expectations when drafted in 2006 out of Arkansas. For Grizzlies this gives them the depth for the playoff push. Brewer will most definitely coming off the bench for either Mayo or Gay. Grizzlies were smart to protect their first round pick, where many team’s like the Knick’s lose their lottery selection.


Trail Blazers get: Marcus Camby

Clippers get: Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake

I like this trade for Portland a lot. Since Greg Oden is out for another season ending injury Camby is an important addition. Oden has not been able to stay health unlike Camby, who provides many of the same elements in his style of play. They both are very good at rebounding and shot blocking. While both have a defensive presence down low they lack the offensive skill to be all-stars (Oden is young and could develop if healthy). The Clippers get one of the best back up point guards Steve Blake and help at the small forward position from outlaw. Blake could probably start for a team like the knick’s in need of someone to run their offense.


Cavs get: Antwan Jamison

Clippers get: Drew Gooden

Wizards get: 1st round draft pick

I like this trade for the Cavs a lot. They were trying to get Amare but didn’t want to give away promising player JJ Hickson. The Cav’s instead were able to keep Hickson and add a player of Jamsion value for a 1st round pick. Jamsion could be Lebron’s wing man, aka Scottie Pippen. The Cavs are competing with the likes of the Lakers who have Kobe surrounded with top-level talent. Washington gets the 1st round pick to help their rebuilding stage. Washington has scrapped almost the entire team including Jamsion, Butler, Haywood and Stevenson. The clippers get Drew Gooden who was acquired in earlier trade. He has bounced around but is a solid player. When Blake Griffin comes back, it will inevitably lead Gooden to a new team again.