Deadline Trades: How Do These Moves Affect This NBA Season?

The trade deadline has come and gone, and we've seen multiple big trades go down in the last three days. 'Melo finally has a new home, the Nets forgot him quickly and traded for a superstar of their own, the Clips and Cavs traded point guards, Rip City upgraded their big men, and many more moves. So, which of these teams have a better future this year, and which will have to wait for their first round picks to kick in next year? First, let's take a look at how each of these many affected teams look after the flurry of moves. 

New York Knicks

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets and the Western Conference shoots a jumper from the corner in the first period of the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE

Starting 5:

PG Chauncey Billups

SG Landry Fields 

SF Carmelo Anthony

PF Amare Stoudemire

C Ronny Turiaf

Key Reserves:

SG Corey Brewer

SF Bill Walker 

PF Shelden WIlliams

The Bottom Line:

The Knicks' acquisition of Anthony improved their starting lineup greatly, but leaves the rest of their team bare and shallow. And, while adding a seemingly meaningless third team to the deal (Minnesota Timberwolves) the Knicks traded away their two best supporting Big Men in Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry for no apparent reason, leaving Ronny Turiaf, who averages a mere 4.7 PPG, as the starting Center. The Knicks aren't going to be much better in the short run in my mind, and that's not going to be good enough for the city of New York. 

Denver Nuggets

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 16: Raymond Felton #2 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

Starting 5:

PG Raymond Felton

SG Aaron Afflalo

SF Danilo Galinari 

PF Kenyon Martin

C Nene Hilario

Key Reserves:

PG Ty Lawson

SG J.R. Smith

SF Wilson Chandler

PF Al Harrington

C Chris Andersen

The Bottom Line: 

Obviously, the Nuggets don't get any better after trading away their superstar. Still, Denver did a fantastic job of getting all they could for him. Not only that, but they also upgraded at the point guard position as well, going from a former star past his prime to an up-and-coming star in the midst of a stellar year. As long as the Nuggets don't go through with what is, in my opinion, a very stupid idea, trading Gallinari, a proved, talented young prospect, to the Nets for a first round pick that, for all they know, could be a Greg-Oden-like flop. Denver will still be a good team, and a more consistent team than New York for the time-being. 

New Jersey Nets

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz and the Western Conference moves the ball in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Starting 5: 

PG Deron WIlliams

SG Jordan Farmar

SF Damion Jones

PF Travis Outlaw

C Brook Lopez

Key Reserves:

PG Ben Uzoh

SG Sasha Vujacic

SF Quinton Ross

C Johan Petro

The Bottom Line: 

The Nets get a superstar with this deal, which in itself is good, but they still have a very questionable team. Their point guard and center are solid, but everyone in between and their entire bench is at best questionable. The Nets have a lot of work to do before they get back to the level they were at in the Kidd era. 

Utah Jazz

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON - NOVEMBER 24: Devin Harries #34 of the New Jersey Nets takes the ball up the court in the second half against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the nets 89-83. NOTE TO USER: Us

Starting 5:

PG Devin Harris

SG Raja Bell

SF Andre Kirilenko

PF Mehmet Okur

C Al Jefferson

Key Reserves: 

PG Earl Watson

SF C.J. Miles

SF Gordon Heyward

SF Paul Millsap 

PF Derrick Favors

The Bottom Line:

The Jazz come out of this trade still a better team than the Nets. Although they are a bit small forward-heavy, they have a deep team and a good team. They definitely still have a chance at making the playoffs, but it'll be tough with the very crowded bottom half of the Western playoff picture.

Portland Trail Blazers

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 11: Gerald Wallace #3 of the Charlotte Bobcats against the Boston Celtics during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 11, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Starting 5:

PG Andre Miller

SG Brandon Roy

SF Gerald Wallace

PF LaMarcus Aldridge

C Marcus Camby

Key Reserves:

PG Wesley Mathews

SG Rudy Fernandez

SF Nicolas Batum

C Greg Oden*

*Injured

The Bottom Line:

The Blazers have one of the best starting fives in the league on paper after the trade. However, trading away Sean Marks, Joel Pryzbilla, and Dante Cunningham leaves them very slim when it comes to the Power Forward and Center positions, especially with Oden injured (again). The rest of their bench is very solid, though, and if they keep streaking they'll be alright. 

