The NBA 2009 Trade Deadline

After the weeks of speculation and hype, the NBA trading deadline finally passed.

This time last season, journalists were gushing over the host of blockbuster deals that transpired midseason—Gasol for a pack of cookies, Kidd for Harris and filler and Shaq Diesel for Shawn "The Matrix" Marion.

With the Matrix (again) being dealt for J O'Neal a few days ago, the stage appeared set for some blockbuster deals with names like Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Shaq, and Amar'e Stoudemire being thrown in the fray.

Finally, the trading deadline has passed and the biggest name of the day is Rafer Alston.

What? OK, maybe...Larry Hughes. Or maybe...Brad Miller.

You get the idea. it is hard to identify the biggest name of that bunch. Here are my observations about some noticeable aspects of the league pertaining to trades and non-trades.

The Sacramento Kings got worse

No, it's true. Unbelievably, the abysmal Kings found a way to go lower than the depths they have sunk to prior to the deadline. The Kings traded away their second-best player John Salmons and their only former All-Star Brad Miller (OK, Abdul Rahim technically is on their payroll as well) for basically two expiring contracts and Andres Nocioni.

You can't help but to feel for the dwindling fans.

If you thought the first half of the season was bad for the Kings, watch out for the second. Those projected to go high in the draft must be praying that the Kings do another Jason Thomson-esque draft.

The Chicago Bulls-New Knicks deal: Much ado about nothing

Larry Hughes gets traded for Jerome James and Tim Thomas. Um, let's see now—Larry Hughes is a petulant, spoiled non-star who stands to make $12 million a year. But hey, his salary comes off the cap in 2010.

Wait a minute. Jerome James is a petulant spoilt non-star who combines with Tim Thomas to make $12 million a year, and their salaries comes off the cap in 2010.

So, the Bulls must really like Tim Thomas. Well, except the fact that he has refused to play for them before.

Either the Knicks must believe that head coach Mike D'Antoni can revive the career of egoistical deluded guards (*cough Marbury *cough), or the GMs have 'trades made' as one of their Key Performance Indicators when it comes time for another job evaluation.

3) The Washington Wizards did absolutely nothing

OK, it is a step up from the Kings, although an argument could be made for the Kings shedding salary. The Wizards have absolutely no cap flexibility due to their big three locking up almost $40 million between them until 2011.

Washington is starting to look like the L.A. Clippers.

Granted, injuries have hit the Wizards hard, but the Jazz had it worse and are still in the playoff hunt. Hands up all of you who believe that a healthy Gilbert Arenas will lead the Wizards back into relevancy a la Dwyane Wade.

Anyone?...I didn't think so.

At least not while the rest of the East got better. One would think the Wizards would have traded Antawn Jamison while his stock is high.

With their highest-paid player being a mere blogger, the Wizards finishing anywhere 27th in the league would be an achievement.

4) Chris Wilcox gets traded twice

First, he was part of a bargain deal for the Thunder that got rescinded. Then he basically got dumped for money. Whatever you say about Chris Wilcox, at least you could delude yourself into using 'upside' and 'potential' which is more than what you can say for Malik Rose. But at least that sure beats the next guy's feelings.

Oh, and the Thunder got cash as well.

5) Grizzlies get paid to take Chris Mihm

From the starting center two seasons ago to dead weight, that is the story of Chris Mihm.

He is not half bad, apart from being fragile and soft. But he does provide experience and a 7' frame. You have to feel bad that he got traded for a protected second round pick and came with cash as well. But it does help the Lakers finances.

6) The most coveted player remains where he is

Not Amar'e, not Vinsanity, not Shaq, not Jefferson, the most coveted player at the 2008 trading deadline is Raef Lafrentz. A $12 million expiring contract in 2009 and it is mostly covered by insurance to boot. How not to like it?

Small wonder the Trailblazers were linked with just about every other team. When the dust settled, the Trailblazers decided to eat the savings themselves. Maybe the Darius Miles e-mails soured Pritchard's relationships with his fellow GMs.

7) Deja vu for the Bulls?

The Bulls could have had Kobe (depending on who you believe) or Gasol or Garnett. Well, at least they got the No. 1 draft pick for their (lack of) efforts. This time around, they were linked to Amar'e and all they got is Brad Miller.

OK, Miller isn't half bad, but he is not going to be the interior beast that would complement Derrick Rose and Luol Deng. At least they got John Salmons.

Still, I don't hear fans in the Windy City dreaming of a return to the MJ glory years any time soon.