Howard to LAL, Bynum to PHI in 4-Team Trade

Dwight Howard, the newest Laker

   The Dwight Howard drama of the off-season is over and Howard is heading to the Lakers. Granted, the league will review the trade on Friday, but it is expected to be approved.

    Along with Howard, Andrew Bynum and Andre Igudoala were involved in the trade. Here is what all the teams received:

Lakers:

Dwight Howard, C (ORL)
Chris Duhon, PG (ORL)
Earl Clark, SF (ORL)

Magic:

Arron Afflalo, SG (DEN)
Al Harrington, PF (DEN)
Nikola Vucevic, C (PHI)
Moe Harkless, SF (PHI)
Christian Eyenga, SG (LAL)
Josh McRoberts, SF (LAL)
A protected 1st round pick from all 3 teams.

76ers:

Andrew Bynum, C (LAL)
Jason Richardson, SG (ORL)

Nuggets:

Andre Iguodala, SF (PHI)



    Lets start with a team by team breakdown:

Los Angeles- The Lakers have instantly become arguably the best team in the West. They have been pursuing Howard for along time and finally have him. Howard is an upgrade over Bynum and this team is now, in my opinion, the best team in the West over Oklahoma City. But, sources close to Howard are saying he will play out the year without an extension. It is critical the Lakers make the Western Conference Finals, at least, to keep him in LA. But when your starting lineup is what is listed below, anything but an NBA Championship is a disappointment.

C- Dwight Howard
PF- Pau Gasol
SF- Metta World Peace
SG- Kobe Bryant
PG- Steve Nash

    The Lakers also now have depth on the bench. Jordan Hill is a great 6th man and Antwan Jamison is a veteran backup. This team is set to contend, and can you imagine and Lakers-Heat Finals next year? Four of the five best players in the NBA on the court. That would be a treat.

EDIT: Lakers also received Earl Clark and Chris Duhon from Magic, and sent Christian Eyenga and Josh McRoberts to Orlando.

Orlando- Orlando knew they were not getting a star in return for Howard, and they would need to start rebuilding. But they picked up three great players.  Aaron Afflalo is one of the more underrated players in the league and is a younger, better player then Jason Richardson was for the Magic. Nikola Vucevic burst on to the scene last season and was very good for Philadelphia. But with Bynum coming to the Sixers, Philly could let him Vucevic go. The Magic got a player with good potential moving forward.

    Al Harrington is a decent backup to throw in, but could just be bought out. They also got a heap load of first rounders that they were going after. One from each team, though they might not be very high ones. A player many are not talking about is Moe Harkless. He was selected 15th overall in the draft last June out of St. Johns, and many think he was a top 10 talent. I am surprised the 76ers let him go, especially with Iggy leaving too.

    It would be hard to find a much better deal for the Magic, besides maybe getting Brook Lopez from the Nets. And some still may disagree with this trade being good. But I think they got a good return for Howard, and they may even have a chance to contend for a low seed this year.

EDIT: Magic also acquired Christian Eyenga and Josh McRoberts from Lakers, while sending Chris Duhon and Earl Clark to LA.

Philadelphia- Philadelphia needed a big man, but they probably didn't expect the likes of Andrew Bynum to be starting for them this October. Bynum is a top center in the league and is only 24. He averaged 18.7 ppg last season along with 11.8 rebounds. Only Howard and Al Jefferson had more.

    They also landed Jason Richardson, who can add scoring behind Evan Turner and Nick Young.

    With the loss of Iguodala, they loose one of the best defensive players in the league. And by letting Harkless leave, only have Thaddeus Young to fill in at SF. Young is good, don't get me wrong but is not a defender. With the likes of Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, Nick Young and Thaddeus Young, along with Jason Richardson, this team will compete with Golden State to be the leagues best scoring team. Not to mention Bynum will average a double-double. The 76ers are the best team in the Atlantic now, but this tough division is anyones with the Celtics, Nets, and Knicks all close behind.

