today, I just could not wait any longer to tell you guys what I think

about these moves.  A lot of things have changed in the association in

the 8 days I have been away from you guys, some devastating injuries

could change the landscape of season records in the East and West.  But

in my opinion, this 3-team trade is the beginning of what will be one of

the most jaw-dropping active trading seasons in recent NBA history. 

This will spark an array of moves in the coming weeks I assure you. 

Next up will be Mello man.  Reports indicate Jersey is ready to make

some major moves.  A 3 team deal in affect would send half of the Jersey

roster all over the place in hopes to attain a core group around Mello

which would ensure at least a possibility of him signing a contract

extension.  Look for names like Mello, Harrington, J.R Smith, Billups,

Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy and Devin Harris to all be on the move in

less than a month as well as numerous 1st round draft-picks and a few

"millis" There is still a strong possibility of a contender picking up

Mello, reports indicate two top-tier teams are looking to rent Mello for

the remainder of the season, they believe he will put them over the top

for a championship...I am just dying to know which two teams are

looking to make this potentially monster move. 

Nevertheless, none of the above would even be in discussion if it wasn't

for Otis Smith and his large set of testicles.  I really don't think it

was necessary to reshape the Orlando Magic the way he did.  A little

bit of a slump and people got carried away, the roster was struck with a

harsh virus thus limiting their ability to achieve maximum cohesiveness

for a small stretch of games.  I think Orlando had a good enough roster

to contend in the East...but to win it, it was clearly evident they

didn't have what it takes.  So in that aspect I do respect Otis Smith

for trying to make something happen.  The acquisition of Gilbert Arenas

means Agent Zero will finally be a part of a playoff team again.  This

guy is meant for playoff basketball, but Arenas just doesn't seem to

have that same swagger that made him one of the most devastating scorers

in the NBA a few years back, I remember back in the GS days and early

Wiz days he used to drive to the basket with ruthless aggression and

shoot with utmost poise and confidence.  I no longer see that drive and

passion in any aspect of his game.  His friendship with GM Otis Smith

may be exactly what Arenas needs to find the greatness in his game

again.  Jason Richardson is presently a better all around player then

Vince Carter.  Both with expiring contracts, a pretty even 2 guard swap

in my opinion.  Jason did shine under Nash and I suspect his production

to dip a little without "2-time" dishing him the ball.  Earl Clark is

not enough, losing their backup 5 man and with Bass now in the starting

5, that means this Orlando team that started the NBA season with one of

the best benches in the NBA, now has a very weak front-line second unit.

Orlando will make another trade I am sure of it, because this bench

will not cut it.

The Phoenix Suns are brilliant, in my opinion they are the big winners

in this trade.  First off they worked magic (no pun intended) by trading

away Hedo Turkoglu's horrible contract to the only team that would find

value in him.  Stan Van Gundy has groupie love for Hedo.  Even if Stan

puts the ball in Hedo's hands I still don't think Turk will duplicate

his performance 2 years ago, it was a contract year and this year the

greedy bastard isn't playing for anything and I seriously doubt his

overall will, passion and drive.  Nevertheless, if there is any system

that can rejuvenate Turk's game it's Nelson, Howard, Stan and the

Orlando Magic.  Vince Carter's 4th NBA team...sad really.  I was witness

to Vince in his prime, watched him everyday.  He was a human highlight

film, did things on the court I hadn't seen since Wilkins.  I honestly

thought he had the potential to be a hall-of-fame player, pity to see

what he has become.  Nash and Hill will share their hot-tub time machine

with him and he will end this season a better player.  Reports indicate

he will have surgery on his left knee and be out a month.  Suns can buy

him out for 4 million and will most likely do that, but look for Vince

to work hard to end the season on a high note and get some "high notes"

in anew off season contract.  I think Marcin Gortat could benefit from

this trade the most.  I really believe he MUST start to really

flourish.  I would keep Robin Lopez as the starting 5 man but would take

Frye out and insert Gortat.  Suddenly a team that was trying to play

Hedo and Warrick at the 4 spot now have 2 intimidating forces in the

lane.  I cannot wait to see Nash and Gortat run the high pick and roll, I

think Marcin could fill the void of Amar'e and if Marcin is as good as I

think he is and gets the time to showcase his skills....then watch out

for the Phoenix Suns.  Air France is perfect for the Nash offense, Steve

will make MP into a different player, he will find him in open spots

and I am sure MP will play the best basketball of his career under the

direction of Steve Nash.  With a 1st round pick as well as 3 million in

cash...the Suns were the winners in this 3 team blockbuster.

The Washington Wizards were the losers in all of this.  They swapped for

max contracts but will save a little as Arenas had a longer contract

then Lewis.  Still they are stuck with another max player for a few

years.  Lewis is having a horrific season and I think is in the latter

part of his career.  He had one real good finals run and was touted as a

great player.  At best Lewis is a good spot up set shooter...that is

about it.  He has been playing out of his position for most of his time

in Orlando and should thrive back in the 3 spot.  But with guys like

Thornton and Josh Howard as well as other youngsters, why get Lewis? 

Were there really no other suitors for Arenas?  I doubt that.  In the

future landscape this was not a very intelligent move for Washington and

I just think they could have searched for something better or just held

on to Arenas.