For Better or For Worse

     The NBA free agency of 2010 seems to have lost all its hype when Lebron James copped out moved to Miami, but the dealings have not stopped.  Here are some more deals, and how they stack up for the respective teams.

Carlos Boozer signs with Chicago Bulls:  One of the lovers spurned by James, the Bulls went to work immediately, signing Carlos Boozer.  This is a great move, with Chicago finally getting a post presence that has been missing since Elton Brand was a Bull.  Boozer could become the consistent scorer that will complement the Bull's stifling defense and that would mean a long run in the playoffs.



Amare Stoudemire signs with New York Knicks: There is no doubt that Stoudemire is a great talent, but like James, he is not a franchise player in the, "I'll carry the team on my back" sense.  Unless he improves his defense and rebounding (which he hasn't done since his sophomore year), the Knicks would have spent $40 million more than they needed if they just kept David Lee.

David Lee traded by New York Knicks to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelena Azubuike:  The Knicks need warm bodies and they got that in these three.  All three would be considered upgrades from a lot of the players they've had over the years.  The Warriors are also benefitting with Lee, finally getting a player who doesn't need to hold the ball for hours to make an impact.  With the hard working Lee, the Warriors could get a much needed energy boost from the oft-lackadaisical Warriors front line.


Udonis Haslem stays with the Miami Heat:  This is a tremendous piece of good news for the Heat.  Haslem might be the actual first step to making THE trio of superstars a legit team.


Derek Fisher stays with L.A. Lakers:  This is a big blow to Miami as they were hoping to lure Fish away from the Lakers.  While the Lakers upgraded with Steve Blake, Fisher's locker room leadership and clutch shots are invaluable and irreplaceable.

Kyle Korver signs with Chicago Bulls: The Bulls plug a big hole in the shooting department with this Ashton Kutcher look-alike.  Shooting almost 40% from three, Korver could get significant minutes at two guard especially if the Bulls fail to land J.J. Reddick.


Quentin Richardson agrees to deal with Orlando Magic:  Q Rich adds even more shooting to a loaded line up but this could become bad news as this means either pesky defender Matt Barnes or ever-improving J.J. Reddick could be gone by summer's end.

New Jersey Nets land Anthony Morrow giving $4 million trade exception to Golden State Warriors:  The Nets get a tremendous shooter in Morrow and will clear up the lane for both Brook Lopez's post ups or Devin Harris' drives to the hoop.  He's an offensive upgrade to the young Courtney Lee.  Warriors at least get something for Morrow, who they could have lost if they didn't match the Nets' offer sheet.


Miami Heat trade Michael Beasley to Minnesota Timberwolves for second round picks:  Miami cleared the way to sign sharp shooter Mike Miller by trading Beasley for almost nothing.  The Wolves have inexplicably taken in another basket case while still trying to unload one in Al Jefferson.  Worst of all, Beasley is yet another power forward (their fifth).


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