NBA trades shake up league

By Dan Rodgers

A few notable trades, other than Melo to the Knicks, took place before the deadline. The most notable of those other trades was probably former-Jazz PG Deron Williams being traded to the New Jersey Nets. In return, the Jazz received PG Devin Harris, rookie forward Derrick Favors, a 2011 first-round pick, a 2012 first-round pick (via Golden State) and cash considerations.

I think the Jazz absolutely destroyed in this trade. The Nets needed a star because they didn't win the Melo sweepstakes so they settled for Williams. The Jazz were smart enough to realize that Williams probably wouldn't have re-signed with them when his contract is up in 2012.

Devin Harris is a solid guard and Favors is a rookie so it can't hurt to take a chance on him. The draft picks are always good to pile up because you have to replenish the talent pool and there is nothing wrong with cash.

Other trades include Charlotte sending Gerald Wallace to the Blazers for bench players and draft picks. Boston also sent Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green, Nenad Krstis and a draft pick.

Melo and Deron Williams were the high-profile players to change teams but players like Harris, Wallace and Perkins can be important to a teams success. We'll see how much of an impact they have on their teams since all are playoff bound.

Rodgers That