Feb.21 at 5:18 pm

H to the izzo says:
LeBron must be excited.

Feb.21 at 5:18 pm

Darksaber says:
Hmm, don’t know if Wally World is really the kind of firepower Bron Bron wanted. And why the hell get Ben Wallace, Drew at least had some offensive skills. Joe Smith has been having a solid season in Chicago though so maybe that’s a plus. Larry Hughes….good riddance

Feb.21 at 5:18 pm

TADOne says:
Panicking.

Feb.21 at 5:18 pm

Paul says:
WOW!! Big Ben to Cleveland?? WOW!!

Feb.21 at 5:19 pm

Candice says:
At least the Bull’s got rid of Ben wallace.

Feb.21 at 5:19 pm

Ro says:
I do not see how this makes them better?
Ben at Center? what about big Z?

Feb.21 at 5:19 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Had to do it. Much like Phoenix had no realistic chance of winning a championship this year with the roster they had, this Cavs team had no realistic chance of etc and so forth. This guarantees them nothing, but at least it gives them a theoretical shot to improve and contend. Assuming this holds up, that’s more than they had an hour ago.

Feb.21 at 5:20 pm

Arvydas Sabonis says:
Cavs: Getting better
Bulls: Getting rid of problems
Sonics: Sure

Feb.21 at 5:20 pm

TADOne says:
Wow, no snide comment from Jones? I’m disappointed.

Feb.21 at 5:21 pm

J says:
I know Big Ben is a center, but is it really plausible to just sit Z? I mean, could Wallace play power forward and keep Z at center?

Feb.21 at 5:21 pm

TADOne says:
And Sam, don’t forget about the big trade of the day: Kirk Snyder for Gerald Green.

Feb.21 at 5:23 pm

J says:
Also, I love how seattle gets next to nothing. Things just keep getting better for poor KD.

Feb.21 at 5:23 pm

Allenp says:
If I understand this trade it appears like the Cavs traded a whole bunch of people to get a taller Daniel Gibson. Cause that’s what Delonte West is. And Ben Wallace is a higher paid Varejo and Wally is a less mobile Sasha. Seems pretty pointless to me.

Feb.21 at 5:23 pm

H to the izzo says:
2011 Finals MVP:LeBron James of the New York Knicks.play wit it,ASPOV.

Feb.21 at 5:23 pm

white hot eboy says:
Ryan is exactly the reason why SLAM writers know their sh*t more than any other basketball publication/news service. 100% co-sign.

Feb.21 at 5:25 pm

Jay Davis says:
Cleveland got four guys it could plug into its starting line-up but I’m not totally sold on this deal. Ben Wallace is a shell, but he will get to play power forward now, so that may help. Wally should start at the two now, at least ’til pavlovic comes back.

Feb.21 at 5:25 pm

Allenp says:
Joe Smith is an older Drew Gooden with less hops! This is a hideous trade. Hideous.

Feb.21 at 5:25 pm

Billy King says:
Um, a major overhaul like this can’t be good for continuity, especially heading into the playoffs, right? I like the pickups of Smith and West more than Wallace and Sczzzzerboaakla;is;gaakldj

Feb.21 at 5:25 pm

Sam Rubenstein says:
ugh the Gerald Green trade too. I was about to write up that one before I saw this one.
Just to play the devil’s advocate though… maybe Ben Wallace needs to have a defensive oriented coach (and not Scott Skiles) like Mike Brown to motivate him, as sad as that may be. I’m just saying that to say it. I don’t believe it. He’s done.

Feb.21 at 5:26 pm

Candice says:
Russ where are you? How do you like this trade?

Feb.21 at 5:27 pm

RV says:
Cavs definitely get better, they didn’t need a scorer, they needed someone who could consistently make open jumpers, not hot and cold Hughes and marshall, Gibson doesn’t do much inside the 3 point line and he’s getting covered, Wally will open it up more, the presence of Lebron alone should allow Ben to at least equal Gooden’s numbers, and West is a scorer who should help consistently and Joe smith has been playing really well also, great move

Feb.21 at 5:27 pm

Captain America says:
Wally World goes home to Ohio.

Feb.21 at 5:27 pm

Harlem_World says:
If this goes through, Chicago won out on this one. Good luck dealing with 4 ppg 9rpg and $20M for a couple more years. Wallace is TURRRRRRRRIBLE.

Feb.21 at 5:27 pm

Allenp says:
Ben Wallace at power forward gives the Cavs even less offensive firepower around Lebron. How does that help them? And Wally is a chucker with an overinflated view of his talent. I like Delonte, but he does all the same things Gibson does. I don’t get it, somebody explain why this is a great move.

Feb.21 at 5:27 pm

Arvydas Sabonis says:
Ben Wallace… What a beast he was.

Feb.21 at 5:28 pm

Ben Osborne says:
Ryan just wanted to write like a Fiver writer.

Feb.21 at 5:28 pm

Myles Brown says:
“We have a realtively young team that doesnt have a realistic shot at winning, so lets get an older, more expensive team that only made us a smidge better if that!” Yeah, I get it. Only in the NBA can people mismanage a business so poorly and receive applause.

Feb.21 at 5:28 pm

Darksaber says:
Yeah Russ, holla.

Feb.21 at 5:28 pm

TADOne says:
Eboy, I know the Cavs did this trade because they HAD to do something. That was obvious. Like every other trade, I’ll wait until they play a few games and see how it looks.

Feb.21 at 5:28 pm

Ryan Jones says:
You guys complicate sh*t for no good reason. Listen: The Cavs made the Finals last year (good) but showed they had no chance of actually *winning* the Finals without more help for LeBron (bad). LeBron’s contractually committed to the Cavs (good), but only for a couple more years (potentially very bad). If they want to have a chance to keep him, they HAVE to show that they’re serious about competing for a title EVERY YEAR. Obviously, it would be nice if that meant they could sign Chris Paul and Dwight Howard off waivers; in lieu of that, they do what they can. This may not make them any better, but it’s SOMETHING — it at least shows that they’re trying and not sitting complacent with a roster they know can’t compete. They may be f*cked either way, but they’re DEFINITELY f*cked if they don’t at least look like they’re trying.
I don’t know if that qualifies as snide, Tad, but I hope it helps.

Feb.21 at 5:29 pm

Harlem_World says:
Paxson lucks out again. He isn’t good, he’s just lucky.

Feb.21 at 5:29 pm

white hot eboy says:
Does everyone not see Joe Smith’s name in the deal? He’s the scoring option at the 4, if need be.

