Al Jefferson Traded To Jazz

The Jazz have agreed to a trade that would send Al Jefferson from Minnesota to Utah. The CEO of the Jazz, Greg Miller, tweeted that he "just approved a Jazz roster move that I'm very excited about. Planning to share details tomorrow." It is believed that the Jazz can take on the remaining three years and $42 million of Jefferson's contract with the $13 million trade exception that was acquired in the sign-and-trade deal that sent Carlos Boozer to the Bulls.

Great deal for the Jazz, as Jefferson (when healthy) can be a very good player. The former Celtic averaged 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last season, playing in 76 games. If he can stay healthy he will be a great option for Deron Williams, and at least puts on a somewhat good spin on a horrible offseason for the Jazz.

Heat Make More Moves

Everyone and their mother will be talking about Lebron today, but the Heat have gone out and made more moves today. They're shipping Michael Beasley to the Timberwolves and agreeing with Wizards free agent Mike Miller on a five-year, $30 million deal. Miami virtually gives away Beasley, the 2008 No. 2 overall draft pick, receiving only a second-round pick and an exchange of first-round picks so that it can get needed cap space.

We all knew Beasley was on his way out, but I have to say I like this for the Timberwolves. I know Beasley has been a shithead, but maybe now that he is out of Miami and off to the great state of Minnesota, things will calm down for him.

The Heat get much needed cap space, and a nice outside shooter in Mike Miller. He could find himself with a lot of open looks with Lefag, Wade, and Bosh taking most (if not all) the focus from the opposing defenses.

Perk Rumors

A league front-office source told FanHouse that the Celtics have been dangling center Kendrick Perkins and their No. 19 pick to teams with high lottery picks in attempt to add a dynamic young talent to their aging core. It's a tough sell, considering Perkins is facing surgery as early as Friday after tearing his medial collateral ligament and partially tearing his posterior cruciate ligament in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Perkins has an expiring contract that will pay him $4.4 million next season, and the best case scenario for the Celtics would be to move their big man and the pick to a team with the salary cap space to absorb both and free up money for Ainge's strapped payroll. NBA Fanhouse

Perk may be my third favorite Celtic in my lifetime behind Rondo and Pierce, however, if there was an opportunity to get Demarcus Cousins or Evan Turner you have to think about it. Philly probably would do it, figuring they have no inside physical presence even after acquiring Spencer Hawes. But are teams willing to look past his knee injury? I think so. As of right now Perk is the 2nd best defensive center in the league, he has played Dwight Howard well and even Poopface well. But as the Celtics get older, and as we saw in the finals, they need offense from somewhere and getting a talent like Cousins or Turner could give them instant offense. The sure things in this draft are John Wall, Evan Turner and Demarcus Cousins, so if they ended up with any of them I'd be ecstatic.

In NBA News: The Bucks Got Corey Maggette

The Milwaukee Bucks acquired forward Corey Maggette in a trade with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday The Bucks also got a second-round draft pick from the Warriors, giving up guard Charlie Bell and center Dan Gadzuric in return.

I like this deal on one condition, the Bucks also keep John Salmons. It was evident last year that the Bucks lacked a scoring threat (maybe because Andrew bogut was hurt) but even with that, I think having a team built around Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Corey Maggette and John Salmons will help the team out immensely, especially if you make Salmons or Maggette your 6th man.

The Bucks shocked a lot of teams last year by over performing and if they can build on that, I see them being a 3 or 4 seed next year.

Oh yea, even though he went to Duke, Corey Maggette has always had a great beard and has always worn a headband correctly.

Kevin Martin to Rockets. McGrady to Knicks?

The deal will send Kevin Martin, Kenny Thomas, Hilton Armstrong and Sergio Rodriguez to the Rockets for McGrady, Sixth Man Award contender Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that McGrady and Rodriguez would be sent to the Knicks in a three-team scenario sure to feature New York's Jared Jeffries if it comes to fruition.

This is a home run for the Kings who not only get rid of Martin, who will slow the progress of Tyreke Evans but get Carl Landry who has Mr. Sixth man. I have never really been a Martin fan, so I don't like the deal for the Rockets. I'm also happy for McGrady if he goes to the Knicks. Not because I think he will make a lick of difference, but because I just want to see T Mac highlights. I feel bad how Houston has basically shunned him all year, and respect McGrady for keeping his mouth pretty much shut. None of these teams will be doing anything in the playoffs, so this deal is kind of irrelevant.

