So the Lakers stood still when the clock hit the deadline. The Lakers are after all the defending champs and with this core the Lakers have reached the Finals three times and looks to be in position to claim the fourth trip. But there were teams who were active and some moves scratched your head while others made so much sense that it's very difficult to pass on the opportunity. Here's my point of view of the active teams and while I don't mention all the trades, these are the ones that had me stoked and at times scratching my head. Read on.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
This was a great move by GM Sam Presti. We already know about their superstar in Kevin Durant, all star PG Russell Westbrook, and how their team is loaded with youth and athleticism. Now they subtract Jeff Green & Nenad Kristic for Kendric Perkins. Perk gives them an inside defensive presence and a brand of tough basektball they sorely lacked, which became obvious in the playoffs. Then the addition of Nate Robinson off the bench is another cause of concern for other teams because the bench suddenly has a scoring punch. In a separate transaction they also acquired Nazr Mohammed as another back up big. They were a dangerous dark horse team before but now the roster on paper looks like a legit contender and a top 4 team in the league.
Boston Celtics:
It's a trade, so you give up something and get something in return. Having said that, before we can judge what the heck just happened we have to wait until the waiver wire clears because maybe (just maybe) Danny Ainge has something up his sleeve. So hold your breathe Celtics fans.
Utah Jazz:
This was probably the most underrated move because the moves were done for the future without the win now mantra. Yes, its hard to lose Coach Sloan, given the years he's been there and now to trade away a top tier PG in Derron Williams to avoid the Melo saga or risk the possibility of losing him in free agency without any compensation. Top tier PG don't just fall out of the sky (ask the Hawks) so what they got back in return is simply current value for DWill. Devin Harris is an All-Star PG, Derick Favors has upside, and a draft pick that will probably be in the Lottery is great compensation. Harris and Derick Favors fills needs but they might pan out to something more. Still raw but teamed up with Big Al, Utah might have the most talented 4-5 tandem in the league very soon. That is worth the gamble.
New York Knicks:
So the "Melodrama" finally ended and the Knicks got their superstar while the Nuggets gutted the team. Now there are enough pieces currently for this team to continue to compete but they are a season or two away from making moves to really compete for the East and join Miami and Boston as the East's elite. The key here for this season though will be the "throw in" Chauncy Billups. If he can take advantage of Coach DiAntoni's system, they can possibly be a dangerous team in the Play offs. Just don't take my word for it because this team got their superstar but with plenty of "ifs" along with it.
Los Angeles Clippers:
We finally move the immovable Baron Davis and his contract. Sounds like an accomplishment right? Sure I agree that you have to get what your paying for and clearly Baron wasn't playing up to his contract but I think the timing stinks for two reasons.
Reason number one:
Finally Blake got Baron to play inspired ball. I don't buy in the notion that Baron had to go for the Clips to become Blake's "team". Everyone knows, including Baron that Blake is the franchise and future. While #32 is here, there is a reason to play basketball. The team was starting to gel, find rhythm and more importantly an Identity. Now Davis will pout in Cleveland and we get a guy who's best asset is to shoot which means less ball movement and less shots for Gordon who is in my opinion just as important to the Clips success.
Reason number two:
The Clippers are under the salary cap. The Clippers want to keep Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon. I assume that's the plan but having seen what happened with all the movement the Clippers is a team that could have done more and didn't. How you ask? We went after the wrong Williams, as in Derron Williams. (Yes, I understand the PG log jam here but how fun and dangerous would the Clips be by boasting a starting core of Gordon/Williams/Griffin/Jordan can be. If he was available why didn't the Clips go after him? A package that includes Kaman's expiring contract, a unprotected no.1 pick which looks like a lottery pick and throw in Eminu/Bledsoe. Whatever the case maybe there were pieces available to have a shot at a top tier talent like Williams. All this movement proves that anyone can be had with the right offer. But then again this is why the Clippers are, well, the Clippers.
