It seems that way - they let Kenyon Martin go, and now they don't have an inside presence. Kidd doesn't want to stick around if there's no chance at a title, and Martin's leaving seems to point that way.

That situation will get ugly before it gets better.

Peeler signed with the Washington Wizards. I couldn't find any mention (using Yahoo sports, that is) about any other Kings players leaving the team, but I saw that they re-signed Songalia, and then brought in Ostertag :p

Knicks get Crawford
 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1853011

Well Arya, Knicks got their man. It's all a question of whether Crawford can develop in an offense where he's not "the guy." If he can do so, it's a good deal and NY got themselves a very good young guard for not a whole lot.

Seems like the Bulls are forever rebuilding. Looks like a big salary dump to me.

ETA: According to a seperate report, the Knicks used their mid-level exemption on Vin Baker. That to me is a big mistake, especially if they had a chance at Dampier. He's younger, better, and has more potential than Vin. Not a good move if it's true.

Celts get Gary Payton
 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1853576

I guess Marcus Banks wasn't progressing as quickly as possible...or they're giving Payton a couple of years and then going with one of their new draft picks.

A surprising trade though...I wonder how the Glove will like Boston.

I wonder how Chucky A will fare in LA now. He is one of the players I miss in Detroit.

I wonder how much he'll be handling the ball; they may have Lamar and Kobe handling the majority of the possessions.

It will be very little for Chucky. remember, Kobe is the biggest gunner on the lakers.

Yes, welcome to the Kobester Gunner Show. I am SMH at some of the spin people out here in LoCal. They're bubbling over the younger, more athletic Lakers. They probably will be fun to watch, but Vlade and Chris Mihm can't carry Shaquille's jockstrap.

I can't believe the Lakers took Mihm from the Celts...I thought for sure Boston was stuck with him.

I hate to admit it, but I thought he'd be a solid player coming out of college. Guess I was WAY off.

I've seen Chris Mihm when he was with the Cavaliers. He's not a bad player defense-wise. I like to see him score a little bit more.

He was so good at Texas though...I thought he may end up being a future All-Star.

He's not a bad player to have around...but just not as complete a player as I thought he'd be.

TTT/season opens
 

This should be a tough, entertaining season. And of course, I have to give props to my favorite player with his new team:
http://www.miami.com/html/miamiherald/shaq_cover2.jpg

Re: TTT/season opens
 

Agreed. I'm looking forward to it.

let's see if the Pistons can repeat this year.

oh, yeah :

GO CAVS!!!!!!

I am curious to see if the Pistons can do it again this year. They have a better team than last year but its a tough road. Can't wait for tip-off tonight.

Spree wants out of Minnesota now; that would be a blow to the title hopes if he's traded.

I cannot wait to see Shaq run Kobe over in the lane...that would make my day.