The 2010 NBA trade deadline was a monumental day for basketball fans all over the world due to its implications on both this season’s championship and for the effect it had on the future of the league’s biggest stars.
Here are a few of the trade deadlines best pick-ups:
Antawn Jamison, Cleveland Cavaliers
Before acquiring Jamison from the Washington Wizards, Cleveland was the only elite NBA team that didn’t have a big man who could shoot three-pointers. Now with Jamison on the perimeter, LeBron James will have more room for his drives to the basket and Shaquille O’Neal will have more space for his cumbersome post-ups. Besides his shooting ability, Jamison will also provide the Cavaliers with a good one-on-one player that won’t disintegrate when King James is on the bench.
The best part about this trade is all the Cavaliers had to give up was a 2010 first-round pick and back-up center Zydrunas Illgauskas, who is rumored to re-sign with Cleveland after his contract gets bought out by Washington. The Cavaliers are now favorites for the 2010 NBA championship.
Tracy McGrady, New York Knicks
Seven years ago, NBA fans used to debate if the 6-foot-8 McGrady was better than Lakers’ star Kobe Bryant. But after missing more than 100 games due to injuries over the last five seasons, McGrady’s spot amongst the NBA’s elite is gone, and the Knicks know that.
New York didn’t trade for the seven-time all-star because of what he can do on the court, but rather for what his expiring contract can do for them this offseason. Because of this trade, the Knicks will be more than $30 million under the NBA salary cap, which means they’ll have enough money to sign two elite players from the much-hyped 2010 free agent pool that might include LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.
Marcus Camby, Portland Trail Blazers
After losing centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla to injuries, the Blazers had a major hole in the middle of their line-up, which Camby fills nicely. The 2007 NBA Defensive Player of the Year won’t score much, but he will improve the team’s rebounding and provide a defensive presence. Portland would have missed the playoffs without this trade.
Honorable mentions:
Caron Butler, Dallas Mavericks. Kevin Martin, Houston Rockets. Nate Robinson, Boston Celtics. John Salmons, Milwaukee Bucks.