So how do things look for the locals now that the trade deadline has passed? Eh, more of the same! We'll get to the Knicks in a bit, because they still stink, and I'm starting to run out of ways to express that obvious fact. The Nets...well they are different now, no question, but to me they have the same future. Clearly, they are not as good without Jason Kidd, but because of how awful the East is, the result will probably be the same. They will make the playoffs as either the 8th or 7th seed (possibly the 6th) and quickly be deposed in the first round. Super! That means at least 2 home dates where the Nets WON'T sell out playoff games!

This deal was done for the future and I actually like it. As I discussed in the "Dear Jason Blog" losing Kidd is an emotional roller coaster, but if you take away everything he has done in the past and just look at the future, this was the right thing to do. First off they cleared cap room! Secondly, the distraction that was the Kidd does he or doesn't he wanna stay is gone. Vince Carter and Jason may not have liked each other, but with Kidd out it doesn't matter anymore. And no longer will this organization be run by Kidd. Now Thorn can make the moves he wants and not worry what Captain Jason thinks about it. Devin Harris is obviously the key guy they got back. Hassell, Diop and Van Horn were throw ins for cap reasons, but Harris was the guy. What type of player will he be? He is a better offensive player than Kidd, but he is not nearly the all around talent Kidd is. The Nets have a little over a year to make a decision on if they want to build towards Brooklyn with Harris. His contract is up after '09, and they can decide on him and what type of player Marcus Williams will become before then. Thorn will do everything he can to trade Carter after the season, and if the right deal comes along Vince will be gone quicker than you can say "taking nights off." And let's be honest. This is about one thing...ok maybe two things. Brooklyn and something nobody wants to mention cause it will jinx everything. I'll give you a hint. His first name starts with an L has two capital letters and his last name rhymes with BAMES.

Same Old (Insert four letter "S" word)

For a second I actually thought the Knicks were going to pull off the impossible and get some cap relief. The rumors of Zach Randolph to Denver excited the Knick fan. It was all for naught. Isiah did nothing, Dolan did nothing, but don't worry Nate Robinson, Q, and Randolph did something...as Bob Euker said in Major League. "They are showing some life out there." They may be fighting, but this team still stinks with a capital "S." Look at the bright side though, at least they didn't add anymore stupid contracts. Can somebody say Vince Carter!

Other Deadline Thoughts

• Great move by Chicago in dumping Ben Wallace. What a bust of a free agent signing he turned out to be for the Bulls. He seemed more concerned about if he can wear his headband than winning games. From the Cavs perspective, I'm not sure. I really like Drew Gooden and Wallace may be past his prime. But King James wanted a big trade and he got one. Hey LeBron, I hear the real estate is real nice in Brooklyn.


• The Spurs will win the NBA championship. Not that Kurt Thomas is better than Kidd, Gasol or Shaq, but he is the perfect addition. Don't be fooled by the sexy trades, the Spurs get it done, and in 08 they will finally win their back to back championships.