*Scroll below for the latest updates.

As Thursday’s trade deadline approaches, Wednesday was full of speculation but it had some moves as well. Not only have the Cavs made a major move in acquiring Antawn Jamison (yes, I think that was a better pickup than Amare – I said it), but the Celtics are eager to finalize a deal for Mr. Dunk Contest Nate Robinson.

There were a couple more moves on Wednesday that were finalized, which were not quite as big name-wise, but they were moves that count for the future of some teams.

• The Bulls have traded John Salmons to the Bucks for two expiring contracts in the names of Kurt Thomas and Francisco Elson (**UPDATED BELOW**).

But the Bulls are in a playoff run, so why make this move? Well, Salmons has been more of a detriment to the team recently than helpful and he makes nearly $6 million next season. That allows the Bulls to move a player they don’t need and give them more cash to sign the big boys this summer in free agency. Not only this, but the Bulls may not be done making trades, so a replacement at the shooting guard position may be coming soon.

For the Bucks, the pickup Salmons who essentially replaces Michael Redd, who is injured. This team is not out of playoff contention and they know that shooting guard is a position that they desperately need to allow rookie PG Brandon Jennings grow. Milwaukee wasn’t expected to be a big player in the free agent market after this year, so trading these expiring contracts isn’t much of a big deal. I like this move for the Bucks because it shows that the organization is willing to make a push for the playoffs rather than just pack it in and save money for next season.

• The other move of the day isn’t quite as exciting as their contracts stand. The Knicks have traded Darko Milicic ($7.5 mil) to the Timberwolves for Brian Cardinal ($6.75 mil).

Yikes, not much to say about this trade. The trade will save the Knicks some dough, and they are expected to waive Cardinal in order to make room for their new players in the Nate Robinson trade. Meanwhile, the T’Wolves get Milicic, who is only 24, but is one of the worst draft picks of all-time. Think about it, he was picked in the top five of the 2003 draft along with LeBron, Melo, Bosh, and D-Wade. Remember ‘one of these things is not like the other’? That’d be Milicic.

Check out G’s rumor post (which will be posted shortly after this) for a little preview of what could go down on Thursday before the deadline passes. It’s full of rumors, which are always entertaining even if they moves don’t go down!

Which reminds me, the trade deadline is at 3pm EST, so check back at nbatoday.net to get the latest on trades and how they impact each team. We’ll be adding posts and on twitter all day, so stay connected throughout with NBAtoday!

-Shooter

**BASHER/G (GASHER??) UPDATE** (2/18 12:21 PM)

The Bulls may be receiving Hakim Warrick and Joel Alexander instead of the aforementioned Kurt Thomas and Fransisco Elson. This alludes that Elson or Thomas may be possibly involved in another deal. Stay Tuned.

**UPDATE (12:39 PM)**

Fransisco Elson, who was originally in the deal for Salmons, may now be shipped with Jodie Meeks and a 2nd round pick to Philadelphia for Royal Ivey and Primoz Brezec. (Talk about a blockbuster…)

**UPDATE (2:02 PM)**

It’s official Alexander and Warrick for Salmons. Also, Chicago dealt their second round picks for 2011 and 2012 to Milwaukee. The Bucks can also opt to switch first round picks with Chicago, unless the Bull’s pick is a first rounder.