Trade Deadline Passes With A Whimper
Added on Feb 21, 2013 by Scott in
No Comments
Well, that was the opposite of thrilling. Most NBA trade deadlines feature at least one or two high profile deals, but the numerous 2013 rumors that had been circulating for the last several days proved to be erroneous. Only one deal involving a player of note was finalized – Milwaukee acquiring sharpshooter J.J. Redick from Orlando for a trio of bench warmers. So what happened to all those other potential swaps? Hard to say, but all the hype was much ado about nothing.
Redick to the rescue – This move is curious only because the Bucks didn’t unload either Monta Ellis or Brandon Jennings, both of whom will be free agents this summer. Making this even more puzzling is Redick’s impending free agent status. Perhaps Milwaukee’s front office is confident they can lock up Redick long-term to replace one of their guards, likely Ellis, after the season. Whatever the case, they add a deadly long-range specialist to aid their playoff push.
Smith stays put – About ten teams claimed to be interested in landing Smith, but either it was all an elaborate smokescreen, or GM Danny Ferry wasn’t satisfied with the compensation being offered in return. So Smith stays in Atlanta for now. However, his future with the franchise remains cloudy at best.
Celts get help – Boston was hoping to add a viable option to offset Rajon Rondo’s season-ending injury. Former Wizard Jordan Crawford will have to do. He’s been a DNP for the last two weeks and has been mired in a horrific shooting slump. Maybe the change of venue will cure what ails him.
Mr. Robinson’s neighborhood – Engineered yesterday, this deal flew beneath the radar, but it could end up being a boom for the Rockets. Thomas Robinson, the 5th overall pick in the 2012 Draft, was a major steal in a six-player trade with Sacramento. The Kings have zero interest in being competitive in the present or future, so giving up on a player gushing with untapped talent sounds about right. If Robinson turns into a reliable contributor down the road, Houston will look like geniuses.