Charlotte Bobcats

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 04: Morris Peterson #24 of the New Orleans Hornets drives the ball against the Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Arena on November 4, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

Starting 5:

PG D.J. Augustin

SG Stephen Jackson

SF Boris Diaw

PF Tyrus Thomas

C Desenga Diop

Key Reserves: 

PG Shaun Livingston

SG Morris Peterson

PF Eduardo Najera

C Kwame Brown

C Joel Pryzbilla

The Bottom Line:

It's easy to see that the Bobcats are trying to rebuild, sending away Wallace and Mohammed and trying to find a deal for Jackson. What's hard to see is why they are, as they are easily in contention for a playoff spot in the weak bottom half of the East playoff picture. Overall, their starting lineup is okay, but it suffers greatly from the loss of Wallace. Their bench is full of D-listers at best. They definitely should've pried more away from the Blazers, like a Batum or Mathews. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Kendrick Perkins #43 of the Boston Celtics looks on while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Staring 5:

PG Russell Westbrook

SG Thabo Sefolosha 

SF Kevin Durant

PF Serge Ibaka

C Kenrick Perkins 

Key Reserves:

PG Nate Robinson

SG James Harden

SF Nazr Mohammed

PF Byron Mullens

C Cole Aldrich

The Bottom Line:

It's hard to decide whether this was a good trade for the Thunder. They get Perkins for Kristic isnt much if an improvement as Center, but it is one. They send away one of their best leaders in Green, but get Nate Robinson as a bench PG in return. In my opinion, the Thunder will stay at the same level after these trades with the Celtics and Bobcats. 

Boston Celtics

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 3: Jeff Green #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on November 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

Starting 5:

PG Rajon Rondo

SG Ray Allen

SF Paul Pierce

PF Kevin Garnett

C Shaquille O'Neal*

*Injured

Key Reserves:

PG Delonte West

SG Von Wafer

SF Jeff Green 

PF Glen Davis

C Jermaine O'Neal*

C Nenad Kristic

*Injured

The Bottom Line:

In the most surprising move at the deadline the C's dealt their center for eight years to the Thunder for Nenad Kristic and Jeff Green. They also broke up the Shrek (Glen Davis)- Donkey (Robinson) duo by sending Nate Robinson to OKC as well. It was an emotional day for Perkins and many Celtics who had been playing with him for a long time. As far as the team's talent goes, they'll be just as good as they were and they'll add some more leadership with Jeff Green, who was a Captain on the Thunder. Don't expect the Celtics to go anywhere but up.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 25: Baron Davis #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center on January 25, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consent

Starting 5:

PG Baron Davis

SG Daniel Gibson

SF JJ Hickson

PF Antwan Jamison

C Anderson Varejao 

Key Reserves:

PG Ramon Sessions

SG Anthony Parker

PF Luke Harangody 

The Bottom Line:

The Cavs upgraded a small amount at the point guard position, going from Mo Williams to Davis, but they also sent away Jamario Moon with no compensation. Let's just say they won't get any worse.

Los Angeles Clippers

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON - MAY 13: Mo Williams #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after he is called for a foul in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA playoffs at TD Garden on May 13, 2010 in

Starting 5:

PG Mo Williams

SG Eric Gordon 

SF Ryan Gomes

PF Blake Griffin

C Chris Kaman

Key Reserves:

SG Randy Foye

SF Rasual Butler

SF Jamario Moon

PF Al-Farouq Aminu 

C DeAndre Jordan

The Bottom Line:

Somewhat surprisingly, the Clippers were the team from Los Angeles that was making deadline moves this year. In my opinion, Williams is a bit of a downgrade from Davis, as I said in the last slide, but Jamario Moon definitely beefs up their bench. Overall, the Clippers are looking at a fairly successful year - for the Clippers, that is. 

Phoenix Suns

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the Boston Celtics on January 10, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Rockets defeated the Celtics 108-102. NOTE T

Starting 5:

PG Steve Nash

SG Vince Carter

SF Grant Hill

PF Channing Frye

C Marcin Gortat

Key Reserves:

PG Aaron Brooks

SG Mickael Pietrus

SF Jared Dudley

SF Josh Childress

PF Hakim Warrick

C Robin Lopez

The Bottom Line:

On paper, the Suns have a good, deep team. On the court, though, they can't put it all together. Getting Aaron Brooks was a good move for the future to replace Nash, but for now, it doesn't change the team's composure much. One thing I know for sure is that Phoenix will be in contention for the last few Western playoff spots. 

Houston Rockets

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - NOVEMBER 25: Hasheem Thabeet #34 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw shot during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on November 25, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Grizzlies 126-111. NOTE TO US

Starting 5:

PG Courtney Lee

SG Kevin Martin

SF Terrence Williams

PF Luis Scola

C Brad Miller

Key Reserves:

PG Goran Dragic

SG Kyle Lowry

PF Jordan Hill

C Yao Ming*

C Hasheem Thabeet

*Injured

The Bottom Line:

Shane Battier and Aaron Brooks are now both gone, and they've got almost nothing to show for it. They got an unproven pure bench guard in Dragic, and Hasheem Thabeet who, once Yao comes back, will be obselite. These trades were two big steps backwards, and they made it harder for Houston to make the playoffs in 2011. 

Memphis Grizzlies

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 20: Shane Battier #31 of the Houston Rockets in action against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on December 20, 2010 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or

Starting 5:

PG Mike Conley Jr.

SG O.J. Mayo

SF Rudy Gay

PF Zach Randolph

C Marc Gasol

Key Reserves:

PG Xavier Henry

SG Tony Allen

SF Shane Battier

PF Darrell Arthur

The Bottom Line:

Memphis's trade for Battier was a good one. He will make an outstanding backup for Rudy Gay, because he is starter-calibur. He gives them a full solid bench 5... if they still had Thabeet. Memphis is in the 8th playoff spot in the West right now, and if they can get more quality big men, they'll move up further.

