It looks like the Houston Rockets will acquire Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Bobby Jackson, rookie Donte Greene and a future first round draft pick. The deal probably won’t be announced until mid-August, since Greene just signed a contract with Sacramento in mid-July and a player can’t be traded within 30 days of signing a contract.

Much like the 2007-2008 season, the Western Conference promises to be a tight race to the top in 2008-2009.  With the LA Lakers hopeful for the healthy return of Andrew Bynum, the New Orleans Hornets capping another year of experience under their belts and the San Antonio Spurs with plenty of juice left in the tank, the Western Conference crown is up for grabs. 

In an unusual turn of events the Denver Nuggets traded former Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Camby, to the Los Angeles Clippers for nothing more than the option to exchange second-round picks with them in 2010.

After selecting Derrick Rose with the top overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls is faced with the tough decision of what to do with so many guards on its roster. Many believe Chicago will hold onto Kirk Hinrich and play him primarily at the shooting guard spot, while others believe he should be shopped for a big man.

The New Jersey Nets are making an obvious push toward the future, as evidenced by the deals that sent Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks for a slew of young talent and Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks for prospect forward Yi Jianlian and forward Bobby Simmons.  It’s hard to imagine the team won’t do the same thing with Vince Carter before next season starts.

Landing a top-flight point guard in Baron Davis apparently wasn’t enough for the Los Angeles Clippers to keep its star, Elton Brand, who will reportedly sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for $82 million over five years. Brand sat out most of last season due to injury, but should make a full recovery.

The 2008 USA Men’s National Team has a lot to prove this summer. With a Gold Medal and a country’s respect on the line, the NBA hopes its new team can push past its competition.

The NBA has seen its first real curve ball in the world of off season transactions.  Golden State Warriors Point Guard Baron Davis has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers that’s worth about $65 million for five years. Many are shocked that he opted out of the final season of his $17.8 million contract, but the lure of playing with Power Forward Elton Brand had to be enticing.

Dallas Mavericks (D)
Team Needs:  Defensive Center; Backup Point Guard; Youth

Picks:  51st Pick SG Shan Foster (6-5 205lbs); Dallas’ first round pick, which would have been pick #21, was dealt to the New Jersey Nets as part of the Jason Kidd deal.

Foster is a catch and shoot specialist. Very athletic, but not a lot of well-rounded skills.