Are you in the game?!

Just as I thought, there would be more player movement in the NBA right after the 2008 All-Star Weekend. However, I must admit, I didn’t exepect it would be this huge! The Seattle Supersonics and San Antonio Spurs were the first teams to proclaim their movements by sending Kurt Thomas of the Sonics for Spurs’ Barry and forward Francisco Elson. Then, comes an 11-player trade deal involving the Cavs, Bulls, and the Sonics once more. In addition, the Pistons, Raptors, Hornets, Rockets, Nuggets, and Blazers also got some matters settled.

Beating the Feb 21, 2008, 3 p.m. ET deadline, teams really got busy! The “Gasol to Lakers” movement really shaked the teams who are gunning for the elusive NBA title. Perhaps they felt the sense of urgency to boost their respective rosters in order to match up with the Lakers and the league leader, Boston Celtics. Of course, it’s the Boston who set the bars high. Here are some last minute trades:

The Rockets acquired high-flyer Gerald Green, a Texas native, from the Timberwolves for Kirk Snyder, a 2010 second-round pick and cash considerations.

Detroit traded Primoz Brezec and cash to Toronto for Juan Dixon, who was also dealt at last season’s deadline.

Denver sent Von Wafer to Portland for Taurean Green.

Mike Bibby of the Kings shipped to Hawks for starting point guard Anthony Johnson, 2007 first-round pick Shelden Williams, backup point guard Tyronn Lue, veteran forward Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second-round pick to the Kings.

TRADE DEALS IN WESTERN CONFERENCE:

New Orleans - Bonzi Wells and Mike James
Phoenix - Shaquille O’Neal
L.A. Lakers - Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza
San Antonio - Damon Stoudamire and Kurt Thomas
Dallas - Jason Kidd
Utah - Kyle Korver
Houston - Bobby Jackson, Gerald Green
Golden State - Chris Webber

This season must perhaps be the most active in terms of player movements. These are not just simple trade deals simply because big time players are involved. Also, it is very evident that these teams are serious for their NBA title contention. Some even took the risk of overlooking the future of their teams. I’m referring to the Dallas Mavericks which acquired future hall of fame point guard Jason Kidd for young and blossoming Devin Harris and other promising guys.

I promise to post my views, pros and cons of the movements of the respective teams. Watch out for it! Also checkout my basketballchat blog.