MAGIC SUNS WIZARDS TRADE FINALIZED. THOUGHTS?

For Orlando:

Richardson is younger and more athletic that Carter and shoots just as good, if not better. Turk played like a beast with Orlando last time he was there and he wasn't doing so good with the Suns so that is an upgrade.

For Phoenix:

Carter is a good scorer and should look better playing with Nash. Pietrus adds the athletic ability they lost giving up J-Rich, and Gortat can be their starting center and he is legit. Works out for both teams.

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About the Arenas trade, I do not like it. I don't think Gilbert would be a good fit. Their point guard is already a shoot first point guard. All Gilbert would do is jack up shots at and inefficient rate that would be a determent to the team. Getting Arenas would set them back and he has been a head case lately also.

Arenas is nothing special anymore. All he did in Washington this year was shoot 39% scoring 17 a game with a little under 4 turnovers a game. That part of the trade doesn't help Orlando. But I do like the deal they did with the Suns. Having Nelson and Arenas is too redundant, they are both small scorers and Dwight would get even less touches playing with 2 guards like that.

This is something big and I think Orlando made the right decision to overhaul the roster to satisfy Dwight Howard. The Heat are finally clicking with the Big 3, so Orlando fire back with a blockbuster. J-Rich is basically what Vince Carter was, a shooter who can slash his way to the basket and playing for a contender should help his game. Hedo may not repeat his 2008 season, but he can still be a difference maker in the Orlando offense, considering that he's going back to the old offense he knows. Arenas will likely be the primary sixth man (and insurance for Jameer Nelson), giving them instant scoring off the bench, something the Magic needs.

The Suns are still in the hunt, but there clearly not playoff contenders with this trade. There basically rebuilding after this season, acquiring Carter expiring contract and getting a legit big man in Gorat. Pietrus has been a failed experiment in Orlando, but he could be a big part of the Suns plan in the near future. For the time being, he'll just have to fight for minutes. Another case of the Suns rebuilding plan is the acquisition of the 2011 first round pick in that deal.

Lewis has never justified his massive contract with Orlando, so a fresh start in Washington could solve his woes. The problem is that the Wizards also have Josh Howard and Al Thornton, so Lewis is on a short leash if he struggles out of the gate. The best case is that he finds his shooting touch, playing alongside John Wall.

- Orlando Magic

PG Jameer Nelson

SG Jason Richardson

SF Hedo Turkoglu

PF Brandon Bass

C Dwight Howard

- Phoenix Suns

PG Steve Nash

SG Vince Carter

SF Grant Hill

PF Channing Frye

C Robin Lopez

- Washington Wizards

PG John Wall

SG Kirk Hinrich

SF Rashard Lewis

PF Andray Blatche

C JaVale McGee

the magic took on a whole lot of cap and long term contracts... but they did get better in the backcourt. i wonder who will play center when howard is in foul trouble or taking a rest?

Anyways, it does make the magic better, but they just took on 3 long term heavy contracts while giving up 2 long term contracts. if they aren't good enough to win a championship now, then they will have a lot of trouble in the future getting better because they have dug themselves in a huge hole capwise.

About the wizards- its a good trade for them because when wall is healthy it will give him a huge weapon to play alongside. Lewis and Arenas both had huge contracts and lewis actually had less years on his contract so basically the wizards gave up a position they didnt need for a position they actually can use.

Suns - It seems to me like they got carter to unload some cap space next year, which is good. Gortat also is a good centerpiece to have for the next several years as a defender and rebounder. Pietrus is a good on-ball defender and an athletic offensive player who can shoot the J, but he can be a liability making silly mistakes sometimes on offense and defense.

Overall - The wizards and suns got decent deals in their trades, getting rid of contracts they dont need. Also, the suns got a good center for the future who can rebound and play D

For the magic, this can either go really really well or really really awful!!!

If they are good enough to win a championship or 2 in the next couple years, then this trade was great for them! however, if they dont win a championship now, they will be screwed big time for a while cap wise. So it's make or break for the wizards!

Suns- Stupid trade on their behalf. Carter is streaky and is not getting any younger. Upside- Gortat is a great inside player. Pietrus- Nash will make him better. Nash makes anybody he plays with better, but he's hurt. Drajic is a great pg with potential though.

Magic- PG-Jameer Nelson SG-Arenas SF-J-Rich PF-Turk C-Dwight. Thats the way I see it but it probably won't happen like that. Either Jameer gets traded or Arenas sits on the bench. I just can't see J-Rich on the bench even though he is getting older.

Wizard- I don't think it makes them better or worse Rashard Lewis is just too streaky for me to believe he'll help them out. I don't think he really fits their offensive scheme.

Overall I think the Magic got the best out of the trade. They now give the Heat some competition in the East other than the Celtics and Bulls. Turk gives LeBron fits, don't believe me look at the Cavs Vs Magic East conference playoffs.

This deal makes the Magic instantly a much better team, even though they traded 40% of their starting lineup. The rich got richer, the Suns got a washed up Vinsanity, a borderline capable starter in Pietrus, and a so-so bench 5 in Gortat. The Wizards, with Lewis, are not much better than they were with Arenas, but Lewis is a better fit with John Wall.

Anyway, in regards to the effects of the trade that actually matter, the Magic now have a huge upgrade (simply in terms of scoring) with Jason Richardson over Rashard Lewis. Arenas is an upgrade over Vince Carter, as Arenas (shockingly) is only 28 years old (compared to Carter, 33). Turkoglu is a question mark as he was productive for the Magic 2 seasons ago, but has been pedestrian for Toronto (understandably) and Phoenix (not understandably, considering they're all about scoring and shooting). If Turkoglu can continue to hit .423% from 3 point land, compared to Lewis' weak .367%, then I feel they're at a whole different level as a basketball team.

With Jameer Nelson, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, Brandon Bass (presumably), and Dwight Howard, I feel the Magic are a team instantly among the most talented in the entire league. They've got more depth and size (considerably) than Miami, and they're younger than and match up well with the Celtics. They look to have a bit more depth/talent than the Mavericks and Spurs, but those teams seemingly always find a way to win and succeed, so who knows. The Lakers are still the NBA's best team, and I think the only two teams that can truly contend with LA's size, talent, and depth are the Magic and Celtics.

This trade makes the Magic undeniably a top 4 team in the league, and it gives them a much better chance at winning it all.

Im worried if the Orlando magic fell in love with Hedo's 08 season. he hasn't been the same since then(yes i know he fits better with magic but he been in the league long enough to adjust to any system) i think that 08 season was a fluke

The Gilbert Arenas trade is Ridiculous and not a good fit at all

Jason Richardson is a good player but ill still take an older Vince Carter over him

Its a good trade for the Suns, because first Turkoglu leaves. second they got Carter and Pietrus that will shoot the 3pt. And Gortat will bring better defense and size to the Suns.

But now the Magic got good players at every position, they are dangerous.

of direction Magic have been given the appropriate deal. Hedu performed super with them, they get richardson who's having an spectacular season and Arenas who continues to be an All-action picture star who has gotten relax the previous season. in the event that they'd play properly at the same time, they are going to be confusing to conquer. Suns are in basic terms rebuilding and getting Gortat exchange into good. Wizards are additionally rebuilding around Wall.

Did not see a trade this huge coming......all three teams win big in this trade too

Arenas + Nelson + Hedo?

mhmm i wonder how that will work out.

Suns also win because they lost a huge liability in Hedo, his huge contract is off their payroll