NBA Trade Deadline: The Aftermath

Going into today the Lakers had my vote as the best move before the trade deadline in getting Pau Gasol for NOTHING! Now that the deadline has came and gone I still feel that LA made the best trade. There have been several big moves i.e Kidd to Dallas and Shaq to Phoenix, and several smaller deals such as the Spurs acquiring Kurt Thomas. It seemed every team that had a legit shot at getting to the Finals were trying to make a big move to get their respected teams over the top except the Cavs, King James was forced to sit and watch LA, Phoenix, Dallas, and San Antonio all add quality players to their rosters. Well today James finally got his wish for some help. Wait let me rephrase that the Cavs made a trade but if I was King James I wouldn't be jumping for joy or anything as they acquired Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Bulls 2009 2nd-round pick, Wally Szczerbiak,
and Delonte West via a 3-team 11 player deal involving the Cavs, Bulls, and Sonics. The Cavs sent Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Cedric Simmons, and Shannon Brown to the Bulls. They also sent Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall to the Sonics. This surely isn't a blockbuster move like LA and Phoenix pulled off but it will give the Cavs some rebounding and defensive help along with Wally stretching the D with his outside shooting. Do I think this makes the Cavs the favorite in the East? Absolutely not. The Celtics and Pistons are still my picks to be in the Eastern Conference Finals but the Cavs and Magic will certainly make it interesting.

Now its time to stop all the talking and see who really emerges as title contenders.
I say send the MVP and Title to LA right now! Kobe is on a mission and that team is scary good!

RA