The NBA trade deadline for the 2007-2008 season has finally passed. Many players, like Vince Carter, Jermaine O'Neal and Mike Miller, who were thought to be traded ended up staying on their respective teams. Yet, the last month was far from dull. Several of the league's top teams pulled off blockbuster deals to acquire some big-named players. Here's a recap of many of the top trades:
- Chicago Bulls receives: Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown
- Cleveland Cavaliers receives: Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West
- Seattle Supersonics receives: Donyell Marshall, Ira Newble and Adrian Griffin
Suite101 Analysis: For the Sonics, this trade is about getting rid of Szczerbiak's large contract in exchange for several expiring contracts. The Cavs get tougher by adding Wallace and West, and Szczerbiak gives them a reliable shooter to accompany LeBron James. The Bulls add a versatile guard in Hughes who can defend larger guards in the league, as well as reliable power forward who can hit the open jumper.
- The Houston Rockets receives: Bobby Jackson
- The New Orleans Hornets receives: Bonzi Wells and Mike James
Suite101 Analysis: James wasn't really much of a fit for the Rocket, as they already had Rafer Alston and Aaron Brooks running the show. Bobby Jackson is a much more capable back up point guard and has a more consistent outside shot. The Hornets get some added depth to its bench. James is a serviceable back up point guard who brings a spark at the offensive end, and Wells is a slashing shooting guard/small forward.
- San Antonio Spurs receives: Kurt Thomas
- Seattle Supersonics receives: Brent Barry, Frederic Elson and a future first-round draft pick
Suite101 Analysis: The Sonics are expected to buy-out Barry's contract, and the Spurs are interested in re-signing him after 30 days. The Phoenix Suns are also interested in picking him up. Thomas is a strong defender on the block, but the Sonics didn't need him. They acquire a first-round draft pick and a young, athletic center. Meanwhile, the Spurs get a reliable defensive big to help them combat the many big men of the Western Conference.
- Dallas Mavericks receives: Jason Kidd, Malik Allen, Antoine Wright (and waives Nick Fazekas)
- New Jersey Nets receives: Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Maurice Ager, Keith Van Horn, Trenton Hassell, first-round draft picks in 2008 and 2010 and cash considerations.
Suite101 Analysis: Some think the Mavericks gave up too much for Jason Kidd. Devin Harris certainly has a bright future, but others think the window for the Mavericks is closing fast. Losing Diop will hurt the team's interior defense, but otherwise, the Mavericks are upgraded with Kidd at the helm. The Nets get a young, quick prospect in Devin Harris, as well as some expiring contracts and draft picks.
- Atlanta Hawks receives: Mike Bibby
- Sacramento Kings receives: Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright, Anthony Johnson and a 2008 2nd round draft pick
Suite101 Analysis: The Hawks badly needed a point guard and had a logjam at the forward spots. With Al Horford playing the major minutes in the middle, the Hawks didn't have room for Shelden Williams. Meanwhile, Sacramento seems to be trying to get younger and adding Williams will help toughen them up in the middle. Also, they're expected to buy-out Lue's contract.
- Phoenix Suns receives: Shaquille O'Neal
- Miami Heat receives: Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks
Suite101 Analysis: This trade has caused a lot of controversy. Shaquille O'Neal missed the All Star game for the first time in his career. His numbers are down and he's battled incessant injuries the past couple seasons. He's old and slow, yet is expected to keep up with Phoenix's fast-paced system. The Suns have been unsuccessful winning a championship without a center. This is their attempt to remedy that. On the flip side, Shawn Marion gives the Heat another athletic forward with a winning attitude. Banks might also get a chance to show what he can do on a team that's desperate for point guard help.
- LA Lakers receives: Pau Gasol and a 2010 second-round draft pick
- Memphis Grizzlies receives: Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol and first round draft picks in 2008 and 2010. Lakers also signed DJ Mbenga to a second 10-day contract.
Suite101 Analysis: The Lakers got Pau Gasol for a song. The Grizzlies are basically doing a fire sale here and are looking to acquire players whose contracts are about to expire. Crittenton has a bright future, and it's interesting that Pau's brother, Marc, is headed the other direction in the deal, but ultimately this trade makes the Lakers a scary team. Once center Andrew Bynum returns from injury, the Lakers will feature a front line with a lot of length in Bynum, Gasol and Lamar Odom. Add to that mix plenty of shooters, a fairly deep bench and Kobe Bryant and you've got a recipe for success.