Feb.21 at 5:30 pm

CoolWhip11 says:
the way that was written I thought James was traded bahahha

Feb.21 at 5:30 pm

Darksaber says:
The Nba in 2008, where teams looking as if they are trying (to keep the chosen one from fleeing) happens.

Feb.21 at 5:30 pm

Ryan Jones says:
eboy: Thanks. I’ll do my best to totally betray your confidence as soon as I’m able.
izzo: I just p*ssed myself. That was hilarious.
Ben: nice catch. Check your email.

Feb.21 at 5:31 pm

Myles Brown says:
If I threw gasoline on a fire, does that count as “trying” to put it out?

Feb.21 at 5:31 pm

white hot eboy says:
Ryan is my hero. (which doesn’t speak well for me, but f*ck it)

Feb.21 at 5:31 pm

H to the izzo says:
Ben Wallace

Feb.21 at 5:31 pm

Harlem_World says:
Larry Hughes, BG and Thabo all at the 2 for the remainder of the year? Good luck with that.

Feb.21 at 5:31 pm

TADOne says:
Nice Myles.

Feb.21 at 5:32 pm

Dan says:
SO STOKED ABOUT THIS DEAL!

Feb.21 at 5:33 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Don’t be retarded, Myles.

Feb.21 at 5:33 pm

andacagar says:
Great trade for Cavs. I mean they didnt have much to work with as far as bringing in anybody big. They got Ben Wallace for defensive stops and boards and should make life easier for Big Z, they brought a very good spot up/3 pt shooter in Wally plus Joe Smith which wasn’t doing too bad lately in Chitown and he’s solidifies the bench but the best part is that they got Delonte West. West is no joke. Dude is quick , he can score, is pesky on defense and most important can handle the rock. Like I said for what they had in trade bait (not much) they got stronger as a team. Lary hughes just wasnt cutting it. He was too inconsistent and dude just didnt fit well with the Cavs scheme of things.

Feb.21 at 5:33 pm

Ryan Jones says:
This threatens to be the best late afternoon post ever.

Feb.21 at 5:33 pm

white hot eboy says:
Ryan, I take back my hero comment and wish the Nittany Lion to receive castration without anesthesia.

Feb.21 at 5:34 pm

neaorin says:
boooo. hisss.

Feb.21 at 5:34 pm

Myles Brown says:
You can do better than that Jones.

Feb.21 at 5:34 pm

TADOne says:
They reported Bron was telling Ferry that he BETTER do something. I guess Ferry listened.

Feb.21 at 5:34 pm

TheMC5 says:
Cleveland makes out like a bandit in this one. Drew Gooden is useless, Ira Newble is useless, Shannon Brown is a d-leaguer, Donyell Marshall is useless, and Larry Hughes is, I don’t know, useless! Plus they got a 2nd round pick, to boot. Check out this rotation:
PG - West/Gibson
SG - Szczerbiak/Pavlovic
SF - James/Brown
PF - Wallace/Smith
C - Ilgauskas/Varejao That’s a damn good team, right there.

Feb.21 at 5:35 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Sorry. I meant “Let’s get it started.”

Feb.21 at 5:35 pm

Harlem_World says:
What does all this mean for Damon Jones?

Feb.21 at 5:35 pm

Darksaber says:
HEY, no hating on Sefolosha a’ight. Dude ain’t MJ, but he comes to play every night! And over here in the Alps, dude is responsible for a mini resurgence in B-Ball, for which i am truly happy. Leave him be Harlem.

Feb.21 at 5:35 pm

Captain America says:
Wally should spread the defense out and give ‘Bron more space to work with. But Wally has always had problems creating his own shot. Gawd, I hate that the Cavs gave up Gooden. And Big Ben has that Big Contract: 14.5M per year.

Feb.21 at 5:35 pm

Tommy Patron says:
Amen, eboy. Joe Smith is the big factor here, for me. I also read on David Aldridge’s blog that the Cavs will get Delonte West. Personally, I feel that Ben Wallace can be a BIG factor in the Playoffs for Cleveland. He can still get it done, albeit at a notch or a notch and a half under what he once was, and the fact that he goes to a team with an extremely dominant lead talent and personality will allow him to feel more comfortable. I never liked the Bulls picking up Ben because he seemed anti-social, and he has proven to be unable to deal with and perform while in the spotlight and an expected “leadership” role. He didn’t even lead well by example in the Chi.

Feb.21 at 5:36 pm

TADOne says:
MC5 is obviously a Cavs fan.

Feb.21 at 5:36 pm

Milan says:
Yes! Adios Big Ben, welcome Drew Gooden. Larry Hughes, hmmm, jury still out on that and on who play under the hoop for da Bulls. But it’s a move.

Feb.21 at 5:36 pm

white hot eboy says:
I like the name combo of the SF postion MC5 posted.

Feb.21 at 5:37 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Everton 7-1 SK Brann on aggregate in the UEFA Cup Round of 32. Thoughts?

Feb.21 at 5:37 pm

what says:
My major concern is, what happens now to Hey Larry Hughes, Please Stop Taking So Many Bad Shots (.com)? Does it get transferred to a Bulls fan or does the same guy keep running it?

Feb.21 at 5:37 pm

Dan says:
But who is this “Brown” to LeBron’s James?

Feb.21 at 5:38 pm

GGG says:
Cavs will definitely be better…Better role players to let Lebron do his thing. Maybe they could of sent Wallace for Carter…I’d have loved to see that…

Feb.21 at 5:38 pm

Darksaber says:
Yeah eboy, i guess MC5’s “feeling good” about the deal as well.

Feb.21 at 5:39 pm

TheMC5 says:
Actually, I hate the Cavs. But if you can’t see how this deal helps Cleveland, you’re flat out stupid.

Feb.21 at 5:39 pm

Myles Brown says:
I really cant wait to be right about this one.

Feb.21 at 5:40 pm

Tommy Patron says:
Tim Howard!

Feb.21 at 5:41 pm

Darksaber says:
OMG. WHAT. for a moment i thought you were joking but there is a bloody website by that title! Hilarious. Gotta love the information superhighway.

Feb.21 at 5:41 pm

TADOne says:
Not sure about “flat out stupid”, but I have been called retarded.

Feb.21 at 5:42 pm

TADOne says:
And what was that unintelligent sh*t Ryan typed at 5:37?

