NBA Deadline Rundown: Stars Stay Put

The NBA trade deadline came and went last Thursday, and though there was a flurry of movement, all of the big names stayed put.

Multiple star-level players were rumored to be on the move, including Amare Stoudemire, Shaquille O'Neal, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Caron Butler, and Gerald Wallace. Attractive expiring deals like Wally Sczerbiak and Raef Lafrentz stayed put as well.

There were, however, multiple trades that should help a handful of teams down the stretch. On the other hand, the inactivity of other teams could come back to haunt them. Here’s a breakdown of several of the moves made at the deadline.

Completed Deals

Houston sends Rafer Alston to Orlando
Memphis sends Kyle Lowry to Houston first-round pick (from Magic)
Orlando sends Brian Cook to Houston and sends Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks and a first-round pick and cash to Memphis

This was probably the biggest and most important deal made Thursday. The Magic were likely locked into the third place slot in the East after losing Jameer Nelson, and looked incapable of beating either the Celtics or Cavs in a second-round playoff series. Alston gives Orlando a big upgrade over Anthony Johnson at point and amounts to an extra playmaker and another three-point shooter.

I say the trade improves the Magic by one win over the final 29 games of the season, and more importantly gives them a chance to beat either of the two teams ahead of them.

The move is also a good one for Houston. The Rockets will likely hand the reins to Aaron Brooks, who is a solid scorer and playmaker, but his size will probably limit his effectiveness the more he plays.

Lowry though is a tough-nosed player and a good defender, and is 10 years younger than Alston. The Rockets improved their projected record by nearly one win over the remainder of the season.

Memphis' only real gain here is the first-round pick.

Chicago trades Andres Nocioni and Drew Gooden to Sacramento and Michael Ruffin to Portland
Portland trades Ike Diogu to Sacramento
Sacramento trades Brad Miller and John Salmons to Chicago

Chicago sends Thabo Sefolosha to Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City sends a 2009 first-round pick to Chicago

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?