Los Angeles Lakers - A plus
Memphis Grizzlies - F minus After giving away Gasol for nothing they get gun shy, and are unwilling to move Mike Miller for anything. Worst NBA franchise right now, no plan and no clue.
Phoenix Suns - B They weren't going to win with Marion, so why not take a shot at it with Shaq.
Miami Heat - B They weren't going anywhere with Shaq, so why not try something and reduce payroll. I was surprised they didn't try to do something with Ricky Davis.
Houston Rockets - D How does this deal help them? It only allowed them to get out from under Mike James, but it doesn't make them any better.
New Orleans Hornets - B Plus Good deal. Didn't give up anything, and got some potential help.
Atlanta Hawks - B + They lost nothing, and they added a good player in Bibby, in the position where they most needed help.
Sacramento Kings - B Got lots of expiring contracts, and added S Williams, which is a worthwhile risk, as they really only have to commit to one season. I believe Williams will be a bust. One of the worst top 5 picks in recent memory. A mid to late first rounder and he is OK, so Sacto can find out next year just how good he might be, and pay him accordingly.
Cleveland Cavaliers - B Plus The only player they lost that was really contributing was Gooden. Hughes has been hurt and adding nothing. Newble, Marshall et al were just roster fodder. They added a shooter which they needed, they added a better PG than any one they already had, and got a rebounder, and defender in Wallace, and a great role player in Smith.
Chicago Bulls - C Plus Chicago was going nowhere with what they had. This is now do or die time for Ty Thomas, and an opportunity to see what Noah can do. There is no reason to sit those guys if this team isn't going to go deep in the playoffs, so see what you have.
Seattle Supersonics - B Seattle added contracts, which will reduce their payroll earlier, which for them makes sense, so they can make a run at a FA in a year or 2
Dallas Mavericks - C- This is about going all in. Harris is going to be a solid pro, and Diop was a good defender. This is a short term move to get deep in the playoffs. I don't believe it will help.
New Jersey Nets - A minus Kidd was a cancer, and NJ was going nowhere, so they got a good PG for the long term. Contrast this to Memphis. Memphis gave up an all-star big guy in his prime, for a total loser. NJ gave up an old PG past his prime, for a young top 1/3 PG.
San Antonio - B+ Thomas is an ideal fit, and the draft pick would be a late first rounder. Smart move.
Seattle - B Seattle did a great job in renting Thomas for 50 games. None of their draft picks will be high draft picks, but they have increased their odds of getting at least one maybe 2 players for their regular rotation.
Utah - A Korver is way better than Giricek, and isn't making that much money. Great deal, and the results show that.
Philly - C This was about cap space, and that is what they got. I am not a big fan of trading talent for cap space, hence my grade of a C.
Houston - B Green is a risk worth taking, Snyder was going nowhere
Minnesota - D Snyder is older, with much less potential. Minny sucks, so why trade away potential for a proven marginal talent.
