What a whirlwind February. Eleven trades went down in just three weeks; combined with the three deals consummated prior to that point, we've had an unusually high 14 trades since opening night. And most of them weren't two-scrubs-for-a-second-rounder swaps either -- nearly every trade involved at least one prominent player changing squads. With the deadline past, it's time to hand out report cards. We'll do a quick recap of each trade this season and grade the outcome for the each team involved. Obviously, a lot of water can go under the bridge between now and season's end (and beyond) that will determine how history remembers these deals, but here's my instant analysis: From ESPN
I think the Cavs and Phoenix deals are the best because their teams upgraded with new dynamics to their teams. The Mavs deal was next with one the best players out there that can fit into the design of the team, they just need to get a transition big man in restricted trading before the playoffs begin, if that's possible but not needed.
Short term, the Suns deal was great but I think the Suns won't suffer long term because they have the type of players and/or potential types of players, that were traded, already on their roster. The heat made a great deal because they got rid of the large contract and got two great players for the short and long term.
The Lakers got a steal but if I think about the match ups, there are a number of teams that can put a good defender on Gasol and focus a little extra on Kobe. So Duncan on Gasol, Bowen on Kobe, Spurs win. If they get by the Spurs, then Gasol has to deal with Garnett or Rasheed from two very solid Eastern defensive teams. I am thinking maybe the Spurs did the best on the trade scene.
Not sure about if Spurs can win over Lakers. Duncan sure can hold Gasol, but can a 36 years old Bowen keep up with Kobe? and their bench is not that great compare to Lakers