Hot Trade in Hotlanta: Mike Bibby Headed to Hawks

Shaq is now in Phoenix, Pau is in L.A., and Chris Webber is back in Golden State. It was thought that a superstar point guard was next to be moved.

And there was.  But it wasn't the one you're thinking of.

Sorry Jason Kidd, that darn Larry Bird rule is keeping you in the northeast.

It's another top point guard, Mike Bibby, who is now joining some new company.

In the midst of all the trade talk and big deals, the Atlanta Hawks GM Billy Knight pulled a fast one.

Tyronn Lue, Anthony Johnson, Lorenzen Wright and Sheldon Williams are all heading out west in return for the veteran and playoff proven PG Mike Bibby. The Hawks were in great need of a talented, proven point guard and they got just that.

So just how did this trade get done?

It was noted over the last month or so that the Atlanta Hawks have been surprisingly absent from the NBA rumor mill and any other trade talks. Blockbuster deals have been going around before All-Star weekend, and not one involved the Hawks.

Then suddenly on Saturday Billy Knight made a huge move to gain Bibby, the best move of his career after the Joe Johnson deal. Billy had been taking a lot of flack for the his huge draft day mistakes. For example, passing up names like Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Rudy Gay, and Brandon Roy.

I think Billy is well on his way to redeeming himself with a postseason berth this year.

What the Hawks Gain

A veteran playoff tested leader who can create his own shot as well as shots for others. Bibby is Mr. clutch taking and making many big shots. This will take some of the pressure off of Joe!

What the Hawks Lose

Good leaders/secondary coaches to the young guys and talented bench players in Lue and Johnson.

Those two made some big plays for the Hawks and were even better people. Best of luck to them as well as Lorenzen and Sheldon Williams.

Neither of them got much playing time with the Hawks so hopefully the three vets will finish off their careers well and Sheldon's career will flourish.

The Hawks, now, have an extremely formidable starting five, with Bibby at point, Joe Johnson at two-guard, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams on the wings, and Al Horford, a star of this rookie class, in the middle. 

Not many starting fives in the East are going to match that, with the exception of the obvious Boston and Detroit crews, and maybe Orlando and Cleveland.

That being said, this is a great day for the Hawks and they are definitely now a force to be reckoned with in the East.