Andrew Bynum

Denver- Denver got a good deal here too. Andre Iguodala, who is currently in London playing for the Olympic team, adds the defensive player they have been looking for, and loosing Afflalo won't be so bad with Ty Lawson, Wilson Chandler, and Danilo Gallinario still there. First round pick Quincy Miller also could easily end up a starter this season too. The Nuggets didn't improve much, but still got better.

    Overall, I do and don't like this trade. I do like that all teams got better, and two smaller market teams in Philly and Denver improved. But I don't like how the Lakers now could be the best team in the NBA again. Enough already. I understand the history they have, but I really wish new teams would emerge and change up the NBA. In the last 13 years, the NBA Finals have had either the Lakers, Heat, Spurs, or Celtics in every single one. Every single Finals the last 13 years. And with this trade that does not seem to be ending anytime soon.

     If some new teams don't emerge soon, the NBA could be in trouble. Aside from Oklahoma City, no other teams in small markets have a real chance at the Finals this year. The other contending teams play in Miami, New York, Brooklyn, Chicago (with Rose healthy), and two in Los Angeles. The Spurs are done, and Celtics are too for awhile.

    Both the Spurs and Thunder show that small market teams have to build from the draft. Big name players won't go there in free agency. In MLB and NFL this stuff does not happen. And that is why the NBA is headed for trouble.

    Maybe this trade will be vetoed and restructured to smaller teams. I would secretly cheer inside. It is one of the only good things David Stern seems to be doing, trying to prevent big name players from teaming up in big media markets.

    But if the trade does go through, the Lakers are back, again, and the fans in Cleveland, Minnesota, Portland, Phoenix, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Utah are still in the same spot again this season.

Andre Iguodala 

NBA Trade Deadline Occurs; Players on Move

    On one of the busiest days in sports of all year, with March Madness, and NFL Free Agency, the NBA had it's share with the trade deadline. Every deadline, multiple trades go down and this year was no different. Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo were not moved though, but Monta Ellis was a couple of days ago. Still, players were moved all over the league, including some coaches being fired players being waived.

    A three team trade involving the Wizards, Nuggets, and Clippers happened on Thursday, with both players and picks involved.

                                                       

Nene

Clippers Receive:

Nick Young - SG (WAS)

Wizards Receive:

Nene - C (DEN)

Brian Cook - PF (LAC)

2015 2nd Round Pick (LAC)

Nuggets Receive:

JaVale McGee - C (WAS)

Ronny Turiaf - PF (WAS)

    

    For Denver, this trade makes a lot of sense. The team has wanted to go younger, and recent play of rookie Kenneth Faried means Nene could be let go. Nene has been injured much of his career, and is also 29-years old. He signed a five-year extension with Denver last season, for $67 million. McGee is a headache for teams, but also is young and very talented. A winning environment in Denver can bring him back to Earth. He also is younger then Nene and can be worked in with Faried while demanding less minutes. Turiaf is expected to be cut within the next few days.

Nick Young

    For Los Angeles, the deal adds an offensive player in Nick Young. Loosing Cook, who never plays, for Young along with a round two pick is a steal for the Clippers. Young is an LA native before playing at USC. A five year pro, Young is averaging 16.6 ppg this season. 

    For Washington, they add a mature player in Nene to help John Wall and this team rebuild. McGee and Young were very immature and would bring the team down it seemed sometimes. Loosing them can help Wall focus and with a veteran like Nene it only helps. The team also picked up a future 2nd round pick. Brian Cook is also expected to be cut.

    The next trade we saw was between the Lakers and Rockets. A deal that was only made for as a result of a bigger trade which we will talk about next.

Lakers Receive:

Jordan Hill - PF (HOU)

Rockets Receive:

Derek Fisher - PG (LAL)

2012 First round pick (LAL)

   The Lakers had to give up one of their three PG's, and decided to go with youth and kept Steve Blake and Darius Morris. That ment that 37-year old Fisher was the one to be traded. In return the team got Jordan Hill, a former lottery pick by the Knicks. Hill is a solid backup who is averaging  5.0 ppg, and 4.8 rpg this season. The acquisition ruled out any chance that LA would get Michael Beasley from Minnesota. Beasley was not moved during the deadline. Overall, a good pickup for the Lakers, but this was not their biggest trade.

