The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching. There were a couple of trades that happened yesterday. The San Antonio Spurs traded a 1st round pick, Fransisco Elson, and Brent Barry to the Seattle Supersonics for Kurt Thomas. The Spurs get veteran big man who has a high basketball IQ, can hit the 15 footer and is one of the best post defenders in the league. Kurt Thomas was acquired for his defense in the low post. This was a need for the Spurs and they address it. Elson wasn't in the rotation anymore. Brent Barry has injured for most of the season, but the Spurs might miss his three point shooting and passing ability. Fortunately for the Spurs, Ime Udoka has played well since Brent Barry has been injured. The Sonics get cap space and a first round pick. What more could you need? They may buyout Brent Barry's contract and he could return to the Spurs. I do think the Spurs need more athleticism. Signing Justin Williams would certainly help in the frontcourt and trading for Gordan Giricek would add some youth to that guard position. If Jeremy Richardson doesn't get a guaranteed deal after his 10 day contract expires with the Hawks, I think the Spurs should pick him up. He already knows parts of the system from being on the Spurs team earlier in the season and playing on their D-League team. He's a very good shooter, ball handler, and an ok defender with really good length
The Houston Rockets traded Bonzi Wells and Mike James to the New Orleans Hornets for Bobby Jackson. The Memphis Grizzlies were involved to complete the trade as they received two prospects and cash. I guess the Rockets don't understand the concept of not trading within your own division, let alone the best team in the West. Hornets finally got a respectable bench with the addition of Mike James and Bonzi Wells. They'll add some scoring and Bonzi Wells will add some toughness to that bench which has been terrible this season. The Rockets aren't getting much in Bobby Jackson, but an aging player with a contract. I'm quite Aaron Brooks can give the Rockets the same production as Bobby Jackson at a cheaper price. Hell, he can probably out perform Bobby Jackson if given playing time. Playing time was the main reason for the Rockets to complete this trade. They aren't any better and obviously, Hornets just got a lot tougher. Some of the Western Conference GMs are probably pissed off at the Rockets. I certainly would be.
There are a lot of names still available at the trade deadline. Here are some of the names that could be traded: Mike Miller, Andre Miller, Drew Gooden, Shannon Brown, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Eduardo Najera, Linas Kleiza, Ira Newble, Luke Ridnour, Gerald Green, Antoine Walker, Mickael Pietrus, Juan Dixon, Stephen Graham, Ike Diogu, Vince Carter, Jason Williams, Ricky Davis, Udonis Haslem, Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling, Pat Garrity, Flip Murray, Kyle Lowry, Jarret Jack, Sergio Rodriguez, Delonte West, Chris Wilcox, Wally Szczerbiak, Earl Watson, Damien Wilkins, Ben Gordon, Ben Wallace, Chris Duhon, Charlie Bell, Dan Gadzuric, Bobby Simmons, Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry, Quinton Ross.