Just prior to the 2012 NBA Draft, a 4-team trade was agreed upon sending Lamar Odom to the Clippers, Moe Williams from L.A. to Utah, and a $8.2 million trade exception heading to Dallas from Los Angeles.
Odom doesn't deserve to get what he wants after an embarrassing 2011-12 season for the 13-year veteran, but after this trade becomes official, he will. Odom began his career as a Clipper, followed by a one year stint with the Heat. Then he was traded to the Lakers where he won two championships and became one of the most versatile big men in the game.
However, after the Chris Paul trade fell through that Odom was supposed to be part of, he wanted out. He ended up in Dallas, but never became comfortable in his new home. His displeasure with the situation was evident in his lack of production on the court last season, where he averaged career lows across the board (points: 6.6, rebounds: 4.2, assists: 1.7, FG%: 35.2, FT%: 59.2, and blocks: 0.4).
There were times during the season where it looked like he gave little to no effort, and that is simply inexcusable for a player of his caliber, and not to mention a player who is making $8 million. I applauded Dallas for sitting him out towards the end of the season and not letting him see the floor.
As for the Clippers, they add much needed depth at the front court and this trade will minimize the pressure from Blake Griffin to have to be a monster on the boards all the time. There is no reason that Odom should dog it this season with him being where he wants to be. If he gives the necessary effort night in and night out the Clippers certainly would be victors of the trade. The Jazz add Moe Williams, which happens to be a good deal for them because they lack big time scoring. He can provide some productive minutes off the bench and could even push Devin Harris for the starting point guard position. The Mavericks should be happy to have gotten rid of Odom, and although they will not receive a player in return they did subtract a much needed $8.2 million off of their salary cap. At the end of the day I would say that this trade was a win for everyone involved.
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