Feb.21 at 5:42 pm

TheMC5 says:
You’ve got nothing but shooters in the backcourt, which is exactly what you should have with LeBron, and then solid D and great rebounding up front, plus 2 guys in Smith and Big Z who can stretch the D out to 18-20 feet. Seriously, if you can’t see how this helps them, you just don’t know basketball, plain and simple. And yes, James/Brown will the most feared SF combo ever.

Feb.21 at 5:43 pm

Reggie Evans says:
I am withholding judgment until I hear Brian Windhorst’s take on the trade.

Feb.21 at 5:43 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Myles, this Minny cold spell has clearly frozen your f*cking brain, because you keep missing the point: What was this Cavs team going to do if they hadn’t made a trade? Even if everybody magically got healthy and Bron averaged a triple-double the rest of the year? Would you give them a realistic chance of getting back to the Finals? If we can agree that’s not likely, than we can agree that they were pretty much guaranteed to regress this season. Tell me how that’s a good thing when you’ve got a 23-year-old lifetime MVP candidate who can start looking for a new team in two years.

Feb.21 at 5:43 pm

what says:
Wally is a better Donyell. Delonte is about the same as Larry Hughes, at this point. Joe Smith and Ben Wallace combined effectively replaces Drew Gooden, and makes them deeper and more experienced. Maybe no major big names going Cleveland’s way but still a good trade for them. The big loser in this trade is Chicago, I don’t see how this helps them at all.

Feb.21 at 5:43 pm

white hot eboy says:
MC5, the people that disagree with the value of the trade aren’t stupid, just opinionated. If the trade doesn’t involve a push for the Lakers, every deal that has been made since the begining of the season has been useless, so just let it go. Let’s see how everyone does once the playoffs start and we’ll see who’s “dumb” opinion’s are smartest.

Feb.21 at 5:44 pm

Darksaber says:
Most feared ever he says. Well at least they’ll have some groovy feet. Lebron’s dancing was solid (for such a brute) during All Star introductions.

Feb.21 at 5:45 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
not sold on it but i’m willing to buy ryan’s theory. Delonte is a sleeper though and i can see him helpin them right away

Feb.21 at 5:45 pm

white hot eboy says:
TAD, does the word futbol mean anything to you?

Feb.21 at 5:45 pm

what says:
Yeah I was pretty shocked when I found out about that site too. Pretty genius though whoever came up with it.

Feb.21 at 5:45 pm

Rob Paxon says:
I think this is a case of the Cavs trying to do ANYTHING to appease Lebron. I think Lebron is hurting his team a slight amount with all the pressure he’s putting on the front office to make moves. I say this because from all reports, the Cavs HAVE been trying to make moves,; many, many attempts. The problem is they just have crap pieces and get outbid every time. So, I think they felt like they had to make a trade that will actually go through for the main purpose of showing Lebron they’re active. The downside here is that they ARE and have been active, and making a move like this for that reason (if the case) doesn’t make the team better in the long run. I’m not a huge Lebron fan personally (love his game of course though) but I don’t mean this to be a slight, I don’t think he’s doing anything overtly wrong. I just think he doesn’t fully consider all the aspects of what can happen when he puts this kind of pressure on the guys in the front office. I’m sure the Cavs would’ve gotten Gasol, Bibby, Kidd, etc if they weren’t outbid by teams with better pieces, and Lebron should (maybe he does) understand that there’s only so much they can do with the current roster pieces.

Feb.21 at 5:46 pm

TADOne says:
Yes, if futbol was uttered by a retarded person who meant to say “football”.

Feb.21 at 5:47 pm

H to the izzo says:
Ryan:Are you serious?
And I think that in the short term this makes the Cavs slightly better,in the long run,just older and sh*tter at free throws.To me this was an obvious “Look LeBron we can make trades,maybe next time we might even make a good one” kind of trade.

Feb.21 at 5:47 pm

Darksaber says:
Ryan, Bayern 5:1 against Aberdeen. Get ready for the steamroller baby. Luca Toni, Klose and Kahn. And Ribery’s coming back soon, can you spell “dream team Uefa”.

Feb.21 at 5:47 pm

Reggie Evans says:
All the GMs are looking at Mitch Kupchak like he’s the parent who bought a f*ckin Hummer for his daughter, and now they all look like cheapos if they don’t get their kid anything.

Feb.21 at 5:48 pm

white hot eboy says:
That’s not nice, TAD.

Feb.21 at 5:48 pm

TheMC5 says:
WHE: I don’t know. It seems to me that people bashing this trade aren’t thinking or aren’t watching basketball, just listening to the pundits, i.e. Big Ben is finished, Joe Smith was a bust, etc. Just think about who they replaced and they’ll fit together on the court, and it seems like a no-brainer to me.

Feb.21 at 5:48 pm

Myles Brown says:
And I love how people try to bolster their innocuous statements with accusations of stupidity or retardation. The sh*t is either right or wrong and hardly a reflection of anyones mental capacity. Unless Damon Jones was involved. And honestly, I have sh*t to do or Id post a longer response, but Jones my f*cking brain is just fine. Does anyone remember Kobe? His team had been bounced the last two years in the first round and he ranted and raved to anyone who would listen about a trade. And he can opt out even sooner than Bron. But as Mr Kupchak proved, sometimes the best move is no move. They waited, cultivated the young talent on their roster and opportunities arose they took advantage of. Could that have happened if they just panicked and made a move cause they had to do SOMETHING? And why place undue pressure on Cleveland to return to the Finals when everyone knew that they got there on a fluke anyway? I would have kept that young team and waited for something better over the summer. Bron aint going anywhere next year is he?

Feb.21 at 5:49 pm

Captain America says:
I hear the bench is more comfortable in Houston than in Minnesota, good luck Gerald Green. Life is a cup cake.

Feb.21 at 5:49 pm

Darksaber says:
Reggie Evans: well put. Couldn’t have said it better.

Feb.21 at 5:49 pm

RV says:
Delonte is not similar to Gibson, gibson is a shooter who occasionally gets inside for layups or short j’s. West shoots well, but he can penetrate and score inside more consistently and creates for himself off the dribble better than Boobie..

Feb.21 at 5:50 pm

tenorca says:
Ferry: “Sorry we couldn’t get Pau. Or Kidd. Or Marion. Or Bibby. Or Snyder. But we got you a depressingly bad ex-defender, an older, crippled Kyle Korver, Delonte “Earl Watson is ten times better than me” West, and Joe Smith.” LeBron: “When’s my contract up?”

