By: David Kay
Two trades have already been made in what should be a fairly active NBA Trade Deadline. Names like Amare Stoudemire, Tracy McGrady, Antawn Jamison, Troy Murphy, Tyrus Thomas, and Ray Allen are among some of the big names that could be changing addresses prior to Thursday’s 3:00 p.m. deadline. Here’s a look at the first two trades and who has come out on top of each deal.
Wizards Get: G/F Josh Howard, F/C Drew Gooden, PF James Singleton, and SG Quinton Ross
Mavs Get: SF Caron Butler, C Brendan Haywood, SG DeShawn Stevenson
Why this makes sense for Washington:
I am still trying to figure that one out. The Wizards will save about $2.6 million in cap space assuming they pick up Howard’s $11.8 million team option for the 2010-2011 season which I imagine they would. Then again, Washington could let Howard become a free agent, save his salary in cap space, and possibly be about ten million bucks under next year’s expected cap. If that is the case, this is a pure salary dump move, but why would the Wiz trade Butler, Haywood, and Stevenson for cap space and not get anything of value like a young player or draft pick in return? Washington will be hoping Howard, who is have the worst season of his NBA career since his rookie season, can provide a spark for a team struggling mightily.
Why this makes sense for Dallas:
Mark Cuban was reportedly giddy after the trade and you can understand why. Butler is a significant up-grade over Howard while Haywood provides another big body to back-up the often uninspired and injured Erick Dampier. Stevenson will likely be used sparingly off the bench. From a financial standpoint, this deal was worth the risk for the Mavs. Haywood is a free agent after this season while Butler and Stevenson each have one year remaining on their contract so it will not by any means kill Dallas’ already bloated payroll.
Winner: Dallas
Blazers Get: C Marcus Camby
Clippers Get: PG Steve Blake, F Travis Outlaw, Cash
Why this makes sense for Portland:
With Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla both out for the season, Portland needed to make a move to add a true big man to their roster to help their playoff chances. Camby fits that need perfectly as he is a veteran inside presence who can bring rebounding, shot blocking, and toughness up-front. Plus, he is a free agent at the end of the season so the Blazers do not take a salary cap hit. Blake was expendable with Andre Miller, Jerryd Bayless, and rookie Patty Mills all being able to run the point. Same can be said of Outlaw with Martell Webster, Nicolas Batum, and Rudy Fernandez all able to play the three.
Why this makes sense for L.A.:
This is sort of a wash for the Clips. Since they are obviously not making the post-season, they had no real reason to keep Camby around seeing as he would likely have signed elsewhere this summer. Blake and Outlaw are both free agents after the season so they will come off the books, and the cash is sort of a throw-in from Portland as a thank you sorts for giving them Camby. I am surprised the Clips didn’t at least get a second round pick, but Donald Sterling would rather have the money I guess.
Winner: Portland