Sports Agenda For Thursday (2/24/11)
Big Story:
There are two big stories to follow today. First, the NBA trade deadline hits at 3:00 p.m. and while the Heat would like to make a move, there's simply little to no interest in acquiring Mike Miller. For the Heat, this trade deadline isn't nearly as important as the new collective bargaining agreement, but more on that later. Second, today is the final day for teams in the NFL to apply the franchise or transition tag to players. But that also will depend on the new CBA, so it's a little in flux now.
Without further adieu, on to the agenda.
Heat: @Chicago Bulls (8:00 p.m. on TNT)
Talk about a good measuring stick, the Heat have one tonight. The team will head to the Windy City to take on a healthy Bulls team Thursday night. The Heat will be able to see if they can truly stop a great point guard and athletic center. While Joakim Noah is no Dwight Howard, he still can pose problems for teams. It will be imperative for the Heat to come out and contain Derrick Rose, if they don't and the Bulls play them tight, ruh-roh.
The Heat have no ammunition to trade, so keep dreaming.
NBA Trade Deadline:
Officially the trade deadline is set for 3:00 p.m., but there's already been a flurry of action so here's a rundown of the major trades:
The Knicks sent Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Relton, and Timofey Mozgov to the Nuggets in exchange for Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Renaldo Balkman, and Shelden Williams. Also in the trade, the Knicks shipped Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph to the Timberwolves for Corey Brewer. Denver also got Kosta Koufos from Minnesota and New York's first-round pick in 2014, second-round picks in 2012 and 2013, and $3 million.
The Utah Jazz sent point guard Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and two first-round picks. The Nets also sent Troy Murphy and his expiring contract to Golden State for Dan Gadzuric.
The Clippers sent Baron Davis and a 2011 first-round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon.
The two biggest head scratchers are the Jazz trade and the Cavaliers trade. Sure the Cavs got a first-round pick, but they also took on Baron Davis' contract which is for 28.6 million over the next two years. Umm….well, I guess that's what Cleveland gets with a moron for an owner. Somewhere, LeBron is laughing and Cleveland, well they're celebrating another sports failure. HELLO CLEVELAND!!!
NFL Franchise Tag Deadline:
This one is a little harder to understand since the franchise rules may change after a new CBA is reached. The franchise tag allows teams to hold on to star players until they can reach a long-term deal with the player. But, the team has to pay the player the average of the five highest paid players at that position.
The Dolphins have one player that might qualify for the tag, but I SERIOUSLY doubt it. That player is the enormous nose tackle Paul Soliai. Yes he's critical to a 3-4 defense, but he hasn't shown the ability to garner the tag. A player like Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens deserves the tag because he is flat out dominant every game since he started. Soliai had one good year, and the NFL is littered with one year wonders who got big paydays and then flamed out.
Marlins:
Kinda quiet on the Marlins front right now as they continue full squad practices. Remember, first game of Spring Training is just 4 days away!
Panthers:
Yknow, I hate to say it, but are the Panthers really worth the investment anymore? Seriously, they got absolutely spanked by the Ottawa Senators last night, 5-1. That means in their last two games, they've lost by a combined score of 10-2. Yikes, I know they're bad, but c'mon, that's like hitting the level of NBC Miami bad.