Feb.21 at 5:50 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Yes, Izzo. Yakubu with the hat trick. And I feel you, Saber. Not sure how the draw looks after the Round of 16, but hopefully we won’t have to beat you til the final.
eboy, let Tad go. Being a Michigan fan doesn’t explain his xenophobia, but it does explain his small brain.

Feb.21 at 5:50 pm

H to the izzo says:
I think we’re above mental health jokes here.Well I was about 5 years ago anyway.

Feb.21 at 5:50 pm

Darksaber says:
Hi hi, “Boobie”.

Feb.21 at 5:50 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Also, make that 8-1 aggregate. Holler.

Feb.21 at 5:51 pm

what says:
I wasn’t feelin this trade when I first heard about it. But think about it this way. Drew Gooden becomes Ben Wallace and Joe Smith (at least a wash, if not a win). Larry Hughes becomes Delonte West (maybe a loss in talent, not necessarily in potential). Donyell Marshall becomes Wally Szczczczcz (huge upgrade in shooting, wash in everything else). It’s not a HUGE upgrade, but Cleveland’s at least as good now, if not better, than they were before.

Feb.21 at 5:51 pm

H to the izzo says:
And by 5 years ago,I mean 10 years ago.

Feb.21 at 5:52 pm

TADOne says:
And MC5: I’m not saying this will be good or bad for Cleveland. In my opinion, Bron could make Manute Bol look good. Ben has been a shell of his Detroit form, but he definitely was unhappy in Chicago and this could make him remember what he was good at in the first place. Joe Smith ha been playing well for the last month, and playing with Bron will only help him. Wally will get lots of open looks, but so does Sasha. The one player I do like is Delonte, but where does he fit in? Will him or Gibson start?

Feb.21 at 5:52 pm

Tommy Patron says:
Myles, who did Cleveland get rid of that was so great? Was their chemistry so good that management wouldn’t want to tinker? Even if this trade is a wash, as far as production and record, what’s the big deal?

Feb.21 at 5:54 pm

what says:
What I meant to also say in my last post is that the players the Cavs traded away are not that great anyway. Donyell’s one dimensional, Hughes is way overpaid and overrated, Gooden’s mad inconsistent. Not that the guys coming back are necessarily that much better, but at least they get a couple of shooters and some inside D, without losing too much of the post scoring Gooden provided.

Feb.21 at 5:54 pm

Darksaber says:
Ryan, surely you jest. Did you just say “beat” us? Everton’s gonna beat Bayern in the finals, assuming they meet there? Wow, you’ve got major cojones man.

Feb.21 at 5:54 pm

TheMC5 says:
Myles: What good young talent did Cleveland have, exactly? Shannon Brown? Donyell is old, Newble is far from “solid young talent”, Larry Hughes is, well, Larry Hughes. What did they lose here? I don’t understand. My brain hurts.

Feb.21 at 5:54 pm

H to the izzo says:
Since when is Donyell Marshall still in the NBA?

Feb.21 at 5:55 pm

H to the izzo says:
Darksaber:I disagree.

Feb.21 at 5:55 pm

Rob Paxon says:
As to the actual trade, the best player for the Cavs here might end up being Delonte West. I LOVE his game and think he can be a real player in time. Big Ben isn’t much of an upgrade, if any (if not a downgrade), over Gooden. Joe Smith is a very solid vet to have around and he still brings a well-rounded game. Wally is a good player and can produce in the ballpark of Hughes’ production during his disappointing Cavs career. For my money, the key to whether or not this makes the Cavs better is how Delonte West plays for them. Good move for the Sonics to free up even more space. I applaud them for giving up West, who was stuck behind two other PGs, so that he may get a fair shake somewhere else. The Sonics are going to have space and seemingly dozens of picks to work with the next couple offseasons. If their cards are played right and players are willing to go there despite the uncertainty on and off the court, they can turn this thing around in a few short seasons. I don’t know what this means for the Bulls. Gordon, Hughes, AND Sefolosha? This screams of letting Gordon go but now they have to wait until the offseason. I love them getting rid of Wallace… it had to happen. He represents the disappointment and missteps of the past couple seasons and he just plain was not producing. Marshall plus more minutes for Noah and Thomas works out well, but it’s too bad for them that they had to give up Smith, who was one of few character vets on the team.

Feb.21 at 5:56 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Myles is stupid AND retarded. And cold. And wrong. Bron, as we all know, is not Kobe. One of the ways he’s not Kobe is that he’s not gonna give a couple of frat boys standing in a parking lot with a HandiCam an exclusive interview in which he bashes some of his teammates, tell the world what a horrible GM and owner he has, backtrack on said comments eight hours later, and generally act like a lunatic. He also won’t pretend to be on the verge of signing with another team three times in a 5 or 6 year span. If and when the time comes and he feels he can’t win there, he will be out. I think you know I’m right about this. I still love you.

Feb.21 at 5:56 pm

TheMC5 says:
TAD: I’m not so sure it matters at this point whether Gibson or West starts. They will both get ample playing time. I’d lean towards West starting though. Maybe not right away, but soon. He gives you more than Gibson. He can defend, handle the ball, make plays, and shoot the 3.

Feb.21 at 5:57 pm

Myles Brown says:
Even if this trade is a wash, as far as production and record, the big deal is that theyre now STUCK with Ben Wallace and his dwindling production for the next three years, coincidentally the same year that Bron can opt out of that potential mess. But hey, they had to do something.

Feb.21 at 5:58 pm

Harlem_World says:
Saber, I actually feel Thabo should be given more minutes, not less - and now Hughes is in town and BG is returning from injury, I can’t see that happening anytime soon.

Feb.21 at 5:59 pm

Myles Brown says:
And as usual Jones is right. Public or private, Bron put NO pressure on Ferry to make that trade. Stifle all laughter.

Feb.21 at 5:59 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Saber, you realize both our teams are in the UEFA Cup, not the Champions League, right? If either of our teams were so unbeatable, they’d be playing in a much tougher cup right now.

Feb.21 at 5:59 pm

TheMC5 says:
As opposed to being stuck with Larry Hughes for the next 2 or 3 years. Is that really so bad?

Feb.21 at 5:59 pm

H to the izzo says:
Ryan:Kobe wasn’t always Kobe either,an inept team and front office for the most part made him Kobe,the same could happen to LeBron.

Feb.21 at 6:00 pm

TADOne says:
Awwwww, thanks Jones. Now go change Joe Pa’s diaper. He’s waiting.

