Atlanta Hawks: CAtlanta didn't do anything and that's fine with me. They have a very good team right now and a decent shot at the Eastern conference crown.
Boston Celtics: C
I'm not a big fan of the Eddie House for Nate Robinson swap. House hits big shots and players like him are vital in the playoffs. True, House can't dribble to save his life but he's a big part of the chemistry in Boston. Trading Ray Allen was highly considered but Danny Ainge decided against it. That's fine, I understand both sides of that argument. It makes sense to keep the Big 3 intact for the rest of the season.
Charlotte Bobcats: C+
Right now the Bobcats are under the impression that Tyrus Thomas has monster potential. That may be true, but his time in Chicago has proven that he's not very coachable and is a locker room distraction. Thomas had been suspended several times by the Bulls for disciplinary reasons.
Chicago Bulls: C
All of the Bulls' moves were to set themselves up for the impending free agent frenzy this summer. Their moves make sense long term, but for now they hurt the team. The reason why the Bulls grade isn't higher is because the Bulls were better yesterday than they are today. However now they have the money to sign one, maybe two maximum contract free agents. If they come away with Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson then these moves will be considered a huge success.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A+
The Cavs, on paper at least, are by far the best team in the league with the addition of Antawn Jamison. I'm not sure how it's all going to gel on the floor but at this point I have a hard time seeing the Cavs getting knocked out of the playoffs before the championship. Also, with the addition of Jamison they are showing LeBron James that they are committed to winning. LeBron wants a great supporting cast, look around the NBA. It won't get any better for him than it is now.
Dallas Mavericks: A
The Mavs' move to obtain Caron Butler and Brandon Haywood from the Wizards was beautiful. Butler can score with the best of them and he will show his true value once the playoffs role around. I've always been a fan of Haywood, he's just a solid big man inside, any team would love to have him.
Denver Nuggets: C
The Nuggets are playing well right now and I expect them to keep it up. Head Coach George Karl will be away from the team for an extended period of time because of "treatable" throat cancer. He's expected to be back for the playoffs.
Detroit Pistons: F
The Pistons have been a major disappointment this year but they're not quite out of the playoff hunt. With a big move they could have set themselves up for a run at the playoffs. I was very surprised that they sat idly by as the trade deadline passed. To me that sends the message that they have completely given up on this season which is an attitude that I can't respect or understand.
Golden State Warriors: C
The Warriors have a solid young team. It makes sense that they didn't want to break up their nucleus yet. Plus, I'm not sure that what they would have gotten back would be better than what they have now.
Houston Rockets: B+
The Rockets have a good team forming in Houston. Losing Tracy McGrady's big expiring contract doesn't really effect them in terms of this summer because they weren't in the hunt for a big free agent anyway. The Acquisition of Kevin Martin gives them more offensive firepower to go along with Trevor Ariza and Aaron Brooks. All in all they did a good job at this trade deadline.
Indiana Pacers: D
The Pacers are a bad team and their future isn't exactly bright. I guess they're going to rely on the draft lottery to save them. I was surprised they didn't try to go after Amar'e Stoudemire. The only defense they have is, they have really nobody that the Suns would want. The Pacers aren't really good enough to even trade with.
Los Angeles Clippers: D-
Giving up Marcus Camby made absolutely no sense to me. Why on earth they would give up the second best rebounder in the league for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw is a mystery to me. The only part I understand is that they were clearing cap space for the summer. But they should know that nobody is going to sign with that other team that plays in the Staples Center. When you think of LA basketball the Lakers come to mind, the Clippers are completely trapped in the Lakers' shadow. They always have been and always will be.
Los Angeles Lakers: C-
The Lakers currently hold the second best record in the NBA. There was no need for them to make a move. There were rumblings about the Lakers trying to obtain Kirk Hinrich from the Bulls and that would have made a lot of sense. It gives them a great defender which is always nice to have in a seven game series. Derek Fisher has been getting absolutely abused defensively by quick point guards. Also, Hinrich brings toughness and the ability to knock down the open three. Although he would have definitely helped, not getting him isn't a heartbreaker.
