O.J. Mayo was traded for big Kevin Love

Image details: 2008 NBA Draft served by picapp.com

Hold on to your hats. There has been a trade between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ok, wake up, there may be some important stuff happening here.

O.J. Mayo was traded in an 8 person deal.

That’s good because Mayo didn’t come cheap. In addition to parting with the draft rights to forward Kevin Love, the No. 5 pick, Memphis gave up Mike Miller, a sharp-shooting guard who is extremely valued around the league. The Grizzlies were able to dump the remaining two years and $13 million on Brian Cardinal’s contract while also sending center Jason Collins, whose contract expires after the upcoming season, to Minnesota. In return, the Timberwolves unloaded Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner.

The contracts of Walker and Buckner aren’t guaranteed past the upcoming season, but Jaric has three years and $21.3 million left. Getting rid of Jaric gives Minnesota the potential to be a significant player in the bountiful free-agent summer of 2010.

source

Ok, what just happened here?

Opinions were divided. Love has the potential to be a long time starter and solid player. Mayo has the potential to be a star.

Minnesota wanted Mike Miller for his shooting and wanted to get under the cap for the 2010 free agents. They got that.

Memphis wanted some star power.

Both teams have a history of mucking up the trade wars. One needs only to look at the two NBA finals teams. Pau Gasol came from Memphis to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Garnett came from the Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics. This left what? Memphis – 0 Minnesota – young Al Jefferson. Of course, don’t forget the Brandon Roy for Foye Minnesota trade. Who is Foye? Who knows, but Minnesota wanted him.

So O.J. Mayo ends up playing for the Memphis Grizzlies for now and Kevin Love plays for Minnesota for now. For now being the key words.

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Brandon Roy and Kevin Durant

Conventional wisdom, be as it may, does not always ring true.

Greg Oden is out with micro fracture surgery. Portland being a very young team and minus its big 7 footer should not be enjoying any success.

No, Portland should be looking forward to another high draft pick to complement Brandon Roy and Greg Oden. Maybe even a top 5 pick that would cement Portland as the team of the future.

Well, funny thing, no Greg Oden, no high draft pick and still Portland is winning. The future is unfolding right now.

Portland just won their 11th game in a row. Just where is this headed?

The latest win came Tuesday night when Brandon Roy and Jarrett Jack each scored 17 points and Portland beat the Seattle SuperSonics 89-79.

The Blazers own the longest current winning streak in the NBA, and it’s their best run since they won 12 in a row during the 2001-02 season. source

Portland is now trying to steal the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association. Hey, they might win the division!

It is a close race right now with Denver and Utah.

Oddly, Seattle with Kevin Durant playing, and playing well enough to probably win Rookie of the Year is headed towards the high draft pick.

The NBA set up this game to showcase Kevin Durant vs. Greg Oden on Christmas day.

The Blazers all acknowledged this game was big. Not only was the streak on the line, but it was a nationally televised game on a holiday that has traditionally showcased stars such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

“I remember as a kid watching Michael Jordan play on Christmas,” Przybilla said. “This is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I don’t know that I’ll ever get that chance again in my career.”

Portland is now thinking playoffs and what a surprise that is to everyone.

NBA Basketball Fan Question Will Portland be able to keep it up?

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