Atlanta Hawks

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: Kirk Hinrich #12 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Miami Heat at the Verizon Center on December 18, 2010 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and o

Starting 5:

PG Kirk Hinrich

SG Joe Johnson

SF Marvin Williams

PF Josh Smith

C Al Horford

Key Reserves:

PG Jeff Teague

SG Jamaal Crawford

SF Josh Powell

PF Hilton Armstrong 

The Bottom Line:

I would have opposed the Bibby trade if it had been any team other than Atlanta trading him. Atlanta needed to change something - anything- to spark their team. That's what they did, but it remains to be seen if it will work or not. Hinrich is a great shooter and a clutch one late in the game. He seems a good fit, but we'll just have to wait and see. 

Washington Wizards

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 18: Mike Bibby #10 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 18, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or u

Starting 5:

PG Mike Bibby

SG John Wall

SF Josh Howard

PF Rashard Lewis

C JaVale McGee

Key Reserves:

SG Jordan Crawford

SF Maurice Evans

SF Al Thornton

PF Andray Blatche

PF Yi Jianilan

The Bottom Line:

Trading for Bibby was a step forward for the Wizards. After the Arenas trade, Washington was left with no mentor for young star John Wall. With Bibby, they've got one, and they've got a chance at making the playoffs in the weak Eastern conference bottom half of the playoff picture. 

West Standings

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder competes in the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest apart of NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansez

Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs

2. Dallas Mavericks

3. Los Angeles Lakers

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

5. Denver Nuggets

6. Portland Trail Blazers

7. New Orleans Hornets

8. Utah Jazz

------------------

9. Memphis Grizzlies

10. Phoenix Suns

11. Golden State

12. Los Angeles Clippers

13. Houston Rockets

14. Minnesota Timberwolves

15. Sacremento Kings

The Bottom Line:

Oklahoma City stays right where it is, among the West's elite.

Denver takes advantage of Utah's drop-off and moves up to seed 5. 

Portland uses their new force, Wallace, to power their way past New Orleans to the 6th seed.

Memphis and Phoenix come up a little short, but have bright futures. 

The Clippers take a step forward from last year, but still have a lot of work to do. 

It's rebuilding time in Houston.

East Standings

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 16: Amar'e Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading

Eastern Conference

1. Boston Celtics

2. Miami Heat

3. Chicago Bulls

4. Orlando Magic

5. New York Knicks

6. Atlanta Hawks

7. Philadelphia 76ers

8. Milwaukee Bucks

------------------

9. Indiana Pacers

10. Detroit Pistons

11. Charlotte Bobcats

12. Washington Wizards

13. New Jersey Nets

14. Toronto Raptors

15. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Bottom Line:

No change for Boston or Cleveland as they stay at their respective ends of the conference.

The Knicks leap frog the Hawks for the 5th seed, but both teams are hot heading into the postseason.

The Bobcats go cold for the rest of the year without Wallace and Mohammed and miss the playoffs.

The Wizards and Nets improve greatly, but it's too little too late.

Playoffs

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 06: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics is congratulated by teammates Paul Pierce #23,Glen Davis #11,Kevin Garnett #5 and Ray Allen #20 after Rondo drew the foul in the second half agianst the Orlando Magic on February 6, 2011 at t

West

1. SAS over 8. UTA, 4-3

2. DAL over 7. NOH, 4-1

3. LAL over 6. POR, 4-2

4. OKC over 5. DEN, 4-2

4. OKC over 1. SAS, 4-2

2. DAL over 3. LAL, 4-3

4. OKC over 2. DAL, 4-3

The Bottom Line: 

Utah puts up a good fight against the Spurs, but is ousted in round one.

Portland is once again out in round one, this time against their rival Los Angeles. 

OKC teaches Denver the importance of Star Power, beating them in round one. Then they pull off two upsets over San Antonio and Dallas to reach the Finals.

East

1. BOS over 8. MIL, 4-1

2. MIA over 7. PHI, 4-0

6. ATL over 3. CHI, 4-3

5. NYK over 4. ORL, 4-2

1. BOS over 6. ATL, 4-1

2. MIA over 5. NYK, 4-3

2. MIA over 1. BOS, 4-3

The Bottom Line:

Boston cruises past Milwaukee and Atlanta, but Miami finally figures out how to beat them in the Eastern Finals.

Atlanta pulls off an upset in round one, but only gets one win in the next series with Boston. 

New York excites the home town crowd with their first playoff series win in a long time over the Magic. The next series against Miami is one of the best in the Playoffs, but they come up short against LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and the Heat. 

Finals

2E. Miami Heat over 4W. Oklahoma City Thunder, 4-2

The Bottom Line:

The Thunder made a great run to the finals, but they can't quite get it done against Miami. That's one ring for LeBron. How many more can we count on?