Off Season Excitement

If You Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em! 

It has only been a few short weeks after the NBA season and the excitement and anticipation for next season has already begun. As I predicted a few weeks ago, the stage was set for a great deal of  "significant" roster movement during the off-season. I was more than correct as we've already seen some HUGE trades and signings as teams have worked fast to put their teams in order and make necessary changes to improve the franchise. The excitement began just over a week ago when rumors surfaced that Ray Allen was in contact with Miami officials and both sides were showing interest in having the now former Boston Celtic bring his talents down to South Beach. Earlier tonight, it became official when Heat Owner Micky Arison tweeted the announcement just after 9:30pm Friday and it was confirmed by Allen's agent, James Tanner, shortly thereafter. HUGE pick-up for the already loaded Champion Miami Heat basketball team. Allen's deal is expected to be worth around $3.09 million. It is just another daily headline for what has been arguably the biggest week of trades/signings in this era.

I'll start with my Lakers who also picked up a solid, quality guard in Steve Nash who leaves Phoenix to join his division rivals. The Lakers really needed a solid PG and got just that and more with Nash. A hard working and all around team player, much kudos to Kobe and company for bringing in Steve. The work is not done for LA, though. Rumors are out that they may be pursuing Dwight Howard as well. Though it appears the only way that will happen is if they give up Bynum. Not too sure that will happen. But with the addition of Nash, LA may also look towards a good outside shooter. With World Peace, Gasol and Bynum down low, having someone other than Bryant that Nash can dish out to knock down shots will be huge for the Lakers. It will be interesting to see what LA's next move is, if anything at all. Great choice by both sides on this one.

Just earlier this week, Boston announced it had acquired  former Dallas Maverick, Jason Terry with a 3 year deal worth $15 million. Terry and the rest of the Celtic nation were hoping this move, along with a solid offer, more than double what Miami was offering, would keep Allen in Boston. However, Ray made it clear tonight he is ready to move on and capture one last ring and ran with this golden opportunity down in South Beach. On the Boston side, I'm not really understanding this one. Boston needed to bring in some young(er), proven talent. I guess 1 out of 2 isn't too bad. But seriously, you have to question the decision. Bringing in a 35 year old guard makes it clear, at least to me, either this was just a flat out bad call by Boston or they aren't looking at the long haul and "rebuilding" this old team. Rather they are looking at the short term and making this work right now. Also with Allen now gone, I wonder if they are second guessing the deal as they were probably hoping it would help convince Ray to stay and that they could compete for the title again next season. Nevertheless, #20 is gone and Jason Terry is filling the gap.

Yesterday news broke that yet another Dallas Maverick was packing his bags and heading North. Jason Kidd signed an estimated three year deal with the New York Knicks worth around $9 million dollars, basically the same deal Dallas had put on the table to retain Kidd. In another case of trying to win and leave the game a champion, 39 year old Jason Kidd said he wanted to "go out swinging" and after looking at two different rosters believed New York gave him the best chance to compete and win. Kidd says understanding and respect from teammate Dirk Nowitzki made the decision an easier one. Another good deal for both sides in my opinion. The Knicks should contend this year though they aren't gonna be able to get past Miami, especially with Ray Allen in the picture. Nevertheless, everybody won in this move...that is if you don't count Dallas, who now desperately needs a point guard as both are now gone.