Don't Trade Perk

So I was just reading an article a little while ago which was discussing possible trade rumors and options for the Celtics to explore. As much as it pains me to say, I think dealing Ray may be our only option to add the neccessary talent to compete for a Championship THIS year. The Celtics would obviously be looking for a top of the rotation player(s) in return. He is an expiring contract, and if we let him walk at the end of the year, who knows if he'd be willing to sign for significantly less - or walk and play for another team knowing his role here would most likely be diminished. Why not get something for him now then roll the dice?

Talking about trading Ray upsets me, so I'm not going to get into it. Another rumor that I hadn't heard until today was the possibility of trading Kendrick Perkins. Obviously Perk has generated some interest from around the league. He is a big body, physical, hard nosed type of player. He's defense minded, and has improved his offensive game drastically by each season that he's been in the league. Playing only a shade under 30 minutes a game Perk has managed to average about 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per this season. If you ask me that's pretty impressive on a team where you are considered one of the last scoring options, and basically have to fight in the trenches for your points and touches.

With that said, Perk is only making 4.3 million right now, so why trade him? At that price I consider Perk to be a bargain. If my memory is correct, Big Baby is making the mid level exception at 3 million per and has been basically a disaster for the team over both the offseason and well into the regular season with his lackluster play and off the court antics. What would we get in return for Perk? With a deteriorating Kevin Garnett hobbling around, it is evident that the Celtics need to get younger in the near future, and they need to start now. Perk is only 26 years old, and already has NBA Championship experience. Not a lot of guys have that mentality. He may not be much of a leader, but you can guarantee that he will play hard and leave it all on the court.

So I say please don't trade Perk Danny. He should be a staple for this team in the future, and someone you should build a team around. We need to keep our young nucleus in tact (Rondo, Perk). These guys have played together and know what it takes to win. If we can progressively get younger year by year then I'm all for it. The Garnett era isn't forever, and I think we need to maintain our strong defensive minded basketball to be successful in the future. Physical D is what won us a title in the first place, and Perk definetly brings that to the table.

I still think that the Celtics can compete for a title with the team they have now as long as they're healthy come playoff time which at this point may be wishful thinking from here on out. I just hope that Danny doesn't do anything drastic before the trade deadline. Sure the rumors are floating around about Ray, but as far as Perk goes, he should stay put. Every year he is proving himself more and more, and he is the type of guy that can get the job done. I leave you with this: If Rashard Lewis drives baseline at the end of the game on KG, and Perk is in on the help defense opposed to Sheed do the Celtics still lose that game? Just a thought. Keep Perk in Celtics Green.

I Guess Nocioni Isn't Going To Be In Green

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported yesterday that a three-team deal was being discussed that would land the Kings' Andres Nocioni in Boston. A source however tells The Boston Globe that the Celtics have not contacted Sacramento about Nocioni.

Nocioni's contract, which has two years and $13.5 million remaining and includes a team option for a third year, is not appealing to the Celtics. ESPN

It makes sense. With the giant contract we just gave to Rondo and with the upcoming free agents and with Pierce and Allen becoming free agents, we really couldn't absorb his huge contract. I would like to see Allen and Scal gone but, we can really deal with them.

Stephen Jackson Traded To Bobcats

"Disgruntled Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson is about to make a fresh start with a new team. The Warriors completed a deal Monday that sends Jackson and guard Acie Law to the Bobcats in exchange for veteran swingmen Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. The trade will be announced Monday (ESPN)."

Stephen Jackson is a shithead, but I am still really happy the Cavs didn't land him. He can still score, and the Cavs have enough talent as it is. Jackson is a guy who can average about 20 points per game 5 boards and 5-6 assists. If he could ever just stop being such a thug he might really help the Bobcats. With this trade the Bobcats actually have a solid starting 5...

PG - Raymond Felton
SG - Steven Jackson (even though listed as SF)
SF - Gerald Wallace
PF - Boris Diaw
C - Tyson Chandler

Not to mention guys like D.J. Augustin, and Acie Law on the bench.

No Progress In Daniels To Celtics Trade

"While the Pacers and Celtics still hope to find a third team to make a sign-and-trade deal for Marquis Daniels work, The Indianapolis Star reports Daniels will likely end up signing with Boston for the $1.99M biannual exception (ESPN)."

This has been a really odd deal, since everyone is acting like it is done, yet it doesn't seem to be all that close. The Celtics have to get this done, as he is one of the keys to their offseason. I would be freaking out a lot more, but every media outlet is acting like there is no way that this won't be completed. We'll keep you posted as to when this will be made official.

Quentin Richardson Traded For Fourth Time This Summer

Richardson's wild summer tour of the NBA continued Thursday night, when he was traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Miami Heat for center Mark Blount.

