While we all wait for Dwight Howard to make up his mind - and you might complete your summer reading before that happens - there have been a torrent of tinier transactions, including two three-team trades. In the first, the Clippers shored up their outside shooting shortcomings, snatching J.J. Reddick from the Bucks and Jared Dudley from the Suns in exchange for one guy who wasn't getting any playing time, Eric Bledsoe and whose best days are behind him, Caron Butler. Reddick and Dudley both averaged career-bests in PPG this past season. Milwaukee received a pair of future second-round picks and not re-signing Reddick, which would've been wise since Monta Ellis opted out, signals that they'll probably overpay Brandon Jennings, so as to not lose the top three players in their backcourt (the team can't allow them all to Milwaukee away).
The Kings are staying in Sacramento, but Tyreke Evans is not. The 2009-2010 rookie of the year took a step back this year, averaging career lows in points and assists, while splitting time with Isaiah Thomas (the one with the extra vowel, not the one Knicks faithful want to disembowel). Evans was dealt to the Pelicans for Greivis Vasquez, who was third in the league in assists per game last season, a stat so sneakily surprising it should be sponsored by Ripley's Believe It or Not! (New Orleans won't grieve over the loss of Greivis because his vacancy will be filled by Jrue Holiday, fourth in APG, obtained on draft day) The Blazers received Robin Lopez, the twin whose hair is more electric than his play. Even if the big man doesn't do well in Portland, his 'do will.
With an assortment of additional acquisitions anticipated, there's no reason to let Dwight's dithering take the enjoyment out of free agency like Joey Chestnut takes it out of eating hot dogs*.
*chew, you gluttonous garbage disposal, chew
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