By CONNOR HICKS
Staff Writer
Well, that period in February that causes the most unrest among NBA players has finally come to a close. The trade deadline ended at 3 o’clock Thursday, with the absence of a blockbuster deal headline gliding across the bottom of our television screens.
Josh Smith is still in Atlanta, and Dwight Howard in LA. The Boston Celtics opted not to break up their core three, and the Knicks, despite their best efforts, found a way to get a little bit older.
So, what exactly happened?
Perhaps the biggest deal to go down at the deadline was the Magic’s unloading of J.J. Reddick to the Milwaukee Bucks for three no-name players in an effort to create the cap space needed to land a big name in the offseason.
The Celtics, though deciding to keep their core three, added Jordan Crawford, a shooting guard from the Washington Wizards to replace the injured Leandro Barbosa on the bench.
Also making headlines was the trading of Corey Brewer from the Knicks to the Thunder in exchange for a 2013 second-round draft pick. To fill the voided roster spot left by Brewer, the Knicks signed 35 year-old veteran Kenyon Martin to a 10-day contract that they hope will evolve into a contract spanning the rest of the season.
So, while not much can be said about what trades did happen, a lot can be said for what trades didn’t happen.
Dwight Howard, though consistent in his position that he will not sign long-term with anyone until the end of the season, remains with the Lakers. This allows him to choose freely where he ends up next season, and if the Lakers are unable to put together a run that lands them in the playoffs, the chances of Howard staying in Los Angeles are slim.
The same can be said for Josh Smith. The Hawks did not trade him despite rumors that he could be dealt to Brooklyn, Houston, or Milwaukee. Perhaps due to a confidence that they can bring in another big name (perhaps Howard?) in the offseason to persuade him to stay, the Hawks, like the Lakers, also risk being left empty-handed come July.
In the end, the teams in the NBA remain mostly the same without any drastic changes. Howard remains in LA, Smith remains in Atlanta, and the Knicks find a way to add yet another 2002 stud to their roster.
You know what they say though; a boring February makes for an exciting offseason. Will Josh Smith resign with a team that seems to have reached its full potential with him? Will there be Dwightmare Part 3? Only time will tell.
One thing remains certain; NBA action will not end with the Finals.
