Mavs, Van Horne Fleece the NBA's Trade System

  There was certainly a lot of one-upsmanship going on at the NBA trade deadline this year. The Lakers made the steal of the year in acquiring Pau Gasol, who immediately changes the fortunes of Dr. Phil's club from also-rans to leading contender status, especially if Bynum comes back healthy. Then there was the Suns trade for Shaq. Don't worry, Pheonix fans, despite today's whipping at the hands of the Pistons, Shaq won't slow you down. The other four guys can run down the floor while Shaq sits waiting in the rocking chair to slam one home. Clearly a gamble by Suns GM Steve Kerr, but I like the move as the Suns are at least trying something different so that they can finally bring home a championship. There were other deals as well, with the not-so-LuvaBulls shipping out the disappointing Ben Wallace to Cleveland for an equally disappointing Larry Hughes, who is owed $26 million over the next two seasons.  But the deal that got my attention the most was the Mavs trade for Jason ... [link]