How Monta Ellis to Milwaukee and Other Trades Will Affect the NBA Postseason

With all the hype surrounding the 2012 NBA Trade Deadline, many were surprised to see some of the biggest names—Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Rajon Rondo—remain in their respective cities. 

However, that doesn't mean significant trades didn't occur. Here is a look at five transactions that could have an impact on this year's postseason. 

Nick Young to L.A. Clippers (from Washington)

The Clippers needed a confident shooter, and Nick Young could be the perfect fit for their team. A fifth-year guard out of USC, Young holds a solid average of 16 PPG.

Royce Young of CBSSports.com weighs in:

"[Young is] a scorer, a guy that can create his own shot and someone that certainly isn't afraid to throw anything up. Pretty much precisely the kind of player the Clips need at that two-guard slot."

The best part about this trade for L.A. is that they didn't have to give up anything—practically—to acquire Young. The Clippers lost Brian Cook, who wasn't earning any minutes anyway, and a second-round pick deemed virtually unnecessary.

Young needs some improvement on the defensive end, but he'll be a more reliable shooter, especially in those crunch-time situations. Young also relieves some pressure off of Mo Williams, who has been coming off the bench to fill a position in which he doesn't' naturally fit.

Look for Young to thrive in the Clippers' system alongside Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.

Gerald Wallace to New Jersey Nets (from Portland)

The Nets may have not made out exactly how they planned.

There's no doubt they were looking to bring in a larger-market player—they were allegedly one of the teams in the running for Dwight Howard, who stayed in Orlando—but Gerald Wallace will still be an asset to the team.

Wallace was traded from Portland to New Jersey for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and a draft pick.

Portland is a struggling franchise, and Wallace should fit better in New Jersey's system. He puts up decent numbers across the board—13.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 2.7 APG—and should play well with Nets point guard Deron Williams.

Minnesota Timberwolves NOT Completing 3-Way Trade with LA and Portland

Typically carrying a reputation of poor decisions and unintelligent statements, Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn made a redemptive choice by not moving around players before the deadline.

CBS Sports senior blogger Matt Moore weighs in:

"

There were trades to be made. Kahn's got the Wolves in a position to compete for the postseason. He could've gone after Jamal Crawford, he could've sold off Michael Beasley, he could've tried to bring in point guard help. He could've done something dramatic like deal Derrick Williams for a bigger name player. But he didn't. He stood pat. For once, he stopped and believed in his process.

"

Granted, Kahn's move—or lack thereof—was probably due in part to L.A. bringing in Ramon Sessions and altering the potential for a three-way deal. Regardless of the reasons behind it, however, his stance will prove positive for Minnesota in the long run.

Whether or not the Wolves make the playoffs this year is still on the line, but Kahn has a strong core of young athletes that will succeed in the seasons to come.

Royce Young said, "Instead of being shortsighted about scrambling for the eight-seed [in the playoffs], Kahn stuck to the plan and kept his assets in his pockets."

Minnesota fans thank you, Mr. Kahn.

Ramon Sessions to L.A. Lakers (from Cleveland)

It's no secret that the L.A. Lakers have been desperate to bring in a point guard, and they're now hoping that fifth-year PG Ramon Sessions can add some stability to the desired position.

"This is a more complete team with Sessions," Moore writes. "[He's] a capable non-star who can have nights of brilliance and deliver the right pass, but isn't so big as to take Bryant's shots."

Previously playing for smaller-market, mediocre teams in Milwaukee, Minnesota and Cleveland, Sessions is the type of player that's a "better creator than shooter."

Sessions has only played two games with L.A. since the trade, and he's averaging 8.5 points and 5.5 assists in 21 minutes of play.

Hopefully, his time will extend past the bench soon, and he will provide that leadership on the court the Lakers have been waiting for.

Monta Ellis to Milwaukee Bucks (from Golden State)

In one of the more surprising trades this season, the Golden State Warriors sent seventh-year guard Monta Ellis  (and Ekpe Udoh) to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.

Bogut may be one of the top NBA centers when healthy, but he often succumbs to the injury bug and was taking up bench space for a team that needs immediate results.

Pairing Ellis with Brandon Jennings in the backcourt is certainly an interesting experiment for Milwaukee, but it's one that Bucks fans are more than on board with.

In the note to Bucks enthusiasts, Ellis said he is "looking forward to contributing to the Bucks organization" and to becoming a part of the community. Ellis noted that he already senses "the genuine and caring nature" of the franchise and the city.

In his first two games in the Midwest, the 27 year old is averaging 16 points and 6.5 assists per game.

Ellis may be just what Milwaukee needs to overcome this hump and get some wins under its belt.