    For Houston, the trade brings in a veteran who can give support at PG. They also pick up a first round pick, which was the main reason they gave up Hill.

    The Lakers best trade on Thursday though, was the one with Cleveland to land Ramon Sessions and fill the hole at PG. 

Lakers Receive:

Ramon Sessions - PG (CLE)

Christian Eyenga - SF (CLE)

Cavilers Receive:

Luke Walton - SF (LAL)

Jason Kapono - SF (LAL)

2012 1st round pick (LAL)

   Los Angeles added a young and talented PG in Sessions who can fill the need of a true PG and help the Lakers get back in the title discussion. Sessions has shown he is a solid player in his career with Milwaukee and Cleveland. Though questions do remain. Does he truly make the Lakers a title contender now? While Sessions was able to average 10.5 ppg backing up Kyrie Irving in Cleveland so far this season, he has not proven he is more then an average starter in this league. 

Ramon Sessions

       

The move certainly helps LA, but does it really help as much as people say? Eyenga is expected to be assigned to LA's D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

    Cleveland adds some depth to the back end of their rotation with Walton and Kapono. They also pick up a first round pick which never can hurt. While Cleveland has along way to go, they still made a good trade.

    

Nate McMillan

    Along with the Lakers and Rockets, Portland was one of the most active teams at the deadline, if not the most. The team made two big trades, overhauling the starting rotation. On top of that, the team fired its coach Nate McMillan after going 20-23 so far this year. 

    McMillan was brought in to Portland in 2005 to rebuild the team. While he as done that, the team has failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs every year. Blame though should go to injuries, as no team in recent memory has ever been hit harder by the bug then Portland. The team's two building blocks in Brandon Roy and Greg Oden both have had their careers cut short by injuries. 

    Still, though the injuries have hurt Portland, the team decided to go in a new direction and fired it's coach. Caleb Kanales will be the intern head coach.

    2007 first overall pick Oden was also cut, as the team needed room for it's new players acquired in trades. Some team will most likely take a risk on him and bring him in on a one year deal, but it still is unknown for sure. Oden still needs to recover from his third knee surgery.

    Portland also made two big trades, the first involving center Marcus Camby.

Portland Receives:

Hasheem Thabeet - C (HOU)

Jonny Flynn - PG (HOU)

Future 2nd round pick (HOU)

Houston Receives:

Marcus Camby - C (POR)

Hasheem Thabeet

    In this trade for Portland, they unload the aging Camby for two former top 6  picks who both have ended up complete busts, and will make the Blazers their 3rd home in their 3-year NBA careers. Thabeet (selected in 2009, 2nd overall by Memphis) became the highest drafted player to be sent to the D-League as a rookie, and ever since has only been able to average 2.2 ppg and 2.7 rps on his career.

    Flynn (2009, 6th overall by Minnesota) has also been awful and played worse then almost every first round pick in 2009 aside from Thabeet. Hopefully, both can tap into their potential in Portland and find some success.

    Houston adds Camby a veteran center who can still put up some decent numbers for them, but better numbers then Thabeet.

    Portland's next trade was with New Jersey. The Nets failed to get Dwight Howard and this trade was a last resort effort to get anyone to come play with Deron Williams.

Nets Receive:

Gerald Wallace - SF (POR)

Trail Blazers Receive:

Mehmet Okur - C (NJ)

Shawne Williams - SF (NJ)

Future 1st round pick (NJ)

    Portland unloads another star for a decent scoring center in Okur, and a solid bench player in Williams who can contribute a couple points each night, along with a first round pick.

    The Nets were apparently close to a deal to get Dwight Howard, forming a Big Two with star PG Deron Williams. But the deal feel through, and Howard announced he will stay with Orlando though next season. The Nets took the best player they could and in return picked up Wallace, a superb defender who can score points too. Solid pick up, but not exactly what Williams had in mind...

Gerald Wallace

    San Antonio also got in on the action, and made a deal with Golden State, who earlier made the biggest trade of the deadline by sending Monta Ellis to Milwaukee for Andrew Bougt.

    In that deal, the Warriors also received Stephen Jackson from the Bucks. But before Jackson could play a game for Golden State, he was sent packing again this time to the state of Texas.