Feb.21 at 6:01 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Are you implying public and private pressure are the same thing, Myles? And why does that sound dirty? Pretty much every great player ever has pressured a GM or owner at some point, and I won’t offend either of our basketball memory banks by going through the list. The difference is doing it behind closed doors, or doing it in the PARKING LOT OF A F*CKING MALL.

Feb.21 at 6:01 pm

Harlem_World says:
Because of the Bron factor, this still gets Cleveland to the Eastern Semi’s. He’s also proven he can pretty much beat Detroit on his own, and much as I dislike him, Ben Wallace plays up for Detroit - so it’s conceivable they could…ok…maybe not…

Feb.21 at 6:02 pm

g$n buckets says:
this a load of crock wallace is still repin the red black n white

Feb.21 at 6:03 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Izzo: You are wrong. Not saying he won’t get frustrated (or that he hasn’t already) and not saying he’s a saint, but I am saying he will NEVER go out like Kobe did. Never ever ever.

Feb.21 at 6:03 pm

Harlem_World says:
No disrespect Ryan, but you do know the UEFA is like the NIT right? Supporting Everton is subscribing for a long, long, LONG drought. I understand your reasons, but come on over and join us at Arsenal - trust me, it’ll feel a whole lot better.

Feb.21 at 6:04 pm

Myles Brown says:
So Kobe made a dumb move in a parking lot. What the f*ck does that have to do with the point I was making? The point is that no matter where the pressure comes from, a team shouldn’t panic unless they see a move that can clearly benefit their team. I don’t see how this did. The team got significantly older and marginally more productive. Because they had to do something. And now they cant do anything else. If this doesnt work out, whos contract is more mobile, Hughes or Big Ben?

Feb.21 at 6:06 pm

tenorca says:
Does anyone else see Ben Wallace and his massive, sucktacular contract getting traded two or three more times before all’s said and done. He’s the new Theo Ratliff.

Feb.21 at 6:07 pm

Ryan Jones says:
I’m not that dude, Harlem, but thanks.
Also, Myles said “I have sh*t to do.” Myles is a liar.

Feb.21 at 6:08 pm

what says:
Oh yeah, Ben Wallace is a lot more likely to play well at PF than at C. Between even a washed up version of him and Big Z Cleveland becomes one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the NBA. At some point they will lose because they don’t really have a reliable low post scorer, but this does make them better now.

Feb.21 at 6:09 pm

Myles Brown says:
I do. Im just not doing it cause Im easily provoked sometimes. Especially by you. But I am supposed to be on my way to the Wolves/Spurs game.

Feb.21 at 6:10 pm

TADOne says:
Make sure you interview ‘Crazy Eyes’.

Feb.21 at 6:11 pm

Sam Rubenstein says:
in the interest of being the peacemaker… read the UPDATE. Myles, the Cavs are also getting a second rounder so I guess you could say that’s helping their future even if they made their potential cap situation worse.

Feb.21 at 6:11 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Kurt Thomas is as cool as any dude in the League. You should definitely say what’s up to him, Myles. And I’m not even trying to provoke you anymore.

Feb.21 at 6:13 pm

says says:
turn the car around…

Feb.21 at 6:14 pm

Darksaber says:
Umm Ryan, hope you realize that Bayern usually plays Champions league ball, and if Magath hadn’t messed up the training duties last season, we wouldn’t even be talking about Everton/Munich in the same sentence. Be that as it may, THIS Bayern team is too good for Uefa Cup, homes. (ah, how i love using outdated US - Slang terms)

Feb.21 at 6:15 pm

Ryne Nelson says:
In response to Sam’s update, I really agree. This deal is exciting, but the young stars like Paul and Howard are going to provide that excitement for the rest of the season.

Feb.21 at 6:15 pm

Myles Brown says:
Ill do that. And until our respective teams meet in three consecutive Finals to settle this all, there will never truly be peace between Jones and I. But I still love you, in that pants on, mouths closed kinda way.

Feb.21 at 6:16 pm

TADOne says:
Um wow.

Feb.21 at 6:16 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
EVER?

Feb.21 at 6:17 pm

Marvin says:
pistons got Juan Dixon, Champs in 2008

Feb.21 at 6:17 pm

Khalid Salaam says:
As a sidebar i just want to say that this is the most exciting NBA reg season in a long minute.

Feb.21 at 6:18 pm

TADOne says:
Now Detroit only has 8 guards.

Feb.21 at 6:18 pm

The Notorious King says:
Good Ridance to Larry Hughes BUM

Feb.21 at 6:18 pm

TADOne says:
Agreed Khalid.

Feb.21 at 6:18 pm

Tom says:
you know what’d be funny, after all this madness, we still end up with spurs vs. cavs in the finals…….its got a good chance of happening now.

Feb.21 at 6:20 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Be safe, Myles.
And, umm, Saber, you’re hopefully rational enough to realize that the Bundesliga is vastly inferior to the Prem, and that a 5-1 aggregate win over the f*cking eight place team in the SPL isn’t worth getting too excited about (at least Brann won their weak league). Also, speaking of Everton and Bayern in the same sentence: Can we talk about 1985?

Feb.21 at 6:21 pm

Darksaber says:
Oh and as for the Cavs, Wallace / Smith equals more on court savvy but less athletism. Guess Sideshow Varejao has to bring his A-game every night now. Delonte over there sure is intriguing, he can slash and pass. and Wally? Well, i’d take his shooting over Pavlovic’s any day. So, seems Cavs made a commited trade for the present, and who knows what the future will bring? I for one am relieved the trading deadline’s past us now, can we just enjoy the upcoming months? They are gonna be FANTASTIC. Incredible how the last two playoff seasons (especially two seasons ago) have brought the drama, but this one is gonna be off the charts.

Feb.21 at 6:22 pm

Ryne Nelson says:
@Tom - You’re right. We do have a very good chance of seeing a rematch. But SA only wins on odd seasons, so it’s LA’s turn in the West.

Feb.21 at 6:22 pm

Tom says:
i feel sorry for all these video game dudes who like to keep they’re nba live rosters up to date and have to make all these trades manually

Feb.21 at 6:23 pm

Ryan Jones says:
I hope everyone appreciates how much focus it takes to win this many simultaneous arguments. You people should appreciate me while I’m here.

Feb.21 at 6:23 pm

Jake Appleman says:
The fact that they got Joe Smith might prove to be the most important part of the deal. I’m not sold on Delonte at all. He shoots horribly from the field. If Ben Wallace can’t help, they’ve still got Z, Sideshow and the aforementioned trade. Ryan, you’re smoking if you think the Cavs would have no shot to make it back to the finals before this trade. Boston is completely unproven and arguably vulnerable and Detroit is coached by Flip Saunders. That is all.

