On trading: Shaq, Kidd and Gasol.

The recent trades of Paul Gasol to the Lakers, Jason Kidd to the Mavs and of course Shaq to the Suns changed three of the best teams in the Conference.

But did they really change the Western Conference Geography? Quite frankly, they did not.

The Mavs, the Lakers and the Suns had to be considered serious contenders even before making those moves but I belive each trade has to be analysed from a different perspective.

Possibily only the Lakers improved without question. LA traded more or less nothing for one of the best forward in the game and once Bynum comes back they should have the core of a potential championship team in the making (don't forget you need three good-to-great players to win the League...unless one is named Jordan).

We know by now that Shaq to the Suns is both a chemistry and a panic move: Marion had to go to improve life inside the Suns' lockeroom and the GM (and the Owner) were getting worried about the Suns inability to beat the best teams in the Conference.

The Mavs Kidd-napping was guided by the desperate need to find leadership. Dallas knew JT and Dirk would not be able to provide the kind of guide needed during a championship run, that Kidd could deliver. Otherwise you don't trade away a very good 24-year-old PG and a couple of draft picks for a player (an All-Star I have to admit) 10 years older.

Of the three, the most intriguing move is the Suns getting the Diesel. I am still not 100% convinced about the trade, as I would have rather traded Marion for, say, Gasol, but tonight game will sure be interesting to watch.

Shaq making his Suns debut against the Lakers, vs Kobe, on ESPN. This is a lucky league, or maybe have the greatesr PR Department in the World.

Go Suns !