NBA trade buzz continues to build

The Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors are closing in on a deal that would send Jamal Crawford to the Hawks for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton.Nam's take: This is an interesting trade for the Hawks. It will definitely have an impact on what type of contract offer they give to Mike Bibby. Crawford is not a true point guard but he is a prolific scorer. I would have preferred the Hawks re-sign Bibby and try and find a legit center because a frontcourt of Zaza Pachulia and Al Horford won't cut it.Stu's take: Crawford is a good player, and will certainly be an offensive spark plug for Atlanta. However, Crawford does not have a history of being a winner and has shown that he needs to be a volume shooter to be a successful contributor to a team. A talent upgrade for Atlanta? Absolutely? Does it bump them up a tier within the East? I don't think so. The Portland Trail Blazers acquire the 22nd pick in Thursday's NBA Draft from the Dallas Mavericks for the 24th and 56th picks in this year's draft, and a 2010 second round pick. Nam's take: Word around the league is that the Sacramento Kings are interested in Omri Casspi from Israel with the 23rd pick. Casspi is a lanky 6'9'' post that plays all out and can step back and shoot the three-ball. Casspi would be a good pick for the Blazers, who can provide some toughness in the front court. Other possible selections for the Blazers could be Florida's Nick Calathes, Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair, Georgetown's DeJuan Summers, or VCU's Eric Maynor.Stu's take: Who knows what the Blazers are up to. I've heard Ty Lawson rumblings recently, but they seem a bit unfounded given the recent Kirk Hinrich rumblings as well. Something's got to give. While this trade might indicate that they have their sights set on a specific player (possibly Casspi), it also could be used as a more valuable chip in a larger trade. I expect Kevin Pritchard to be up to his old tricks again this year, and we can definitely expect more draft activity from Portland.There are strong indications that the Pistons will be very active this offseason. They are planning to pursue Ben Gordon aggressively. They also wish to sign Carlos Boozer but will walk away if he demands $14 or $15 million.Nam's take: Boozer would be smart to just exercise his $12.6 million option and wait for 2010's free agency market. I don't believe Ben Gordon will be the answer for the Pistons to move back into the Eastern Conference's elite teams. They have a decent core with Rodney Stuckey, Richard Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince. In order to battle with the Dwight Howard's and Kevin Garnett's they will need some young, athletic big men to support the aging Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess. Stu's take: The addition of Gordon would be redundant with their current core in place (Stuckey, Hamiltion), although Detroit's interest may mean there is some truth behind their shopping of Hamilton. Gordon did show his grit and determination throughout that epic first round battle against Boston, and he definitely has higher value than he did last year. Boozer would be a nice addition to any team for the right price, and he would be a nice addition to the Pistons - especially if 'Sheed isn't playing with his threats of early retirement. I agree with Nam though, in this shaky economy, Boozer might be better off staying put until the market rebounds.Chicago has been very willing to part with Tyrus Thomas however; Kirk Hinrich's name continues to come up on the Blazers wish list given their growing pessimism with Phoenix unlikely to trade Steve Nash or attempting to sign Jason Kidd away from Dallas.Nam's take: The Blazers are obviously trying to find a point guard that can take them to next level; someone they can pair with superstar Brandon Roy in the backcourt. If they do find another PG they will have to get rid one of their current PGs, so there won't be any controversy in shared playing time.Stu's take: The point guard situation in Portland is such an enigma, but it's looking like there will be changes in the backcourt whether it is through trading for a vet or building through the draft. Sergio Rodriguez is as good as gone after expressing his desire to be elsewhere next season. Steve Blake was highly criticized after an unproductive series against the Rockets this year. And Jerryd Bayless is somewhat of an unproven commodity, although people in Portland love his intensity, toughness and ability to get to the rack. But, we all know, you have to give something up to get something back. One or two of these guys might be packing their bags this offseason.