Feb.21 at 6:23 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Tom wins.

Feb.21 at 6:23 pm

Jake Appleman says:
*aforementioned Joe Smith

Feb.21 at 6:24 pm

H to the izzo says:
Even Cork City beat Bayern Munich

Feb.21 at 6:25 pm

Darksaber says:
Yuueahh, Jones, VASTLY superior. Hmm, wonder where the British national team is gonna end during the upcoming european championsh… oh, my bad, they didn’t even qualify. Guess that “premier” league sure is a nice playground for all the french/dutch/czech/ukrainian/diverse african nations - national players isn’t it, what with Abramovic and co. paying the big bucks. Premier my face.

Feb.21 at 6:26 pm

H to the izzo says:
Darksaber:There’s about three English players actually starting in the Premiership

Feb.21 at 6:27 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Saber, I’m not English. My team’s best players are Spanish, Nigerian, Australian, Irish and American. Remember what you’re arguing about, man.

Feb.21 at 6:28 pm

Darksaber says:
Yeah, duly noted Jones, you are a freaking brain surgeon, chapeau dude.

Feb.21 at 6:28 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Seriously, izzo, why are these Germans always war-mongering?

Feb.21 at 6:30 pm

H to the izzo says:
Something about hurt pride I assume.

Feb.21 at 6:30 pm

Sam Rubenstein says:
Tom, nobody does that anymore. Feel sorry for the people at EA, 2Ksports etc. that have to put in the new roster patches.

Feb.21 at 6:30 pm

TADOne says:
One of these days I’m going to stop being a xenophobe and watch one of these matches.

Feb.21 at 6:30 pm

TADOne says:
You know, so I can know what the hell is going on.

Feb.21 at 6:31 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Someone somewhere a few thousand comments ago wisely said they’d withhold judgment until Windhorst weighed in. He has:
The deal is done. The details are here. Basically, Cavs get Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and a second-round draft pick for Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall, Shannon Brown, and Cedric Simmons. Pretty crazy. And, I think, qualifies as the blockbuster. In full disclosure, the deal I was talking about last night was Hughes for Wallace and then the Cavs would be able to move Gooden for a shooting guard. It obviously got a lot more complex today.
Here is the instant reaction, one of the things being talked about within the Cavs front office over the last few days was the need to get someone in here to deal with potential matchups with the Celtics in the playoffs. Wallace could be that guy. He also gives them an edge in dealing with the Pistons as well. Szczerbiak is guy who is the type of player that works well with LeBron, he’s a shooter, although he’s had injury problems. Cavs are taking on some huge salary here, but they are not really extending their commitments. Wallace is signed for two more years (like Hughes) and Smith and Szczerbiak will have expiring contracts next season. West will be a restricted free agent.
To me the key here is just what Wallace brings. He’s not the player he was in Detroit, I think most people agree with that. But can he be a major defensive presence, especially come the playoffs. To me that will define this deal. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t. Lots of people are down on him and he’s not having a good year. He is the key in my mind.

Feb.21 at 6:31 pm

phunkykarma says:
A Ben Wallace-Ilgauskas front-court seems like pretty strong and good.

Feb.21 at 6:31 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Please don’t, Tad. Stick with hockey. Seriously.

Feb.21 at 6:32 pm

Darksaber says:
Get the argument right Jones. Even though i love the influx of nationalities in modern soccer, the premier league is sadly the worst in terms of utilizing the host countries talented soccer players. England might play some nice quick offensiv soccer, but just so you know, the Bundesliga averaged a minute amount of goals less than the british league last year, while conceding less goals. again, inferior my face. At least there are still tons of locals playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A. and i’m not even german, so don’t go there. (pure Nigerian homes)

Feb.21 at 6:33 pm

TADOne says:
I’d actually watch soccer over hockey, but thanks for your concern Jones.

Feb.21 at 6:33 pm

H to the izzo says:
The Bundesliga isn’t even in the top three leagues.

Feb.21 at 6:33 pm

TADOne says:
Actually, I would never watch hockey.

Feb.21 at 6:33 pm

Darksaber says:
Oh no you didn’t Jones. You called me a war mongering German? so wrong, on so many levels Ryan. Saddens me.

Feb.21 at 6:34 pm

Pats FAN says:
i think chicago got the better part of the deal(s)

Feb.21 at 6:34 pm

TheMC5 says:
Ryan: You’re always appreciated round the parts. *By these parts, I mean my living room.

Feb.21 at 6:34 pm

Ryan Jones says:
I AM NOT NOW AND NEVER WAS DISCUSSING WHICH COUNTRIES’ TOP LEAGUES MADE BEST USE OF THEIR NATIVE PLAYERS. I WAS TALKING ABOUT TALENT, AND THE TALENT IN THE PREM IS SUPERIOR TO THE TALENT IN ANY OTHER LEAGUE. I WISH IT WASN’T, BECAUSE THAN EVERTON MIGHT WIN THE LEAGUE AGAIN SOMETIME SOON, BUT THERE YOU GO.
And please, stop calling me homes.

Feb.21 at 6:34 pm

TADOne says:
And I’m not sure why that report said the Cavs wanted to match up better with the C’s in the playoffs. What, did everyone forget about Detroit?

Feb.21 at 6:35 pm

overtime says:
this is one of the worst trades Cleveland could do. They could have got Bibby. They could of got J-Kidd, maybe even Ron-Ron or someone that can contribute. But no. They have ben wallace and wally. This could only be worse if they had traded Lebron

Feb.21 at 6:36 pm

Darksaber says:
Oh really Izzo, unlike say, MLS maybe. Jeez, they get a washed up Becks and now they are bloody soccer world beaters.

Feb.21 at 6:36 pm

Todd D. says:
The cavs Defense will be very strong, Z can block shots and rebound at center, Wallace is a defensive dynamo, nuff said, at forward, Bron is phenomenal all around — defense included, Wally will be the weakest link at shooting guard, and delonte is a great point guard defender, and he can shoot the rock from 3. This is a very good trade for the Cavs.

Feb.21 at 6:37 pm

H to the izzo says:
If you’re looking for mild racism based on country of birth,go to SLAMonline.

Feb.21 at 6:37 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
Holy Hell, there are a lot of comments to get through!
Ryan, you are on fire and as soon as I saw the mention of a parking lot and my boy, I just kept on scrolling.
I’m PUMPED for Delonte. Lets see if he can get anything rolling in Cleveland. As for the rest of it? I am just excited to watch Bron with a whole new group of guys. Definitely the craziest season in awhile!

