Spurs, Raptors, Sixers, and Nets Earn A's: Breaking Down The NBA Trades

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The NBA draft is usually a time where teams look to the future, but Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio have more immediate concerns—capturing an NBA championship. That’s why such mega names as Shaquille O’Neal, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson have been dealt in the past handful of days.

Here is what each move implies.

San Antonio acquires Richard Jefferson from Milwaukee for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto.

The Spurs have lacked three things the past few seasons that have stalled their attempts at recapturing an NBA crown—healthy stars, young athleticism, and another creative scorer.

Fortunately, Jefferson solves all three problems.

With Manu Ginobili’s health a major concern, Jefferson brings stability—he’s appeared in all 82 games each of the past two seasons.

Also, because Ginobili has missed so much action, and Tony Parker isn’t a dangerous jump shooter, the Spurs have lacked that key perimeter player who can both drive to the hoop and hit a jump shot. Jefferson provides that, whether in tandem with, or insurance for Manu Ginobili.

And since Bowen, Thomas, and Oberto are 38, 36, and 34, the Spurs are younger and more athletic with the 29-year old Jefferson.

On the court, Jefferson has a quick first step, is a strong finisher, can pull up off the bounce, shoot the three, and post selective opponents.

He’s also a willing passer and a competitive defender. If those skills have dulled the past few seasons playing for the mediocre Bucks and Nets, being reacquainted with a title-worthy team like San Antonio should reinvigorate Jefferson.

So should being a fourth-option on offense, as opposed to being the primary option the second half of last season after Michael Redd went down.

Of the players given away, it’s not unlikely that each will be bought out and can return to San Antonio. Assuming they don’t return, giving up Oberto and Thomas greatly reduces San Antonio’s frontcourt depth, particularly if Drew Gooden isn’t retained.

Is Ian Mahinmi ready to play important minutes for the Spurs? Is Tiago Splitter ready to come stateside? If not, Matt Bonner’s not-quite-ready-for-prime-time shooting stroke and limited athleticism will be Tim Duncan’s lone sidekick up front.

Richard Jefferson could slide in at the power forward and play alongside Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and either Roger Mason or Michael Finley, but only against select fours.

In other words, the Spurs need an able-bodied big man.

Ime Udoka has been underwhelming as an heir-apparent to Bowen, but can step in and play above-average defense in a pinch. Since Bowen’s defense had been gradually eroding, and since Jefferson can also play quality defense, Bowen’s loss won’t be significant.

In fact, the Spurs are back to being ready to challenge the Lakers for Western Conference supremacy.

Grade: A

Milwaukee acquires Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto from San Antonio for Richard Jefferson. Milwaukee then acquires Amir Johnson from Detroit for Oberto.

The Bucks were forced into this trade for a myriad of reasons.

Because the plummeting economy—along with the expected lowering of salary cap and luxury tax thresholds—hits the Bucks hard, Milwaukee to save cap space anywhere they can.

Throw in Michael Redd's season-ending knee injury last year and Andrew Bogut's back issues, and it’s unlikely that, even with Jefferson, the Bucks would have fielded a team capable of making the postseason.

It’s also unlikely that the Bucks assumed Ramon Sessions would turn out to be more than a flash in the pan, and that Charlie Villanueva wouldn’t get banished by Scott Skiles.

Since Jefferson isn’t worth the $14 million dollars you expect of franchise-carriers, trading him off makes nothing but financial sense.

They now have to flexibility to resign Sessions and Villanueva—musts if they plan on fielding a competitive team.

Kurt Thomas can still shoot mid range springers, rebound, and defend in limited minutes, and is an invaluable teacher. He’s a better backup than Dan Gadzuric and is insurance in case Bogut’s back can’t hold up.

Bruce Bowen can still occasionally play stand-up defense, but isn’t the standout he once was. His best asset will be teaching Joe Alexander the ropes.

Amir Johnson has big-time athleticism, but still has limited understanding of where he’s supposed to be on the court and why. His upside is worth a flier.

The Bucks shed a bad contract, got more flexible, and will be able to resign their young stars. Just don’t expect a playoff berth next season.

Grade: B

Detroit acquires Fabricio Oberto from Detroit for Amir Johnson.

Detroit's position is uncertain. They may decide to deconstruct their roster and rebuild, or they may jettison Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace and look to rebuild with Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, Tayshaun Prince, and one or two high impact free agents.

By trading away Johnson, my guess is the latter. Johnson is filled with untapped potential, but is strictly a raw athlete. Oberto is bigger and has a higher basketball IQ. With Jason Maxiell on board, the Pistons already had a backup power forward.  Now they have a respectable backup center.

Grade: B+

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