Richardson spent the last four seasons with the New York Knicks and now has been traded four times in less than two months: to Memphis on draft night, then to the Los Angeles Clippers, then to Minnesota and now to Miami. ESPN

Good, this should humble the guy. It is ridiculous that no team wants him. He is an O.K. player, but he has a terrible attitude(and I base that purely on how he behaved after the Celtics game this year) But he will be good on the Heat, he will stretch the floor for Wade and can play the 2 or 3 position.

Bobcats Trade Okafor to Hornets for Chandler

"The Charlotte Bobcats are finalizing a trade that would send Emeka Okafor to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler, two people familiar with the deal told the Associated Press on Monday. The swap of 26-year-old centers wasn't expected to be completed until Tuesday and was unlikely to include other players, the people said on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made. The deal would be another roster shake up for the Bobcats since Larry Brown took over as coach last season, and is a gamble because Chandler has been plagued by a left toe injury and recently underwent surgery (Sportsline)."

I really like this trade for the Hornets. I know Okafor never became the guy he was supposed to be when he was taken with the #2 pick over in 2004, but he still puts up solid numbers (13.2 points and 10.1 rebounds for Charlotte last season). Larry Brown questioned his passion, but I think he is what he is. He plays solid defense and can give you 10-15 points a game. With the NBA the way it is you just need a solid big man that can rip down boards, and complement the offense.

The reason I like this deal better for the Hornets is because Okafor is much more durable. Chandler is taller, at 7-1, but averaged only 8.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in a year when he was traded twice. He also had offseason surgery on his toe, which is always a red flag for any big man.

Overall nice trade for the Hornets...

Celtics Get Daniels

"Free-agent guard Marquis Daniels has committed to signing with the Celtics, according to a league source. Daniels, 28, will receive the biannual exception contract worth $1.9 million, unless a sign-and-trade deal can be worked out with his former team, the Pacers.

Daniels, expected to be used as a backup for Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds last season for Indiana. The Pacers declined to exercise their option on Daniels, which would have been worth $7.3 million next season. Daniels, who started his career in Dallas, had also been talking with the Mavericks, Charlotte, Houston, New York, and Orlando. Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine has been mentioned as part of a possible sign-and-trade with the Pacers (Boston.com)."

Great move by the Celtics. I have been hearing that Tony Allen could be part of this deal also, which is great news by itself. The Celtics now have a backup for Allen and Pierce something that looked to be a big hole on their bench going into this season. I really like the way this team is being setup, and their bench is looking better and better. We'll have more on how this affect Big Baby later.

Shawn Marion Gets Traded To Big D

"The Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors, living up to the wild tenor of the past few weeks in the NBA, have hatched a complicated sign-and-trade arrangement that went through numerous constructions Wednesday before resulting in an agreement in principle that will send Shawn Marion to Dallas and also absorb the Raptors' much-anticipated signing of Hedo Turkoglu.

Sources close to the negotiations told ESPN.com on Wednesday night a trade call has been scheduled with the league office for Thursday, indicating all sides have agreed to the terms of a transaction that, in its final form, will also involve the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.

The deal, according to sources, calls for the Mavericks to acquire Marion and Kris Humphries from Toronto and Greg Buckner from Memphis, with Marion to receive a five-year contract worth an estimated $39 million. Buckner has had two previous stints with the Mavericks but is likely to be released, sources said.

The Grizzlies will land Jerry Stackhouse from Dallas, Quincy Douby from Toronto and a substantial cash payment to buy out Stackhouse's contract. Only $2 million of Stackhouse's $7.25 million salary next season is guaranteed, as long as he is waived by Aug. 10.

The Raptors will receive Devean George and Antoine Wright from the Mavericks, while also preserving their $5.9 million mid-level exception for the coming season by turning their acquisition of Turkoglu -- who is getting a five-year deal worth an estimated $53 million -- into a sign-and-trade as opposed to an outright signing. Assembling the trade this way could also enable Toronto to re-sign Carlos Delfino, after it appeared that the Raptors would have to renounce Delfino to help make room for the Turkoglu signing.

The Magic, meanwhile, were motivated to join in the trade because their participation, as opposed to merely letting Turkoglu walk, will create a valuable trade exception they can use in future deals worth around $7 million."

The real story here is the Matrix going to Dallas. Shawn Marion is a hell of a player but his stats have declined over the past couple of years, and his ugly departure from Phoenix left his reputation tarnished. However, I do think he will bring some excitement to Dallas, who will most likely run a more up tempo style of offense with Jason Kidd running the show. Do I think this trade will put the Mavs over the top? No. But does it make their team better? Most definitely.

