NBA Draft Day Trades - Sonics, Blazers, Celtics & Knicks
While some of the biggest names in the NBA have yet to change teams today, there have been a couple pretty significant trades. Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal and Shawn Marion all stayed in place, as did Kobe Bryant, but Zach Randolph, Steve Francis, Jason Richardson and Ray Allen were moved on draft day. There were a couple of minor trades that took place (for cash or late picks); I'm going to pass on mentioning those since you probably wouldn't care anyway.
Celtics Trade 5th Pick & Players to Sonics for All-Star Ray Allen
I'm not sure how Allen and Paul Pierce will get along in Boston, but together with Al Jefferson, Rajon Rondo and Gerald Green, things are looking up for the Celtics.
The Sonics on the other hand, now have Kevin Durant (#2 pick) and Jeff Green (#5 pick) to start rebuilding their team. With Allen now out of town, the Sonics will be pushing hard to re-sign forward Rashard Lewis before another convinces him to leave - he's rumored to be going to the Orlando Magic. The Sonics also acquired Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West in the deal.
Trailblazers Trade Zach Randolph & Players to Knicks for Steve Francis & Channing Frye
This one is pretty significant, since it rids New York of a horrible contract for a player who's not performed to-date (Francis), and it gives them a low-post player to compliment Eddy Curry in the middle. While the Knicks had to give up a good player in Frye, getting Randolph and Dan Dickau was definitely worth it. New York should be right back in the playoffs with this move. Also exchanged was Fred Jones (from Portland to NY).
Portland had a crowded frontcourt after drafting Greg Oden #1 earlier in the day, so the move was somewhat expected. With reigning Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge developing quickly, Portland made the move to open up room for Oden to join these two as the core of the franchise.
Warriors Trade Jason Richardson & 36th Pick to Bobcats for Brandan Wright (#8 Pick)
This one is a little puzzling to me, although the Golden State backcourt was quite crowded w/ Monta Ellis, Matt Barnes and Baron Davis playing so well; Richardson was the odd-man out in this case. The Warriors get a decent big man in the deal, which is something they really could've used in the playoffs against the gritty Jazz.
The pick of Wright by Charlotte looked a little weird at first, since he was the 3rd North Carolina player drafted by Michael Jordan since he took over (can you say bias?). The trade changes that and puts Richardson in a good spot w/ Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton, Sean May and hopefully Gerald Wallace. Wallace could leave as a free agent, which could be the reason for the trade.