Feb.21 at 6:38 pm

H to the izzo says:
If I was American…well that still wouldn’t hurt if I was.

Feb.21 at 6:38 pm

TADOne says:
Shouldn’t you post that over on another site izzo, and include the URL?

Feb.21 at 6:39 pm

Darksaber says:
Yeah, sure the “premier” league is far superior, then Milano wins it all anyway. So much for that. Oh go beat on paparazzi with Rooney, Jones. Been nice talking to ya, HOMES. Stay safe.

Feb.21 at 6:39 pm

TADOne says:
You can probably skip over a lot of it Holly. We got off track, as usual. But the Jones/Myles fight was entertaining.

Feb.21 at 6:40 pm

Ryan Jones says:
It doesn’t hurt, Izzo. I promise.

Feb.21 at 6:41 pm

H to the izzo says:
German people are just straight up rude.

Feb.21 at 6:42 pm

Ryan Jones says:
It’s ok, though. Myles and I are “homes.”

Feb.21 at 6:43 pm

TADOne says:
Wasn’t “homes” something that was popular in the 80’s?

Feb.21 at 6:44 pm

Darksaber says:
Can it Izzo, no need to insult nationalities here. And just so you and Mr. Everton get it straight, i.am.not.german. Do speak the lingo though and next to the country. So there.

Feb.21 at 6:44 pm

Tom says:
I love this deal for the cavs. His whole downfall came because he wanted to be the no.1 option in the middle, and…..well, we all know that doesn’t work, and results in the Ben we see now. Him playing next to Z he can go back to being a defensive anchor and energy guy, never having to worry about offense. West finally gives them a pg who can penetrate, and Wally is gonna look like a superstar thanks to all the open shots Lebron will get him.

Feb.21 at 6:44 pm

Ryan Jones says:
I would dispute whether “homes” was ever, in fact, popular. Used, perhaps, but not popular.

Feb.21 at 6:45 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Darksaber is SO German. No one has ever been more German than Darksaber. If Dirk Nowitzki and Kraftwerk had a baby, it wouldn’t be as German as Darksaber.

Feb.21 at 6:47 pm

Darksaber says:
Ryan, you just cracked me the hell up. Good one, truly funny line. I’ll let you have this minor victory Jones. But as soon as Bayern uses Everton for target practice, we’ll talk.

Feb.21 at 6:48 pm

H to the izzo says:
I bet his middle name is “Bratwurst”.Fooling no-one.

Feb.21 at 6:49 pm

H to the izzo says:
Kraftwerk.Nice

Feb.21 at 6:49 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Glad you came around. Bayern may in fact be a better team. I’m just saying I like my squad’s chances against almost anyone right now.

Feb.21 at 6:50 pm

Darksaber says:
and instead of kraftwerk, you should have used Rammstein, homes. More popular over hear in europe, get your hyperbole right Jones, jeez.

Feb.21 at 6:51 pm

tenorca says:
VON WAFER HAS BEEN TRADED!!! STOP EVERYTHING!!!

Feb.21 at 6:52 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Du… du hast… du hast nicht! Ah, love songs.

Feb.21 at 6:53 pm

H to the izzo says:
I here Hasselhoff is huge over there.

Feb.21 at 6:54 pm

Darksaber says:
Close Ryan, very close. it’s “du hast mich”. Impressed you know your schtick though.

Feb.21 at 6:55 pm

WhaHuh says:
I think Darksaber is Austrian, Bayern will beat Everton, they aren’t proven at this level and are never consistant

Feb.21 at 6:55 pm

Ryan Jones says:
You’re so German, homes.

Feb.21 at 6:56 pm

Ryan Jones says:
And I would argue that, by NEVER being consistent, Everton are in fact very consistent. Discuss.

Feb.21 at 6:57 pm

Darksaber says:
Oh Izzo, nice to see you’ve used up your German cliché 101 textbook so quickly. A’ight, guys it’s been fun seeing you wallow in ignorance, enough of that. So i hear this Le Bron can play very good,yes? Is he french?

Feb.21 at 6:57 pm

H to the izzo says:
And have a far superior manager,I think that’s string theory Ryan.

Feb.21 at 6:58 pm

TheMC5 says:
Rammstein may be more popular, but there’s no way they’re more “German” than Kraftwerk. Plus, the joke is funnier with Kraftwerk. Oh, and Rammstein are balls.

Feb.21 at 6:58 pm

H to the izzo says:
Darksaber,you’re more than welcome to use Irish clichés.

Feb.21 at 6:59 pm

Darksaber says:
Ryan, i was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, lived in Lagos for 13 years and am a member of the Yoruba tribe back home. Live in Switzerland though. Don’t call me German, or i’ll come looking for you over there in NYC to pull a Jason Bourne on ya.

Feb.21 at 6:59 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
homes hahaha, JONES you are funny. Please, try to carve some time out for us in your everyday schedule. Or at least a few times a week, thanks.

Feb.21 at 7:00 pm

Keith says:
Where is Russell Bengtson?

Feb.21 at 7:00 pm

Keith says:
And just because I can…200.

Feb.21 at 7:03 pm

Ryan Jones says:
Darksaber, I don’t know if you’re from the same tribe as Yakubu or Yobo (or even Anichebe), but I will thank you on a general national level for lacing my squad with so much talent.
Holly, I won’t be around much for the next week or so, but feel free to archive this post and re-read it if you start missing me too much.
Izzo, I’ll be in Liverpool this time next week. I assume you’ll come over for a beer.
And 200-plus for a post that didn’t go up til after 4 pm? Priceless.

Feb.21 at 7:03 pm

TADOne says:
Holly, I thought you text Russ?

Feb.21 at 7:04 pm

Darksaber says:
Hiya Holly. How’s the Laker love going? Nice report Shaq - Mamba a few hours ago. Umm, not to burst your bubble, but you do know Kung Pau is a bit of a whiner bum don’t ya? Well, what does it matter, even T-Dunc whines at every call nowadays. Must be the first thing taught at big man camp nowadays.

Feb.21 at 7:05 pm

H to the izzo says:
Darksaber:Believe it or not I knew a guy from there.
If I hitch a ride with Ben Collins tommorrow then yes.

Feb.21 at 7:06 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
I did, Tad.. no response.. Maybe he is not dealing well with the loss of Joe Smith??? I just don’t know what I think about this trade. I keep on thinking about Durant who has lost his two vets in a 24-hour span. I LOVE THE NBA.

