Top 5 NBA Moves So Far...

As of June 26, 2009 (the day after the draft) these are my top 5 off season moves. I am including the proposed trade for Amare Stoudemire that could possibly get accepted on Wednesday of next week. Most of the trades have one team doing it for economic reasons, while the other sides are making the moves for talent in a "win now" state of mind a la the 2008 Boston Celtics.

5. Saquille O'Neal to Cleveland

While most consider this a huge trade, obviously the Phoenix experiment didn't work, so the Suns were more than happy to dump his huge salary. Cleveland is doing whatever they can to keep LeBron happy in hopes he will resign after next season. While he is only getting older, he still has plenty left in the tank, and should thrive in the half-court offense. He knows LeBron is King, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get his 5th ring...one more than Kobe.

4. Mike Miller/Randy Foye to Washington

With a fully healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, and Antawn Jamison, the addition of these two scorers will only improve this team that most consider a contender in the east. Trading away the number five pick to get these two is going to pay off big. They have added some depth, and if the bench players continue to improve, Washington will be looking at home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs next year.

3. Amare to Golden State for Steph Curry

This is the proposed trade that may likely happen early next week. Rumor is Golden State took Curry in the draft so they could have him to trade for Amare. Amare would be a good fit in the Warrior's run and gun system, and could flourish in Don Nelson's system. He is a proven player and a dynamic one at that. Golden State is doing whatever it can to become a team on the rise.

2. Vince Carter to Orlando

Whether or not the Orlando Magic re-sign Hedo Turkoglu, they are already a better team than last year's NBA Finals runner up. What was already considered a very difficult team to guard, just got even tougher for opponents. Another scorer was added and Orlando avoided the PG debacle they would have had with Alston. Imagine this starting 5 next year: Nelson, Carter, Lewis, Turkoglu, and Howard. (Even without Hedo, that is still scary)

1. Richard Jefferson to San Antonio

This is easily the best move by a team so far this off season. With the (minor) losses of Bowen and Oberto, the Spurs have solidified a great starting 5 for next season. Considering Ginobli comes back to his usual form, and Duncan and Parker are healthy, the Spurs will once again be back at the top. Add in Roger Mason and this starting 5 will rival Orlando's for next season. The Lakers may be the champions now, but a familiar foe in the west is on the prowl.