Today the Pacers, Hornets, Rockets, and Nets agreed to a four way trade.  The Hornets sent Darren Collison and James Posey to the Pacers.  The Pacers sent Troy Murphy to the Nets.  The Nets sent Courtney Lee to the Rockets, and the Rockets sent Trevor Ariza to the Hornets.

Analysis:

New Orleans: The Hornets sent the NBA a message that they will not be not be trading Chris Paul and are hoping that Trevor Ariza is the answer to their problems.  Ariza has the potential to be a solid number two or three option, depending on Marcus Thornton.  It is crazy to think that Trevor Ariza has the same deal that Travis Outlaw has (5 years $35 million).  The Hornets were also able to ship James Posey’s terrible contract to Indiana, although they lost a great player in Darren Collison.

Indiana: The Pacers received an explosive, playmaking point guard in Darren Collison.  I think he has a chance to be a solid point guard and is a definite upgrade from TJ Ford (who the Pacers are considering to buy out).  Indiana also had to take on James Posey’s two year and $13.5 million contract while losing Troy Murphy’s expiring contract.

Houston: Once the Rockets made the move for Kevin Martin at the trading deadline, I felt that Trevor Ariza’s time on the Rockets was running out.  The Rockets received Courtney Lee in the four team trade.  Courtney Lee struggled in his second year after being traded from Orlando to New Jersey.  Houston also received a $6 million trade exception.

New Jersey: After signing Anthony Morrow and Travis Outlaw, Courtney Lee became expendable.  I like this trade for the Nets because they now finally have a starting power forward in Troy Murphy.  No offense to Derrick Favors, but after watching him in the summer league, he is just way to raw to be the opening night starter.  Not to mention Troy Murphy averaged a double-double (14.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg) last season for the Pacers.  His ability to shoot the three will also help spread the floor.

-JB