Spurs Receive:

Stephen Jackson - SF (GS)

Warriors Receive:

Richard Jefferson - SF (SA)

2012 1st round pick (SA)

Rights to T.J Ford (SA)

Richard Jefferson

    The Warriors made this deal for the first round pick, and swapped two similar players in age and talent in Jefferson and Jackson. The biggest news in Oakland is still Bogut, but Jefferson, pending a physical, could be ready for Friday's game against Milwaukee, where Bogut will make his Warriors debut  vs. his former team of just three days ago, as will Ellis. 

    T.J. Ford announced his retirement on Monday after another spine injury. If he does make a comeback in the NBA, he will be under contract with Golden State unless cut or traded prior.

     Overall, good trade for Golden State.

   San Antonio gets Stephen Jackson which only can help this team who already seems poised for another deep run into the post season. Jefferson did not really work out as planned, so hopefully Jackson can play in the role Jefferson could not. Keeping the first round pick would have been nice though, as youth is becoming a need as the Spurs age.

    In a small trade today too, Atlanta sent a 2012 2nd round pick to Golden State for cash.

    Some other trades that happened on Thursday:

Raptors Receive:

2012 2nd round pick (IND)

Pacers Receive:

Leandro Barbosa - SG (TOR)

    Raptors also receive cash from Indiana, and waive guard Anthony Carter.

76ers Receive:

Sam Young - SF (MEM)

Grizzlies Receive:

Ricky Sanchez - SF (PHI)

    Ricky Sanchez is currently playing in Argentina. He was originally selected by the Trail Blazers in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft. He has spent time in the D-League with the Idaho Stampede, and in the countries of Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina. If he ever comes and plays in America, Philadelphia will have the rights to him. 

Sam Young

    An eventful trade deadline, even though none of the biggest stars were traded aside from Ellis and Bogut. We will see how the season unfolds as we hit the home stretch before the NBA Playoffs.

Bucks Acquire Ellis for Bogut

    The first of the NBA trade deadline deals occurred Tuesday, as Golden State and Milwaukee struck a deal. The Warriors sent guard Monta Ellis, and forwards Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown, to Milwaukee for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.

Monta Ellis

    Ellis is a seventh year player who was a second round pick by Golden State in 2005. Known as a scorer, Ellis has averaged 19.6 ppg in his career. But when the team drafted Stephen Curry, things went bad for Ellis. Curry is a better scorer and better player, and both would battle for shots. It was clear many times they were not a good pair. For the past year Ellis has been on the trading block and today was finally given up.

    Bogut was also taken in the same draft as Ellis, just as the first overall pick out of Utah. While Bogut has been a very good and a very underrated player in his NBA career, injuries have been a problem. But he will be shipped out of Milwaukee and head west.

    For Golden State, this move is great. The team has needed a center for along time, and has been trying to aquire one for along time. David Lee has been better as a forward, and the team has even been heard to be going after Dwight Howard. But now the Warriors have their center. The team did give up Udoh who has good potential, but they are trying to win now and Bogut helps much more then Ellis. Stephen Jackson also will make up for Ellis's absence. Jackson is a former Warrior who was a key player in the teams historic upset of the #1 seeded Mavericks in 2007. In the end, as long as Bogut stays healthy, the team should be more competitive now along with Jackson. (UPDATE: Jackson was traded to San Antonio for Richard Jefferson two days later).

Andrew Bogut

    For Milwaukee, the trade leaves a hole at center as Larry Sanders is only true center left. Udoh, will have a chance to start, and Kwame Brown will get some playing time. The Bucks will be able to fill his spot just not with a talent like Bogut. The biggest problem that will come up is how Ellis and point guard Brandon Jennings can blend and avoid clashing like Ellis did with Curry.

    The trade is the first of the deadline, and Golden State is the winner here. Milwaukee may have the same problems at the guard as Golden State did with shot selection.

CP3 Heads West to LAC

    The NBA-owned Hornets finally found a new home for Chris Paul. While he will be going to LA, he will not be joining Kobe Bryant, he will be going to the LA Clippers. Paul was traded along with two future second round picks to the Clippers for Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Chris Kaman, and a first round pick that was Minnesota's.