Wolves Now Have A Bunch Of Picks

The Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves have reached a deal that will send Timberwolves guards Mike Miller and Randy Foye to the Wizards for Etan Thomas, Oleksiy Pecherov, Darius Songalia and the No. 5 overall pick in Thursday's draft, sources have told Pro Basketball News.

As it stands, the Timberwolves now have the Nos. 5, 6, 18 and 28 picks in the first round.

That is absurd if you ask me. The Wolves have a lot of options but are most likely going to lose out on the real talent in this draft which I say is Tyreke Evans, Thabeet, and Rubio. Other than that, I think this draft is highly mediocre. But with a young rebuilding team, I guess picks can't hurt. As for the Wizards, they are blatantly trying to copy the Magic's 1-4 offense. Miller and Foye are both solid players and can't hurt a team.

Shaq to Cleveland?

Talks were once again brewing around a possible deal which would potentially send Shaq Diesel from Phoenix to the Cavs for Ben Wallace and G Sasha Pavlovic. Trade talks loomed earlier in the year regarding such a deal, and it is evident that the Cavs are still interested. The Suns are obviously looking to gain some sort of financial relief this offseason, in moving a contract of Big Shaq's caliber; a player who actually showed some signs of life despite his age last season. It seems like Shaq would be open to a trade as the big man looks to cement his NBA legacy by possibly playing alongside the best player in the world in Lebron James, as the Cavs attempt to fill the void which seemed to cost them a shot at an NBA Championship this year.

The deal seems to fit the leagues salary cap requirements, and the Suns could even potentially buy out the remainder of Ben Wallaces contract should he choose that route, while Pavlovic is only slated to make $4.9 Million, only of which $1.5 is guaranteed. The Cavs in return would finally get a dominant big man in O'Neal which they greatly lacked this past season. Lets face it, no team was scared of the Cavs big men in the paint. Lebron was the only one who really had any sort of paint prescense, and that's off offense he created for himself. Varajao, Ilgauskas,and Wallace combined still don't provide you with an offensive game that even an older Shaquille does. Shaq brings a big body to the low post that can bang with the likes of Dwight Howard, making the Cleveland perimeter attack that much more effective should he warrant a double team, not to mention he clogs the middle on defense as well.

After a dissapointing Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Magic, the Cavs NEED to shake things up a bit this offseason. I think this deal works out well for both teams. Although it may seam like Shaq is immortal, he's not going to be around the League forever. You can tell his interest and dedication is faltered at times, but I think a situation like the one in Cleveland could really motivate the big fella. If he can endure the cold weather, his presecense could just be what Lebron and the Cavs need to get over the hump and come out of the East next season. Phoenix would most likely keep there core in Amare, and Nash and be able to spend money on a noteable free agent if given the chance.

If anything, it's something to think about. I think this deal has a great chance of getting done, and as an NBA fan would be actually be interested in the result. It could slow down the offense and effect Lebrons rythm, or could beef up the middle and provide toughness to a team that clearly lacked during these playoffs. As far as Shaq is concerned, the only legacy that I forsee as being potentially tarnished by such a deal is Lebrons.

NBA Trade Deadline Rumors

With the Trade deadline approaching here are some rumors I have heard.

+ With T-Mac's injury the Rockets are more than likely out of the Vince Carter sweepstakes. But the Rockets remain an interesting option:

Sources say the Blazers and Nets have discussed a deal that would send Carter to Portland for Raef LaFrentz and his expiring contract along with Travis Outlaw and Sergio Rodriguez

+ Here is a deal with the Rockets not involving VC: The Nets have countered with a proposal that would send Carter and Josh Boone to the Rockets for a combination of Ron Artest, Shane Battier, Luther Head and Carl Landry.

+The Blazers also have been shopping Channing Frye, who also could be included in a Blazers-Nets trade if New Jersey added on one or two spare parts from the trio of Stromile Swift (expiring $6.2 million contract), Sean Williams (1.52M this season, 1.62M next season) and Hassell ($4.35 million player option for next season).

+ And the big trade we have all heard about is this one: The Amare Stoudemire trade talk still has the Bulls among the teams most involved, but a new scenario making the rounds has the Bulls taking part in a three-team deal that would bring Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh to Chicago.

The rumored swap would send Stoudemire to Toronto and land the Phoenix Suns a package of players and draft picks from the Bulls, likely to include Drew Gooden and his expiring $7.2 million contract, Tyrus Thomas and a first-round pick.