NBA teams were in trade mode this season. Several players were sent packing, including star players Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams. Here's a look at the moves that were made and how they will affect the teams involved. Expect more detailed analysis in the coming days.
In a 3-team deal between New York, Denver, and Minnesota...
Knicks get: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Ronaldo Balkman, Shelden Williams, Corey Brewer
Nuggets get: Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, Kosta Koufas, 1st round pick, two 2nd round picks
Timberwolves get: Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry
The Carmelo fiasco finally came to a close. He got to go to New York, just like he wanted. The Knicks gave in to the Nuggets asking price. However, it was not the best move for both teams. Denver could have made a better deal with the Nets, while the Knicks might not have the money to acquire additional players in the future. The Wolves get the athletic Randolph, who will hopefully get a chance to show he can play after wasting away on the Knicks bench.
Utah Jazz get: Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two 1st round picks, cash
New Jersey Nets get: Deron Williams
The Nets immediately moved on after losing out on Melo by making this shocking deal. The Jazz did not seem too optimistic about resigning D-Will after next season so they decided to trade him while his value was at it's highest. They get a nice haul while the Nets get the star they desperately wanted. Jazz fans will be pleasantly surprised by Harris.
New Jersey Nets get: Brandan Wright, Dan Gadzuric
Golden State Warriors get: Troy Murphy
The Nets get rid of Murphy and the Warriors cut salary. Expect the Warriors to buy out Murphy and a bidding war to take place for his services. Speculation already has Miami, Boston, and Orlando interested. Wright was once a lottery pick for the Bobcats but has yet to find his niche in the NBA due to a lack of playing time and injuries. He could turn out to be a steal for the Nets.
Atlanta Hawks get: Kirk Hinrich, Hilton Armstrong
Washington Wizards get: Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans, 1st round pick
The Hawks needed an upgrade at the lead guard spot. Hinrich adds a shooter and defender who has no problem fitting in however he can. Bibby has been relegated to a jump-shooter in the later stage of his career. He is not happy about the trade and hopes to move to a playoff team soon. Crawford will get a chance to be John Wall's wing in Washington.
New Orleans Hornets get: Carl Landry
Sacramento Kings get: Marcus Thornton
The Hornets add some depth to their frontcourt and insurance in case David West decides to leave as a free agent in the offseason. Thornton, who went to college at LSU, was a fan favorite. He can score in bunches but saw his playing time dwindling in New Orleans due to the logjam at the guard position.
Los Angeles Clippers get: Mo Williams, Jamario Moon
Cleveland Cavaliers get: Baron Davis, 1st round pick
The Clippers paid the Cavs to take on Davis' contract in the form of a 1st rounder. The pick probably won't help due to the weak draft but the Cavs could have their eye on another local guy, who is currently playing not far down the road at Ohio State. The Clippers get rid of one of the NBA's worst contracts and replace Davis with a solid guard.
Memphis Grizzlies get: Shane Battier, Ishmael Smith
Houston Rockets get: Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, 1st round pick
The Grizzlies get a solid defender and a winner. Battier will step in immediately for the injured Rudy Gay. He is beloved in Memphis and the team will welcome him with open arms. The Rockets have plenty of young talent to fill his spot and net some more young players in return.
Boston Celtics get: Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic
Oklahoma City Thunder get: Kendrick Perkins, Nate Robinson
In a surprising move, the Celtics sent their stud big man West in exchange for a talented young player. Green provides the team with a building block who can help at the PF and SF positions. However, it comes at a cost. Perkins gives the Thunder much needed size to compete with the bigger teams in the West. Both teams had trouble signing these pieces to extensions, which likely triggered the deal.
Portland Trail Blazers get: Gerald Wallace
Charlotte Bobcats get: Joel Przybilla, Sean Marks, Dante Cunningham, two draft picks
The Blazers managed to add a piece without letting Andre Miller go. Wallace will likely start at SF and help at multiple positions based on matchups. This allows Batum to become the scoring threat off the bench. The Bobcats suddenly shifted to rebuilding mode by shedding salary and stockpiling picks.
Phoenix Suns get: Aaron Brooks
Houston Rockets get: Goran Dragic, 1st round pick
Brooks was not happy backing up Kyle Lowry in Houston. Now, he goes to Phoenix as the heir-apparent to Steve Nash. He will fit in the system nicely and expects to learn from Nash. Dragic is a decent backup point guard. The Rockets get a pick and get rid of an unhappy player.
Oklahoma City Thunder get: Nazr Mohammed
Charlotte Bobcats get: D.J. White, Morris Peterson
The Thunder got bigger. Mohammed is one of the best backup centers in the NBA. He has a decent mid-range jumper, cleans the glass, and blocks shots. The veteran big can even handle big minutes if necessary. The Bobcats made the deal strictly to shed salary.
In other smaller moves...
The Boston Celtics made some moves in order to create some roster space. Expect them to pursue any players who are bought out. They sent Semih Erdan and Luke Harangody to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 2nd round pick. Marquis Daniels went to the Sacramento Kings for cash.