Chris Paul

    The New Orleans Hornets are owned by the NBA, and the NBA was negotiating for the Hornets in this trade. Last week a deal with the Lakers and Rockets would have sent Paul to the Lakers, pairing him with Kobe and putting the Lakers back to a title favorite. However the deal fell through at the last minute because other owners became upset as the trade sent a superstar player to join another superstar player, something teams do not want to see another one of.

    The NBA and David Stern received heavy criticism from the public for killing the deal due to the complaining of other teams. In the end, he was not traded to an already championship caliber team and another "big 3" starting up was prevented. Instead Paul will be sent to the other LA team, the Clippers, who are not anywhere near the Lakers talent level.

"I knew we were doing the best thing for New Orleans and that was my job," David Stern said. "You have to stick with what you think was right. I must confess it wasn't a lot of fun, but I don't get paid to have fun."

    This time, Stern did not allow other teams opinions be brought into the equation.

    All of last season, and through the lockout, it appeared Paul would be going to the Knicks. But that never was even an option because of cap space. Paul now joins a Clippers squad who has made some key FA aquistions to try to get this team to the playoffs. They should be there now.

Eric Gordon

    The Clippers lost three very talented young players that really would be the future of this team. Eric Gordon, maybe the most underrated player in the league, is one of the best shooters in the game, but now will be a Hornet. Chris Kaman also is a very underrated player and now he will be shipped off. Al-Farouq Aminu is a young player who has a bright future and he will also be gone. As well as a first round pick that will most likely be a lottery pick.

    With the Clippers additions of Chris Paul, and FA's Chauncy Billups and Caron Butler, and of course Blake Griffin, the team can contend for a playoff spot in the stacked Western Conference. The point guard positron for LA now features Eric Bledsoe, Mo Williams, Paul and Billups.

    As for the New Orleans Hornets, the deal worked out better then most would think. They get three very talented players, and Eric Gorden can flourish as the go to scorer. But they will most likely not be in the playoffs for a few years.

    Overall, the trade left both teams in a better position. The Clippers became much better, and the Hornets while getting worse, still managed to bring in three players that they can build around for the future. They are much better off then most teams when a star is lost (Example: Cleveland Cavs).

 

OKC, Boston, Memphis, Houston, & More Make Final Trades as Deadline Passes

    The NBA trade deadline passed just about an hour ago at 3:00 eastern. These are the trades that went down today:

Nate Robinson

    The Celtics and Thunder have agreed to a four-player deal. Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins are going to Oklahoma City, while Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic are going to Boston. Jeff Green was originaly drafted by Boston, but traded him to the then Seattle SuperSonics for Ray Allen and Glen Davis. The SuperSonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008.

    If the Sonics were still in Seattle, Nate Robinson would have his own homecoming. The Seattle native and former Washington Huskie would be back home. But he will be playing in Oklahoma City for the team that he might have a grudge against for leaving Seattle. I know all of Seattle does.

Morris Peterson

     The Celtics also traded rookies Luke Harangody and Semih Erden to Cleveland for a second round draft choice. The Celtics have traded away three post players today.

    It also wasn't the only trade of the day either for the Thunder. They sent D.J. White and Morris Peterson to Charlotte for center Nazr Mohammed.

Aaron Brooks

    A big clue to where Steve Nash will play after this year happened today, and it appears he might not be in Phoenix after this season. Today the Suns acquired young point guard Aaron Brooks from Houston for guard Goran Dragic, and a first round pick. Could Brooks be the point guard next year in Phoenix?

    Houston and Memphis also made a deal that will send Shane Battier to Memphis for center Hasheem Thabeet and a first round pick. Thabeet is a raw big man who was drafted with the second overall pick in 2009. People said he was drafted to early, and they were right. Poor play led to Thabeet becoming the highest overall pick to be sent to the NBA D-League. Houston did get a first round pick to replace the one they sent to Phoenix today.

