McGrady-Martin Trade Lopsided (But Not The Way You Think)

The biggest move at the trade deadline was certainly the trade that sent Antawn Jamison to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, next year we may look back on the Tracy McGrady for Kevin Martin trade as the smartest deal.

The trade would reportedly send T-Mac, Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and cash to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Kevin Martin, Kenny Thomas, Hilton Armstrong and Sergio Rodriguez. If this trade seems lopsided, that's because it is. And not in the Rockets favor.

Sure the Rockets get a proven scorer in Martin, but that's all. The other three players have a combined average of 9.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG and 4.0 APG. Meanwhile, Carl Landry is averaging 16.1/5.5/0.8.

The Rockets also get Martin's contract that will eat up $34 million from 2010-2013. That, added to Yao Ming's option for next year, at $17 million, plus Shane Battier's $7 million and Trevor Ariza's $6 million pretty much guarantees that the Rockets will not be doing too much shopping this offseason.

On the other hand, the Kings get McGrady's expiring contract and a young power forward in Landry to strengthen a frontcourt that already boasts two impressive young bigs in Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes.

The Kings will most likely buyout McGrady's contract, which means he will have to wait 30 days before he can re-sign with a playoff contender, provided the buyout takes place before March 1st.  

All of this puts the Kings in great position for this summer's free agent grab.