After the LA Lakers acquired Pau Gasol from Memphis Grizzlies, and Shaquille O’neal going to the Phoenix Suns, the third blockbuster deal of the month involving Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets was held by the Mav’s Devean George. A trade that could have sent future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to the Mavericks.

The deal consists of Kidd going to Dallas together with Malik Allen for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, DeSagana Diop, Maurice Ager, Devean George, $3 million and two first-round picks. A deal that could have changed the phase of the Mavs contending for the championship.

George was fighting for his free-agent rights, which will happen at the end of his contract this year, that’s why he want to hold the trade for a moment. According to league rules, players on a one-year contract (but who spent the previous season with the same team and are thus eligible for Early Bird free-agent rights at the end of the contract) cannot be traded without their consent. The free-agent rights could have been nullified if he had agreed with the trade. Whatever happens, Kidd would still be traded to the Mavs. The staff are trying to finish the deal to meet the trade deadlines of the league.

The Western Conference are now pretty serious for grabbing a playoffs spot. The top 8 teams in the west are tight with at least 30 wins each. The 2008 NBA playoffs is gonna be fun to watch.

After a slow start entering the season, the Houston Rockets are now back on track winning their seventh straight game in 3 years. Lead by their all-star center Yao Ming, they won against Portland Trailblazers with a score of 95-83, giving them now a record of 31 wins and 20 losses. Not really a bad record for a team but they still need to step-up their games to take a spot in the playoffs. Facing the teams in the west is tough, but they need to hold their ground to reach their goal.

The “Garnet-less” Boston Celtics pulled-off a win against Duncan’s San Antonio Spurs last Sunday. Without Kevin Garnet, Paul Pierce lead the team by scoring 35 points against the Spurs, playing without star guard Tony Parker. The win against the Spurs gave the Celtics their 16th straight win against the Western Conference teams. The number one team now has a record of 39-9, all of their losses coming from the East. Does this mean that the East are going big in the upcoming All-Star games, and produce another champion at the end of the season? I think the Eastern teams has a great chance of getting another champ this year.

The Los Angeles Lakers made the first game of Shawn Marion with the Miami Heat a hard one. After being traded to Miami, Marion made his debut game with the Heat facing Kobe Bryant and the new improved Lakers. The crowd were loud as they welcome their new star player. Everytime Marion touches the ball and scores a basket, the crowd goes wild with cheers. Marion ended the game with 15 point and 14 rebounds, but that wasn’t enough for his debut game. Kobe scored 33 points and managed to lead his team to win against the Heat, 104-94.

We are seeing a “classic” Shawn Marion game here, 15 point and 14 rebounds. He still has his game and what I think is that he is comfortable playing with Miami. I could see a potential for the team in the future. If Miami could keep the team intact and fire-powered, there could be great potential of a number two championship.

We heard last week how the Los Angeles Lakers acquired star-center Pau Gasol from Memphis Grizzlies and that the news buzzed around the NBA. But little did we know about the deal that went on with Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns. Yes, it was shocking, or should I say “SHAQ”ing. The Suns acquired all-star center Shaquille O’neal from the Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. It is sad to see “The Matrix” Shawn Marion leave Phoenix for a newer team, but the Sun’s staff agreed that the trade would be beneficial for the whole franchise.

We all doubt the fitness that Shaq possess, and if will be able to play, but the training staff assured that they will prepare him and bring back the intensity of his game. It is well known what miracles the training staff of the Suns could do, just think about Grant Hill and how he is playing right now.

The acquisition means that Shaq will be the center for the Suns, moving back Amare Stoudamire on power forward position, Grant Hill as small forward, Raja Bell as shooting guard, and Steve Nash as the point. Think about all the possibilities this line-up could do.

We all know what was lacking in the chemistry of the Suns to be able to match-up very well in the finals, now that they have Shaquille O’neal, I believe they have a great chance capturing their long awaited crown.

Despite their five game losses, the Phoenix Suns are back on track as they won their third-straight game last Sunday (January 20), and their 14th straight at home against the New Jersey Nets.

Led by Amare Stoudamire’s 28 pts, the Suns beat the Nets 116-92. This is the 14th straight that the Phoenix Suns had won against the NJ Nets at home. The Suns, who only trailed 2-0 in the First quarter, never looked back as they led all throughout the game.

According to the team, who now has a record of 29-12, it’s the energy that they bring to the ballgame that made them successful for the past three games.

Grant Hill, sidelined due to an injury,  is expected to play in their game in Milwaukee.