     As I said yesterday, the Bobcats and Blazers were in serious talks about Gerald Wallace going to Portland. It went through today as the Blazers sent center Joey Przybilla and a seconed round pick to the Bobcats for Wallace. Przybilla will be the replacement for Nazr Mohammed who was traded to Oklahoma City. Andre Miller, the Trail Blazers point guard, is remaining a Blazer for the rest of the season as it seemed certain that he would be moved before the deadline.

   

 

Cavs trade Mo Williams to Clippers for Baron Davis

    In a day full of trades, the last one to cap off Wednesday swapped two veteran point guards. Mo Williams along with Jamario Moon are going to the Clippers, while Baron Davis and a 2011 first round draft pick are going to Cleveland.

    For Los Angeles, they clear up lots of cap room. And bring in a younger, but still experienced point guard. As well as a swing man in Jamario Moon who will add to the Clippers already impressive highlight real of dunks every game. If only the dunks could translate into wins.

    How much this helps the team right now though, does not do much at all. If anything it may even hurt the play of super rookie Blake Griffin. Him and Davis had a bond growing, and it was especially shown at the dunk contest last weekend, where Davis was the one in the car throwing the ally-oop to Griffin (right). Griffin won the contest because of that dunk.

   
    For Cleveland, the worst team in the NBA, they are just trying to figure out what the hell to do. Nothing is going right ever since LeBron James left. This move though may have made the locker room just a worse place.

    A GM who has had past dealings with Davis had this to say:

"Baron won't be happy, this is a worst-case scenario for him. He was just starting to get happy in L.A. playing with Blake Griffin. There's not much to get excited about in Cleveland these days."

     If this is true, Davis will only hurt this locker room, making Cleveland's season even worse. That is the last thing this organization, players, and fans need right now.

    Overall this trade made sense. Though I am sure Davis would be a lot happier on a better team. Or even just to stay in Los Angeles with the Clippers and Griffin. But the Clippers are on their way to becoming a playoff contender. Trading Davis and all his money to clear space for the future is a big part of becoming a better team.

     For Cleveland, they wanted the pick. That is how you rebuild a franchise in their situation. Davis will most likely retire or leave for a new team after the season. Regardless, both teams got what they wanted. A good trade for both teams.

Randy Moss Returns to Minnesota

    Randy Moss is returning back to where his Hall of Fame career began, Minnesota.  The New England Patriots traded Moss to the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday for a third round draft pick.

   The Vikings needed another option for Brett Favre while Sidney Rice is injured. Moss, who may not stick around after this year, is what management thought could fill the gap and help the Vikings make the playoff push.
  
    The Vikings who are 1-2 need help to win the tough division with the Packers and Bears who are both out to good starts.

    Minnesota drafted Randy Moss in 1998 with the 21st pick. Teams passed on the Marshall alumni due to off the field issues. But Moss helped Minnesota to a top ranked offense in 1998, won rookie of the year, and a 15-1 record. 

    New England may have let Moss go due to a reported argument between Moss and a coach during halftime of Mondays win against the Miami Dolphins.

    Minnesota trading for Moss may help a little, but I do not see it as enough to help the Vikings get to the playoffs.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Mark Clayton

     T.J. Houshmandzadeh has signed a 1 year deal with the Baltimore Ravens today. In order to make room on the Ravens roster, the team traded Mark Clayton to the St. Louis Rams for a late round draft pick.

    For the Ravens, they upgraded with a better receiver. I believe Houshmandzadeh will produce good numbers, not quite the numbers as to what he put up in Cincinnati, but good numbers for a number two receiver. Especially when the Ravens have so many weapons.
   
     As i expressed in my NFL predictions, I expect big things from Ravens QB Joe Flacco. And Houshmandzadeh is a better player then Mark Clayton. This will help Flacco in completions.

   This move only helps the Ravens chances of getting to the Super Bowl. Derrick Mason and Donte Stallworth are also available for big plays.

    As for St. Louis, they also upgraded with a new number one receiver to help the development of Sam Bradford. This move may even translate into one or two more wins this year.

    Regardless, I still expect the Rams to take a WR in round one next year. Most likely A.J. Green from Georgia.

    Mark Clayton who is on the last year of his contract.

     Both teams got better today.