Well, the trade deadline has come and gone, and now a day later, the dust has settled and we can see where everybody stands.
First off, the Knicks. Holy Camole the Knicks really pulled it off. All season, the discussion has been focused on whether or not the Knicks would be able to pare their roster down far enough to be able to make a push next season to offer two max contracts. And they did it.
To put it in perspective, they're only on the hook for 18 millon dollars for the beginning of next season in roster salary. That's absolutely ridiculous. So, in theory, they are in a position to offer Lebron and D Wade max contracts. Lebron and Bosh max contracts. Lebron and Amare' max contracts.
It absolutely astronomical how good the Knicks could be next year. In short, they got rid of Nate Robinson to the Celtics - which was huge for Dantoni I'm sure. Robinson had worn out his welcome with the coach. And they take on Tracy McGrady's expiring contract from Houston. Whether T Mac plays or not...eh, it's a coin toss. T Mac isn't really a character guy.
So, there's that. And another trade that kinda floted under the radar is Theo Ratliff to the Bobcats from the Spurs for a draft pick. The Bobcats really could be good, and Ratliff isn't a horrible player by any means. And they traded for Tyrus Thomas. So it's good to see another East Coast team making the moves to be competitive.
And if Memphis wasn't stellar enough as an up and coming team, they trade a future first round pick to get Ronnie Brewer from the Jazz. Memphis is the next Portland. If they can stay healthy, they'll be scary good in a year or two.
There were other trades as well. I'd talk about the Cavs getting Jamison, but I'm kinda pissed off that they just got that much better. They may now really be the favorite to beat the Lakers.
And there were trades that didn't get done. Stoudemire is stuck in the desert. Sucks to be him. He really thought he was on the way out. He'll have his agent to thank for not keeping his mouth shut about the 100% chance of getting traded. But Phoenix remains strong with him.
And the biggest non-move? Batum and Fernandez stay in Portland. There were a lot of teams gunning for the international flair. Good Kevin Pritchard. Well done on keeping them here.
3 comments:
Don't forget that the Clippers made some room for a spot in the Lebron lottery. Wouldn't that be interesting. The Staples Center would be sold out every night. It won't happen, of course, but if it did...damz. He's going to New York. Good for them. Also don't forget that the Clips and the Knicks have a good chance at drafting John Wall. My face is bleeding just thinking about it.
I hope LeBron stays in Cleveland, but I agree with you G_Moses. The Knicks are going to be good. They already have some nice pieces, but they could potentially add a superstar and another all star type of player. With a few solid role players and a star or two, any team can be sweet. one thing is forsure, anyone who goes to NY will put up big numbers under D'Antoni's system. I admit tho, it would be cool if the clips got LeBron tho. Everynite would be a party there in L.A.
Everyone says Lebron is leaving Cleveland. I will believe it when I see it. He has always been a very loyal guy. I doubt he leaves. New York has space but until they sign good players all it is cap space. The Pistons filled their cap space with Ben Gordon and CHarlie Villaneuva (young guys by the way G Moses). Until D'Antoni's teams can play good half court defense they will never win a championship no mtter waht numbers they put up. And Stoudemire will never win a championship unless he is with someone like Lebron, Kobe or Wade.
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