NBA Trade Deadline Deals

In a major surprise, the Chicago Bulls appear to have been the biggest winner at the deadline. GM John Paxson was hanging on a thread, but made three moves. The biggest was first, dealing F Andres Nocioni and F Drew Gooden to the Sacremento Kings for C Brad Miller and G John Salmons. This was a total steal, because Salmons is a great scorer, 18 PPG. At that point the Bulls had John Salmons, Larry Hughes, Ben Gordon, Derrick Rose, and Thabo Sefolosha all competing for the two guard spots. So, some had to be delt. Larry Hughes was sent to New York for Tim Thomas and Jerome James, while Thabo Sefolosha was sent to the New Orleans Hornets for a first-round draft pick in the upcoming draft. In other deals, Rafer Alston was sent to the Orlando Magic from the Houston Rockets to replace Jameer Nelson who is injured. There was no big superstar moves like last season, when we saw Jason Kidd, Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, and others move. Shaq was again on the rumors possibly going to Cleveland for Ben Wallace and Wally Sczierbiak or Pavlovic. No deal was done, much like for Amar'e Stoudamire. The Suns are rejunvinated under their new coach. I can see the Suns making the 6th seed when all is done. This refilled Bulls team that has many new guys replacing traded guys will make the playoffs and could work their way up the seeds, too. The Celtics made no deals, and are slipping in the East.