The approach of the NBA trade deadline typically means shakeups, surprises and marquee moves. The lead-up to this year's Feb. 24 deadline was no different.
Future Hall of Famers, big names and pivotal roll players were all sent packing last Thursday in moves that exchanged more than $100 million worth of 2004-5 salaries.
What were the most notable deals at the NBA trade deadline? Renowned wine aficionado Steven Orbuch '06 breaks it down.
Sacramento Kings send F Chris Webber, F Matt Barnes and F Michael Bradley to the Philadelphia 76ers for F Brian Skinner, F Kenny Thomas and F Corliss Williamson.
Philadelphia got the better end of the deal on paper, giving up three role players in exchange for star Chris Webber.
Webber has steadily returned to form this year, averaging over 21 ppg and 9.5 rpg after sitting out more than 80 games over the two previous seasons due to injury. Additionally, his career averages of over 22 ppg and 10 rpg make Webber the most formidable sidekick that Allen Iverson has had in his entire career.
The move was particularly puzzling from the Kings' perspective, leaving the franchise lacking at the power forward spot in the forward rich Western Conference.
However, if Webber fails to remain healthy and creates trouble in the locker room, as he has been known to do at times in his career, history may soon show that Sacramento did not get the short end of this blockbuster trade.
New Orleans Hornets send G Baron Davis to Golden State Warriors for F Dale Davis and G Speedy Claxton
The disgruntled Davis (18.9 ppg, 7.2 apg) dramatically improved his future playoff prospects in joining Golden States' young core of players, which includes F Troy Murphy, F Mike Dunleavy and dynamic G Jason Richardson.
Chances are this squad will underachieve and then send away its pieces to greener pastures. In the meantime, however, the revamped team promises to be a formidable force in next season's NBA video games, although it is unclear whether or not it will live up to the bar set by Golden States' all-time great NBA Live '95 squad.
For New Orleans (11-43), trading Davis, a former all star and franchise centerpiece, demonstrated that the franchise is serious about jumpstarting a much needed rebuilding process.
Dallas Mavericks send C Calvin Booth, F/C Alan Henderson and cash to the Milwaukee Bucks for F Keith Van Horn
This move promises to play out nicely for both squads. By moving Van Horn (10.4 ppg, 5 rpg), the Bucks, who short of a monumental winning streak will not qualify for a playoff spot, free up cap space to re-sign young star Michael Redd.
In Van Horn, Dallas gets an overpaid former number two draft pick. But,he is a competent rebounder with a nice outside shot, which will create more offensive breathing room for franchise star Dirk Nowitzki.
San Antonio Spurs send F Malik Rose, two first-round picks and cash to the New York Knicks for C Nazr Mohammed and G Jamison Brewer
The Spurs' (42-12) move further secured its spot as the favorite to reach the NBA finals this spring. Mohammed is foul prone, but the seven-footer has developed nicely in his seventh NBA season (10.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and adds depth to a frontcourt that already includes perennial MVP candidate Tim Duncan.
Although the Knicks landed two first-round picks in the deal, the move -- coupled with another that sent Houston F Maurice Taylor to New York -- made little sense for the Knicks when considering both the team's financial state and the current makeup of the squad. In bringing Rose and Taylor to New York, the struggling Knicks added more salary to its league leading payroll and relinquished its only real force in the middle.
Atlanta Hawks send F Antoine Walker and cash to Boston Celtics for G Gary Payton, C Michael Stewart, F Tom Gugliotta and a future first round pick
Reacquiring Antoine Walker (20.5 ppg, 9 rpg) was an odd move for the Celtics, considering the forward did not leave the city on the best of terms and Payton (12.1 ppg, 6.1 apg)unexpectedly fit in well with Boston.
NBA rumor has it that Atlanta will soon release Payton and that Boston will subsequently push hard to re-acquire the future Hall of Famer off waivers. Even if this dream scenario plays out for Boston, the team will likely fall short of the playoffs. And, if the Celtics actually do manage to squeeze into the post-season via an Atlantic division title, the team's chances of making it out of the first round are slimmer than Mischa Barton's arms.
