Would you believe that Lebron James had an impact on the NBA trade deadline even if he wasn’t even rumored to be moving? The way that Lebron left the Cleveland Cavaliers in the lurch last summer brings chills up the spine of every GM with a star whose contract is running out. No GM or owner wants to go through the headache that the Cav’s did last summer while getting nothing in return. This left teams like the Nuggets and Jazz selling their highly touted superstars to the highest bidder.
Nuggets Grade: B+ The Nuggets probably couldn’t have gotten a better offer than they one that they finally took. They totally changed the mindset of their team, going from a half court isolation offense to a run and gun team that can now play defense. They acquired 4 players under the age of 28 and 3 extra draft picks down the road.
Knicks Grade: B They definitely upgraded but even with the acquisition of Carmello, they still aren’t a championship contender. They lack a starting center and any sense of the word defense, yet they will be able to outscore most teams in the NBA on any given night. This was also a move to attract possible free agents this off-season. Is Chris Paul coming to the Garden?
Thunder Grade: A- The Oklahoma City Thunder were a team on the verge before they traded for Kendrick Perkins, now they’ve been pushed to the head of the pack with the Lakers and Spurs. Perkins gives them the inside toughness they needed to compliment the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. They now have the bigs they need to match up against any team in the NBA.
Jazz Grade: A The Utah Jazz were in a situation much like the Nuggets with a big superstar and an expiring contract. They weren’t publicly shopping Deron Williams, one the top point guard in the NBA, until the Nets stepped in and gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Devin Harris is a more than solid point guard and Derrick Favors has all the upside in the world. It’s just unfortunate Jerry Sloan was let go already.
