Well, after much speculation about whether it would be quiet or not – we got a real hoppin trade deadline after all! So, as a follow up to two other posts on the topic, the final deals:
- Bucks get Royal Ivey, Primoz Brezec and a 2010 2nd Rounder, Sixers get Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson
Elson is a classic buyout candidate. Useful big, solid defender, few other recognizable basketball skills. Jodie Meeks has not shot lights out yet at the pro level, but for anyone who saw him score 54 against Tennessee, we know the kid can stroke it. Sixers have been a lousy shooting team for years – they could use all the help they get. The Bucks get a solid backup PG whom they are familiar with and a second round pick – which should be in the mid 30s, this year. In other words, a deal that made sense for everyone, even if it is low profile.
- Grizzlies get Ronnie Brewer, Jazz get protected 1st Rounder in 2011.
Jazz do not NEED Ronnie Brewer. That said Brewer is an excellent defender and good efficient player even if he is not a good shooter. He was good enough to start for a title contender. The Jazz probably did not hurt themselves that much, but making a money dump when they are a legit Top 4 team in the West is a letdown. The Grizzlies get themselves a legit rotation player and capable 6th man for what could be an outside the lottery 2011 draft pick. Hard to get revved up about the Jazz philosophy here.
- Kings get Dominc McGuire, Wizards get $$ and a conditional 2nd Rounder
Not much to say here. Wizards get below the luxury tax line – and thus could keep Ilgauskas the rest of the year, and the Kings get to see a good defensive specialist sort for the rest of the season, no strings attached. Let’s move on.
- Bobcats get Theo Ratliff, Spurs get conditional 2nd Rounder
Another straight dump. Ratliff could make the Bobcats rotation, maybe. Not sure why I even listed this.
- Bobcats get Tyrus Thomas, Bulls get Flip Murray, Acie Law and future 1st Rounder
Bulls get something for the perpetually intriguing Tyrus Thomas. Law could be a useful backup PG, though with Derrick Rose there, it is bit of a Maytag repairman job. Flip Murray is one dimensional – but a dimension who can catch fire (a poor man’s Eddie House). The 1st Rounder from what I read could take a while to materialize – no earlier than 2012. For the Bobcats, Thomas’ talent is undeniable – though he has been a knucklehead and shown the talent only in flashes. He can walk after the season – for a playoff push, it’s a good free look for Charlotte.
- Rockets get Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries, Kevin Martin, Hilton Armstrong, The Knicks 1st Rounder in 2012 (Top 5 protected) and the option to switch picks with the Knicks in 2011 as long as it’s not #1. The Knicks get Tracy McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez. The Kings get Carl Landry, Larry Hughes and Joey Dorsey.
A lot to unpack here. First, the Rockets did exceptionally well. Kevin Martin is the perimeter guy they needed, and add him to Yao next season, it’s a great place to start. Jordan Hill did not play in NY, but that does not mean he can’t be a fit in Houston. Hilton Armstrong sucks, but hey, a big body is a big body. Depending on what the Knicks do in free agency, the draft picks could have significant value also.
The Knicks did very well, getting Sergio Rodriguez, who has shown tons of ability in Spain, but it has not translated in the NBA. One’d think he’d be a good fit with Mike D’Antoni. They also cleared the salary, so suddenly they are in a position to be huge players in free agency next season. Can they get two max guys? Probably not, but they will be a lot better quickly. It came at a cost, but this trade makes sense.
The Kings also did very well. Kevin Martin is a very good player but not in their long term plans. So they turned him into cap space and a young starting caliber big in Carl Landry. Good all around.
- Celtics get Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry. Knicks get Eddie House, JR Giddens and Bill Walker
Celtics got a guy who can be an explosive 6th man for a guy who has been an explosive 6th man and 2 guys who don’t play. Robinson has more skills than House and House has been meh this season. Knicks get to move more salary and get a guy D’Antoni is fond of. Overall a small sensible deal for the Celtics, who need to change their team energy.
Meadow Muffins of the Mind 