Trade Deadline: Winners and Losers

Cleveland: WINNER

The Cavs had no choice but to make a splash at the deadline. They know that their only chance of hanging onto LeBron James in the off-season is showing him that they will put a championship team around him. But even more importantly, they did their deal without giving up too much. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is expected to be bought out, and return to Cleveland. So in reality, the Cavs traded a very late first round pick for Antawn Jamison and Sabestian Telfair. They executed with perfection at the deadline.

Dallas: WINNER


The Mavs had an extremely successful deadline. They gave up Drew Gooden (who they may end up resigning), Josh Howard, and some scrubs, and ended up with Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson. Butler is a major upgrade over Howard, and Haywood gives them a strong rebounding and shot blocking presence in the paint, as well as some scoring here and there. The Mavs are now a serious threat to challenge the Lakers for western conference supremacy.

Phoenix: LOSER


The Suns were in serious discussions with at least two teams (Cavs & Heat) to trade Amare Stouemire. Apparently, they were unwilling to do a deal with Miami without Michael Beasley or two first round picks being included. And they seemed to be unwilling to work a deal with Cleveland without getting back two first rounders. So in the end, they missed out on the chance to add at least one good young player and a first round pick for a player who will likely leave them in the off-season. Once the Cleveland deal fell apart, and they made their move for Antawn Jamison, Miami had all the bargaining chips.

Miami: WINNER


Winner? Huh? They did not even make a trade! Exactly! Miami had a deal on the table to land Amare Stoudemire, but it was just too costly. It would have been crazy to give up Michael Beasley or two first round picks for a player who they will likely be able to land for nothing (but a huge contract) in the off-season. Pat Riley wanted to make a splash, but he recognized that it was smarter to let things play out over the summer instead. The Heat will be in a much better position next year and beyond for having not traded for Amare now.

Chicago: WINNER


Chicago was able to move John Salmons and Tyrus Thomas for expiring contracts and a first round pick from the Bobcats. They are clearing the cap space they need to pursue Dwyane Wade or another big name free agent in the off-season.


Charlotte: WINNER


Any time you make moves to put your team in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, it is a good thing. Tyrus Thomas should help keep the Bobcats in the thick of things in the east.

Los Angeles Clippers: PUSH


I don't understand what they were doing there. They made a good move in trading Marcus Camby for Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake. But then they gave away Al Thorton and Sabestian Telfair for essentially nothing. I understand that they want to be in the mix for some big name free agents, but lets be real. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS!

New York: LOSER


I know they cleared cap space to sign LeBron James and Chris Bosh. I know they moved their big contracts for expiring ones. And I also know that they moved WAY down in the first round this year, and gave up next years first round pick to do it. IT WAS TOO MUCH! Lets be real. The chances that LeBron goes to a New York Knicks team that is starting over are slim. If he does not go, that probably hurts the chances of Chris Bosh going too. Knicks fans, prepare to embrace Joe Johnson. He is a great player, but he is not LeBron James or Chris Bosh.

Portland: LOSER


The Blazers gave up a good young talent in Travis Outlaw and a solid point guard in Steve Blake. I know they have depth at the point guard position, but that does not make it a good deal. With Camby make them better this year, yes. Will he put them over the top, no. So they traded a player who can contribute for years for what? A few extra wins this year?

Houston: WINNER


Houston is a big winner to me. They not only landed a great and underrated player in Kevin Martin, but essentially two first round picks from the Knicks. Not only that, but they did it for Carl Landry and Tracy McGrady, who they had sent home anyway. With the exception of Cleveland, who may have positioned themselves to win an NBA Championship, Houston may be the big winner at the trade deadline.

Washington: PUSH


I know the Wizards accomplished their goal of moving Jamison and Butler. I just think they could have done a better job of landing young players and draft picks in return. They did not do a bad job, I just believe that they could have done better.

Boston: WINNER


The Celtics were able to land a very talented backup point guard in Nate Robinson. Even better, they were able to do it without giving up an key pieces of their team. The Robinson trade was a no-brainer.