Feb. 6: Phoenix acquires Shaquille O'Neal from Miami in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks

Miami: Well…looks like another rebuilding stage for the horrific Heat.  Getting rid of the Diesel was like a bag of cash dropping on their lap.  Not only did they get rid of the last two years on O’Neal’s contract but they also got Marion, who can opt out at the years end. 

Marion will either free up some cash for the Heat or help them on the court, since he’s one of the best all around forwards in the NBA.

Banks might not have fit in well in Phoenix, but he can pressurethe ball and, paired up with Wade and Marion, presents a true terror for other teams with their transition offense. Plus, there isn’t much that can hurt a team when their in the basement.
Our Experts Rating: A

Phoenix: This one could go either way, depending on which Shaq shows up.  I don’t really like this trade for the Suns because, not only is Marion a great double sided forward, but the Suns are a fast paced, fast break team and Shaq is a 35 year old giant. 

He will slow them down, but on the other hand, will provide a presence on the court, that nobody else can. O’Neal should improve Phoenix’s defense and give them a chance to win the Wild Wild West.
Our Experts Rating: C

Feb. 4: New Jersey acquires Stromile Swift from Memphis in exchange for Jason Collins and cash considerations

New Jersey: This deal was even salary wise, but gave them breathing room to sign a veteran, should they make a run in the playoffs, which, in the east, isn’t hard to do.  With only 1.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, Jason Collins will hardly be missed and Swift will add another good athlete to the frontcourt.
Our Experts Rating: A

Memphis: The Grizzles couldn’t wait to get rid of Swift, who got suspended just one day before he was shipped off to New Jersey. He has a lot of potential, but has not shown anything thus far.
Our Experts Rating: A

Feb. 1: L.A. Lakers acquire Pau Gasol and a 2010 second-round draft pick from Memphis in exchange for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol and first round picks in 2008 and 2010.

Memphis: This could be the biggest mistake that the Grizzles have made since moving to Memphis.  Pao Gasol, averaging almost 20 points and close to 10 rebounds per game, was the heart and soul of the Memphis organization.  He’s led the team in almost every prolific category for the last several years. 

Sadly, losing Gasol’s 3 year, $16 million contract was a must since the Grizzles were bound to be in the leagues’ basement either way.

Believe it or not, Memphis did exactly what they were trying to do, get rid of Gasol’s big contract and grab a few young talented prospects and a few draft picks.
Our Experts Rating: D

Los Angeles: You knew something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. Ever since the departure of Shaq, the Lakers have been searching for a big man who could put up numbers. 

Gasol gives them that and more. LA was in a position to get rid of some of their younger players, since they have one of the best benches in the NBA, and grab a big time star. Last year they had a chance to snag Jason Kidd, but they let it go.  This time they did no such thing.