Things That Make Me Go "Huh"....

The Kings traded Doug Christie to the Magic for Cutino Mobley and Michael Bradley. I don't understand the thinking behind this trade for the Kings. They gave up their best (and only) defender for another scorer. They were already one of the league leaders (#3) in points per game. Are they trying to emulate the Suns in thinking that they can outscore their opponents? If so, what a huge mistake. The Suns play an up-tempo style of ball. Always looking to push the ball and run. The Kings are definitely not that kind of team.

Could the Kings have been trying to save money? Probably not, since the rules governing trades in the NBA state that the value of the salaries traded have to be equal (or within a certain %). And both Mobley and Christie will be free agents after the 05-06 season. So there's no advantage there.

As for the Magic, they are currently 4th in league in scoring so they're not all that worried about losing a couple of points a game. Especially since they're picking up a top-notch defender in Christie. I expect the Magic's points allowed per game to drop, so the offensive drop in points will be a wash. Christie will also bring some intangibles to the table. He's a playoff veteran with a lot of experience and leadership. Something Mobley didn't possess.

While, on paper, this trade seems like its even, I say the Magic definitely got the better end of it.