nbaculture

There are many things to consider, and no clear cut answer, but here’s my opinion based on two main criteria: 1)financial decision, 2)player movement.

Big Winner: Chicago Bulls

They get a big man who can pass and shoot the 15-footer, but the key piece in this trade was John Salmons, a swingman who can be explosive on offense.  Chicago really needed some change, and apparently have been over-achieving in the past.  They gave up a solid player in Nocioni, but they keep Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, and Hinrich (despite being overpaid).

Honorable Mention: New York Knicks and Orlando Magic

The Knicks get Larry Hughes *yawn*, and Chris Wilcox. Some Athleticism for cheap, and they stayed in the game for 2010.  Say what you want about Jameer Nelson, but I think Rafer Alston was an upgrade.  Sure he gives up size and strength, but the man can shoot the three, drive and finish, is a better passer, has that streetball swagger, and brings toughness to a team sorely lacking it.

Big Loser: New Orleans Hornets

They do not get under the luxury tax, they do not get two athletic hustle players, and they get back their injured big man who was has to have a disgruntled thought or two after being traded.  Tyson Chandler is a great big man when healthy, he blocks shots, he grabs boards, he changes shot attempts, and is an imposing force on the defensive block; but the man has a history of injury, and the hornets need some change to re-establish themselves as contenders.

Honorable Mentions: Oklahoma City and Portland Trailblazers

They eventually did make some changes, but they should have kept Chandler.  They need that defensive presence in the post, and he will not take any offense away from Kevin Durant and spot up shooters.  He would have fit well in the system, but I can understand them being warry about injury.   Now, the Blazers; if you’re going to boast about your prospects and trade ability, shouldn’t you make a trade?  What’s the point of bragging about expring contracts and young athletic players and the prospect of bringing in some veteran leadership if you do nothing about it?

Well, that’s my two cents, and here are some others:  Yahoo Sports and

ESPN:

Former street ball legend and veteran Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston was traded to the Orlando Magic for Kyle Lowry and Brian Cook.  The Memphis Grizzlies of course were also involved, and will acquire Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, and a 1st round draft pick.  Houston had their eyes on him since he came out of Villanova in ‘06, while Orlando has been shopping for a solid veteran to replace their injured All-Star Jameer Nelson.

So, here’s a quick recap:

Chris Wilcox, after the Tyson Chandler trade didn’t go through, was sent to the Knicks for Malik Rose.

Chicago sends Larry Hughs to the Knicks for Tim Thomas, Jerome James, and Anthony Roberson.

Minnesota will send Rashad McCants and Calvin Booth to Sacramento for Bobby Brown and Sheldon Williams.

I guess that’s all the moves that are happening, but some teams are under the NBA roster limit, and we might be seeing some free agent pick ups.

Lakers send Chris Mihm to the Memphis Grizzlies for a conditional second round draft pick in 2013.  They hardly ever use him, but he’s a solid Center.  Now the only true centers left on the Laker roster (who aren’t injured: Bynum) are Pau Gasol (who some argue play better at PF) and DJ Mbenga.  The Lakers will save about $2.5 mill more on the luxury tax.

In other trade related news, the reason for Tyson Chandler’s denial has surfaced recently, and it turns out that the Thunder felt warry about a turf-toe injury that he had.  In a trade that could have benefited both teams, some people have expressed disappointment of how things turned out.

The trade deadline is now 2.5 hours upon the time of writing this post, and we’ll see if anything else develops.

Turns out Tyson Chandler will not leave New Orleans because he failed his physical- whoops!  How’s that gotta feel for Chandler, who was traded by his team and now comes back after a failed physical; he must feel wanted.

Also, turns out there was a little more to that Kings Bulls trade, such as the Blazers.  The Bulls still get Miller and Salmons, but the Kings will also get Michael Ruffin and Cedric Simmons along with Drew Gooden and Andres Nocioni, while Portland will get Ike Diogu.  The Kings waived Sam Cassell and Quincy Douby.  More to come as news continues to break out.

Only moments after arguably his greatest moment as a Miami Heat (an emphatic game winning dunk), it was made official that Shawn Marion had been traded for Jermaine O’neal.  O’neal hadn’t exactly lived up to expectations in Toronto mostly due to injuries, will play pivitol minutes in a small heat roster, which saw Udonis Haslem play center at times.  Jamario Moon (an under the radar guy in many respects) will join O’neal in Miami, along with a first round draft pick.  Marcus Banks (who came with Marion in the Phoenix deal) will once again move with travel mate Marion in Toronto.

Basically, what Toronto is getting is an upgraded Jamario Moon (to be blunt) and a point guard hungry for minutes, while Miami picks up a big man for some inside-outside game with Dwyane Wade and some spot up shooters.  Miami might be shopping for another point guard however, with only Mario Chalmers and Chris Quinn left to man the helm.

Vladimir Radmanovic for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown.  It’s hard to say what I think about this deal, Radmanovic was really starting to play well after a year of struggling a while back.  His defense was getting better, and is definitely playing better on both ends of the court than Morrison.  The Lakers do save a little money, but unless this former Gonzaga star gets his groove back I can’t see this deal being very good.