July has arrived and free agency in the NBA is already off and running. Major moves have been happening and that marks quite a busy off-season. Some of the notable signings have been Ron Artest to the Lakers, Marcin Gortat to the Mavericks, Trevor Ariza to the Rockets, Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon to the Pistons, Hedo Turkoglu to the Raptors, Rasheed Wallace to the Celtics, and (in trade) Zach Randolph to the Grizzlies and Quinten Richardson to the Clippers. Another possible signing that could happen is Allen Iverson with the Heat. Here are my thoughts on these big transactions that are happening.

Los Angeles Lakers sign Ron Artest

The rich get richer here. Artest blew off Lebron and decided he wanted to go to a team that already has proven to be championship talent. This all but assures that the Lakers and Trevor Ariza will part ways (and that has happened). The Lakers get the one guy in the west that has the ability to constantly bother Kobe, on their team. I guess the only potential problem with this signing is that Ronny has his baggage he carries everywhere and there could be some potential fireworks. In the end, I don’t expect there to be any problems since the rest of the team are champions and Artest isn’t. This makes them front runners to win next years title (though I still think the Spurs will go to the finals).

Dallas Mavericks sign (almost) Marcin Gortat

This may be a bit premature, but Gortat has given a verbal commitment to sign with the Mavericks after he tours their facility. For the purpose of this article, he has already inked the dotted line. Now, I believed that the way he played in Orlando meant he was going to be overpaid as a backup, or be signed as a starter and under produce. Thanks to Erik Dampier’s contract, there is no way Gortat will be paid too much. He is a good fit for this team as he provides reliable post play and is a good compliment to Dirka Dirka. Look for him to possibly take Dampier’s spot by mid-season.

Houston Rockets sign Trevor Ariza

Houston decided that they had to fill the gap Artest left, and why not fill it with the person he is “replacing” in LA. Ariza is a younger defensive stopper, with length and athleticism and has dramatically improved his spot up shooting ability. He will be a good compliment to Tracy McGrady, but won’t be as creative as Artest, putting more of a burden on McGrady to produce (especially if Yao is out all of next year). This could be a good help for the Rockets in the long run.

Detroit Pistons sign Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon

Detroit said all year they were going to make big moves in the offseason, and they didn’t disappoint. They picked up a backup 1-2 combo guard with lights out shooting ability, and a developing big man with plenty of upside still. Ben Gordon replaces Iverson as a person who can accept playing off the bench, and be extremely productive in that role. Villanueva will be a great addition, especially if Rasheed Wallace heads out the door. He can score the ball with his back to the basket, off the dribble, and even step outside and hit long range shots. He will be a great addition for this team, who has put themselves right back in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto Raptors sign Hedo Turkoglu

All the signs pointed to what I  had been predicting since the season ended.  I said the Portland Trailblazers would sign Hedo, and that would make them instant contenders now, not in 2 years (as they will be whether they sign him or not, and not just contenders, possible dynasty).  Then, Hedo went the other direction and instead of going to a team one piece away from a possible championship, he went with a team struggling to stay above water in the East.  It will be Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu teaming up for a tandem that probably doesn’t scare anybody too much, at least not any of the contenders in the East.  As a Heat fan, this is great.  In the trade Miami made with Toronto last year for Jermaine O’Neal, Toronto also gave up a lottery protected first round pick.  Hopefully this is what Toronto needs to make the playoffs so Miami can get two first round picks next year.  Hedo will be a good fit, but this team doesn’t get a whole lot better, and Bosh will most likely leave next year since Toronto still didn’t do anything to set the team up for long term success.

Boston Celtics Sign Rasheed Wallace

Rasheed Wallace is heading to Beantown.  This is a dynamite signing for the Celtics and I think all but guarantees their ticket to the finals (if all can stay healthly). This is Boston’s response to LA signing Ron Artest.  He is a great complement to Kevin Garnett and will stretch the floor with his shooting ability. This will be a great signing for them. I don’t understand how they have any money to spend though, the contracts they hold of KG and Ray Allen should leave them with not much to spend. Still, assuming they can afford it, it’s a great signing.

LA Clippers trade Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies for Quinten Richardson

This is just a move to free up a starting spot of Blake Griffin. Randolph brings his team killer/’I don’t care about anything’ attitude to a Memphis team that is among the most frustrating franchises in the NBA. Quinten Richardson returns to the Clip Show and adds shooting ability and some nifty offensive touch off the dribble. Neither team improves dramatically due to this trade, but I guess the Clippers “win” this trade (cherish this win, they won’t happen too frequently once the season starts).

Possible Signings: Allen Iverson – Heat

Allen Iverson has said he would rather retire than come off the bench. If he ends up signing with the Heat, it will be because he has accepted reality and accepted coming off the bench. The Heat has lacked depth at the point guard slot and AI brings that, as well as someone else who can score on his own other than D-Wade. This has the same potential issues that the Lakers could face with Artest….baggage. But in the end, Wade is a champion and AI is not and that should help Iverson stay in his place. This would end up being a good signing for Miami.

Rasheed Wallace is apparently being courted by the ‘big 3’ from Boston and he has definitely shown interest. This would be a dynamite signing for the Celtics and I think would guarantee their ticket to the finals (if all can stay healthly). He is a great complement to Kevin Garnett and will stretch the floor with his shooting ability. This would be a great signing for them. I don’t understand how they have any money to spend though, the contracts they hold of KG and Ray Allen should leave them with not much to spend. Still, assuming they can afford it, it’s a great signing.

Related posts:

1. NBA Rumors: Miami Ready to Contend?
2. NBA: Major Moves – Good or Bad?
3. Outside the Box: Hedo and Kidd
4. NBA Draft: Minnesota Misses the Point, San Antonio Steals Some Studs
5. NBA Draft: More Thoughts