Feb.21 at 7:06 pm

Darksaber says:
Yeah Ryan, and of those 200+, us three were jabbering about Soccer. My apologies to all the slamonline regulars who had to go through all of that. (go easy on me TAD / Eboy) Sure felt good though.

Feb.21 at 7:07 pm

Keith says:
Ryan, sorry to interrupt man but what you doing going over to Liverpool? You know you’ll get everything you have on you, stolen, right?

Feb.21 at 7:08 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
Darksaber: Laker love is feeling real good right about now, but I think I’ve made people a little crazy with it. haha Glad you made it through the mamba-shaq madness.

Feb.21 at 7:08 pm

Darksaber says:
Someone start calling up emergency rooms in the area. I think Russ just suffered arhythmea in his heart. It might even have stopped entirely.

Feb.21 at 7:10 pm

Darksaber says:
Don’t worry too much Ryan. Only Liverpool soccer players get their stuff stolen on the regular, preferably while playing in the stadium. You’ll just go unnoticed, unless of course your rental is a 360 Modena or something similar.

Feb.21 at 7:16 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
And, Ryan I was using your “maf*ckin’ rings” quote from the Kobe interview ALLL night, last night. I guess technically it is Kobe’s quote but without you we wouldn’t have ever heard it!

Feb.21 at 7:16 pm

H to the izzo says:
Holly:I noticed.

Feb.21 at 7:21 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
hahahah Izzo, you got the email?

Feb.21 at 7:23 pm

H to the izzo says:
Oh ya.

Feb.21 at 7:25 pm

Darksaber says:
Uh oh, this sounds like “inner circle” stuff going down now. I’ll bug out now. Go Heat, umm, never mind.

Feb.21 at 7:26 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
If you thought I was fired up then…. I was on a whole other level after the game. haha Have all of the guys arrived in Cleveland yet? Or did they just find out about this at the deadline like we did?

Feb.21 at 7:28 pm

Holly MacKenzie says:
hhaha @ Darksaber’s comment about Russ. Seriously though, where is the guy?

Feb.21 at 7:58 pm

Mike says:
Paxson’s just replacing one bad contract with another. Cavs still suck

Feb.21 at 8:01 pm

peteb80 says:
Franck Ribéry is like my best friend.

Feb.21 at 8:02 pm

Bigi says:
Funny how Kobe was the only to ask a trade and everybody else gets traded BUT him…

Feb.21 at 8:02 pm

Cheryl says:
I like this move for the Cavs. Ben may be re-energized, like with Shaq, needing to prove haters wrong. Maybe? At least Bron has some additional help. Don’t see any positives for the Bulls, though. Cracking up at your 5:23 comment, izzo.

Feb.21 at 8:04 pm

Mike says:
*sorry Ferry not Paxson

Feb.21 at 8:05 pm

Bigi says:
also…NBA.com….WAKE UP!

Feb.21 at 8:05 pm

Jukai says:
217 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL, 217 BOTTLES OF BEER =/

Feb.21 at 8:06 pm

Jukai says:
I’m beyond words right now. So, Phoenix was my favorite team until the Shaq team, when I went to focus on Cleveland, so now….

Feb.21 at 8:09 pm

Cheryl says:
Russ hasn’t commented?? I thought I just missed it cuz I just got home and didn’t want to read all 200+ comments. Where the hel is Russ??

Feb.21 at 8:21 pm

Bubba Chuck says:
Big Ben & Bron!?

Feb.21 at 8:30 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
…

Feb.21 at 8:35 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Totally down with this trade. Sure, Hughes’s contract is bad, but a) Ben Wallace’s was worse, and b) before the break Hughes scored 66 points in two games, which no Bull has done in–well, a long time. It also gives them a two-guard who can actually guard two-guards, and hey, he was in the Finals last year. Drew is, um, quirky, but he’s also a lot younger than Wallace (or Smith), and has more upside than both of them. In making this trade, the Bulls turned the clock back a little, got better, AND corrected their worst mistake in 50 years. I’m not mad. At all.

Feb.21 at 8:39 pm

Sesa says:
There goes Cavs perimeter defense. I hate that Hughes got traded when he started playing better.
And, weren’t the Bulls supposed to get a low post threat? Gooden?

Feb.21 at 8:41 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
As for the Cavs, I’m on Myles’s side. Why is it that everyone, when a player who’s been playing horribly is dealt, automatically assumes said player will resume his previous level of play? Ben Wallace is FINISHED. And lest you all have forgotten, he expects to be as much a part of the offense as he is of the defense. When that doesn’t happen, he sulks. Oh, and good luck moving him if it doesn’t work out. Joe Smith was great for the Bulls this year, and I’ll miss him, but in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king. I can’t imagine him being a difference-maker in Cleveland.

Feb.21 at 8:43 pm

Bubba Chuck says:
This was a bad trade 4 every1

Feb.21 at 8:59 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Some other things I like from the Bulls perspective: Having Thabo and Hughes means they can let Ben Gordon walk if they want. Getting rid of Wallace means they can give at least some of his minutes to Joakim Noah, who is the same player only better (and a decade younger). They essentially turned Joe Smith, a career journeyman on a one-year contract, into Drew Gooden. I am not mad at that. At all. Where were the Bulls going with Joe Smith as their best player? Now they have two starters from the defending Eastern Conference Champions, however flimsy they were. More playoff experience is never a bad thing. (And I’ll take The Beard over The Fro.)

Feb.21 at 9:16 pm

Keith Closs says:
Vinicius to the rescue!!!!

Feb.21 at 9:17 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Not that Ben Wallace didn’t have a ton of playoff experience, but I meant in THIS century.

Feb.21 at 9:22 pm

matt says:
this trade will deffinitely help ben wallace… now he has bron whose getting double digit boards, sideshow n illgauskas as well boarding he wont hav 2 worry about rebounding n can concentrate on wot he does best…

Feb.21 at 9:27 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Sulking?

Feb.21 at 9:27 pm

AB_40 says:
they should have gave hughes money to this ohio kid named michael redd. But no Redd wanted to be the man in milwaukee ah we all know how that turned out. So Ilgauskas, Wallace, James, Sczerbiack, West? cuzz they want to have that hard working bank squad. Or is gibson gonna start with west guarding whomever is the opponents best scorer in a raja bell type role.

Feb.21 at 9:35 pm

Bubba Chuck says:
@ least tha cavs didnt trade boobie!

Feb.21 at 9:38 pm