Who won at the trade deadline?

Well, I think the few obvious big winners are Cavs, Knicks, Bulls, Bucks, Mavs, Rockets...sorry Wizards, you're not part of this discussion. Lets take a look at the Bulls, and Rockets. Although the Knicks freed up the most cap space, they sacrificed a lot. However, the Bulls got rid of hot tempered Tyrus Thomas and the ever so expensive role playing John Salmons. In return, they've got money and Hakim Warrick. Hakim plays better than Tyrus Thomas and the freed cap space allows them to buy Dwyane Wade during the Summer if they wish to do so, which will be a lot better than John Salmons. The Rockets also freed up some cap space and they got Hill and Kevin Martin, who kinds of does the same thing as McGrady, but fits in more since he's healthy and faster. The Rockets are hoping that they can build the team without the need of a superstar such as Lebron or Dwyane Wade. Another group of winners are the Knicks and Cavs. Both trading to help themselves during Summer, Cavs acquired Antawn Jamison and further strengthen the team and hope that Lebron will stay with the team for a few more seasons. The Knicks however, traded so that they free up more Cap Space, got Sergio Rodriguez, Tracy McGrady and Eddie House. That helps their team to gain more popularity and possibly more wins in the short term, saving more cap space means they are aiming at 2 TOP caliber superstars such as Bosh, Wade, James, Joe Johnson or Amare. This summer could get interesting. Now the last group are teams where they've immediately boosted their lineup, teams such as Portland, Celtics, Bucks and Mavs. However, Celtics and Trailblazers did not make good trades. They are expensive trades and the players are not doing too well. Only time will tell if these trades will work. Marcus Camby got injured and is playing minimal minutes, Nate Robinson is playing OK, but he's not doing much better than Eddie House who was cheaper. On the other hand, the Bucks have been great, their record since the AllStar Break is 11-1, pretty good. They got John Salmons from the Bulls and immediately boosted their starting lineup with more offence. The Mavs however, made the best trade, they got Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood by kicking out the now injured Howard. Although Haywood is currently injured, it isn't serious. Also, Caron Butler is playing very well, helping the Mavs to a 12 game winning streak, the streak is still continuing. So overall, I think that the Mavs are the winner at the trade deadline.

rockets

If Tracy McGrady stays fit then I think New York Knicks should re-sign him as he could be a great asset to them, their offseason depends on whether or not these top players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh actually decide to leave their teams and there has been no statement from either that they are looking to leave. I still feel that McGrady has a lot to offer a team.

Biggest Winner? Cleveland. Do I really have to say anything else? Traded Z who would probably be bought and resign with team for an all-star power forward which would allow King James to slide down to 3 and play point forward... I agree with you its a Pau Gasol to LA all over again but this time for Cleveland benefit. Ama're would have been better though they would not be able to resign Z in that case... Next? Houston. Got rid of McGrady. Not that I don't like T-MAC but, he does not fit in Adelman's system. Martin Does. And a non-active player for an act5ive player trade is always a good trade.

first, I think houston rockets was the winner. This summer, because of the new regulation, ALL-stars playes (Lebron, Wade) are willing to stay in your present team. So i don't think think New York Kniks can sign Lebron or wade or bosh. Moreover, Knicks wants to sign two of them, this is a dream. If this is true, it is entirely possible that they have only 8 or 9 players on the field and need base salay. I think they make a long shot. On the contrary, Rockets have more probability to sign these "big fish", coz they have more bargining chip (two first round picks and 2011 expire contract ).

Short-term, I don't think there's any question that Cleveland helped itself the most. Antawn Jamison, despite that zero-for-12 shooting debut in a loss at Charlotte, should have an impact as third banana behind Lebron and Shaq. (Don't be surprised if Shaquille becomes the banana peel the Cavs slip on; there's no question his career is nearing midnight.) As a Miami Herald sports writer, I covered an ACC tournament when Jamison was at North Carolina, and I still remember thinking he had the best hands of any college big man I had seen. Long-term, obviously, the New York Knicks have positioned themselves financially not only to import LeBron (if he truly jumps ship) but also a second high-dollar player like Chris Bosh. I'm in South Florida, so I have hopes that Dwyane Wade stays and Bosh joins him. Incidentally, I still expect that Orlando could give Cleveland fits if {when?) they go head to head in the playoffs.