Memphis Grizzlies: B
The Grizzlies are right in the playoff race out West. There was no need to make a bold move in Memphis.
Miami Heat: F
I'm not sure Pat Riley realizes that Dwyane Wade has the opportunity to leave this summer. Wade has said many times that he will stay as long as the organization proves they are committed to winning. They didn't show that and it could really hurt them down the line.
Milwaukee Bucks: C
The Bucks have a good young team so not making any bold moves makes sense. I would have done the same thing if I were GM.
Minnesota Timberwolves: C-
The T'Wolves were approached by a few teams regarding Al Jefferson. I'm not saying they should have done it but they should have at least done something. They're going to be good in a few years but out West they're still going to struggle to get into the postseason. The T'Wolves should have been more active and at the very least tried to get some future draft picks. I'm not sure if this is even legal but maybe they could've tried to trade the rights to Ricky Rubio. I know they're the only team that can talk to him but I'm not sure if they can trade that right.
New Jersey Nets: C
The Nets not making any moves is understandable. They are just waiting for this summer to role around so they can make a play for LeBron James. If they don't land the number one pick or a major free agent their fan base will chase the GM out of town with torches and pitchforks.
New Orleans Hornets: C
The Hornets are still crying over Chris Paul's nightmarish knee injury. Not making a trade isn't a big deal for them sense nobody wants anything they are willing to give up.
New York Knicks: A+
Landing Tracy McGrady's mammoth of an expiring contract was huge for their financial status this summer. Now they have the money to basically get whoever the want. Also, acquiring Eddie House for Nate Robinson, who wasn't even playing, was also a great move. GM Donnie Walsh should be very proud of himself right now.
Oklahoma City Thunder: C
The Thunder have an amazingly promising young team centered around Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. They would have been idiotic to disturb their currently successful balance.
Orlando Magic: C
The Magic are probably a little uneasy right now with the Cavs' acquisition of Antawn Jamison. However it's awfully hard to tell a team they needed to make a move when they're 37-18.
Philadelphia 76ers: D+
I was moderately surprised the Sixers didn't try to deal Elton Brand or Samuel Dalembert. They could have probably pulled in a very good player if they were willing to give up the right package. According to reports, Amar'e Stoudemire was almost sent to Philly but the Sixers refused to give up Andre Iguodala. That makes sense because Stoudemire would have almost certainly skipped town at the season's end anyway.
Phoenix Suns: B
Not dealing Amar'e Stoudemire was a smart decision by Steve Kerr. They were heavily tempted but in the end none of their offers were good enough to warrant a trade.
Portland Trailblazers: A-
Pulling in Marcus Camby was a fantastic move from the Blazers. Not only does he provide top tier rebounding and defense but he also provides an experienced mentor for Greg Oden.
Sacramento Kings: C+
The Kings didn't do much other than help Tracy McGrady go to the Knicks. Also, giving up Kevin Martin was a good move. Personally I think they're a better team without him. It was when he came back from injury that they started losing. Give the team to Tyreke Evans, wind him up and watch him go.
San Antonio Spurs: C
The Spurs were one of the most silent teams during this year's trade deadline. That's acceptable, they have a good team and they are winning. That's all you can really ask for.
Toronto Raptors: C
The Raptors received several offers for soon to be free agent Chris Bosh. They're 29-24 right now so not trading him makes a ton of sense. However they must have seriously considered all offers because there is a very high chance they're going to lose him for nothing.
Utah Jazz: C
The Jazz are one of the hottest teams in the league. According to reports the Heat were trying hard to pry Carlos Boozer from Utah but the Jazz wanted to keep their team intact for a run in the playoffs. They were facing the same decision as the Raptors were with Chris Bosh. Do we trade him and get something back or do we risk losing him for nothing? Like the Raptors, they're taking their chances this summer.
Washington Wizards: D-
I am absolutely floored by the Wizards. Giving up Antawn Jamison made no sense whatsoever. Apparently they're trying to go into a rebuilding stage but that doesn't necessarily mean you give up all of your star players. With both Caron Butler and Jamison out of town I won't be surprised to see them losing at the same rate as the Nets.
