NBA Big Names on the Move

SI Staff | Jul 9, 2009

NBA Big Names on the Move /

NBA Big Names on the Move

Shaquille O'Neal (From Phoenix to Cleveland)

The 37-year-old center, a four-time NBA champion, pledged to "win a ring for the King" after he became LeBron James' teammate when the Suns dealt O'Neal to Cleveland for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic and a second-round draft pick in 2009.

Vince Carter (From New Jersey to Orlando)

In a draft-day trade, the Nets dealt the Daytona Beach, Fla., native to the reigning Eastern Conference champions for Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie.

Hedo Turkoglu (From Orlando to Toronto)

After reportedly reaching a deal with Portland, Turkoglu changed his mind and agreed to sign with the Raptors. Toronto, which will acquire Turkoglu through a sign-and-trade deal with the Magic, is poised to pay the 6-10 forward about $50 million over the next five years.

Ron Artest (From Houston to L.A. Lakers)

Long enamored with the idea of playing in Los Angeles, Artest finally got his wish as the Lakers parted ways with Trevor Ariza and agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the former Houston Rocket.

Rasheed Wallace (From Detroit to Boston)

After being wooed by a Celtics contingent that included Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the four-time All-Star decided to help Boston in its quest to regain the NBA crown. Wallace, who will be paid $11.5 million over the next two seasons, is expected to come off the bench behind Garnett and center Kendrick Perkins.

Ben Gordon (From Chicago to Detroit)

After helping the Bulls stretch the Celtics to seven games in a memorable first-round playoff series, the high-scoring Gordon cashed in with a reported five-year, $55 million deal from the busy Pistons.

Charlie Villanueva (From Milwaukee to Detroit)

The Pistons not only added Ben Gordon in free agency but also Villanueva, a 24-year-old power forward who averaged a career-high 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season. Villanueva is set to make $35 million over five years.

Trevor Ariza (From L.A. Lakers to Houston)

The 24-year-old Ariza agreed to take Ron Artest's place in a Houston lineup that will be scrambling to compensate for the extended absences of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. A deal reportedly worth $34 million over five years will help ease the sting of leaving the NBA champs.

Richard Jefferson (From Milwaukee to San Antonio)

After getting bounced out of the playoffs in the first round, the aging Spurs looked to keep their title contention window open a bit longer by dealing Brice Bowen, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas to the Bucks for the versatile, 29-year-old swingman.

Antonio McDyess (From Detroit to San Antonio)

The Spurs addressed their need for more help up front by signing the 34-year-old McDyess, who averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds last season.

Shawn Marion (From Toronto to Dallas)

As part of a sign-and-trade deal, Marion reportedly will get a five-year, $39 million contract from the Mavs. Marion, who split the 2008-09 season between Miami and Toronto, joins a Dallas team that is re-signing Jason Kidd and hopes to lure Magic center Marcin Gortat with a free-agent offer.

Published Jul 9, 2009

SI STAFF