HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

There weren’t any blockbuster trades during the 2012 NBA Draft featuring Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard or Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, who are rumored to be on the move soon, but there was still plenty of dealing throughout the draft.

The Charlotte Bobcats get guard Ben Gordon and a protected 2013 first-round pick; the Detroit Pistons get Corey Maggette.

Analysis:  Gordon gives the Bobcats, whose 86.9 points per game was the worst in the league last year, some much-needed firepower offensively. The Pistons save $14 million and add depth to their frontcourt with the well-rounded Maggette. The pick is lottery protected next year, the protection decreases yearly through 2016 when it becomes unprotected.

Houston Rockets gets forward Jon Brockman, forward Jon Leuer, guard Shaun Livingston and draft guard Jeremy Lamb at 12; the Milwaukee Bucks get center Samuel Dalembert and draft forward John Henson at 14.

Analysis: The Rockets are stockpiling assets in hopes of making a major deal. Lamb could be their shooting guard of the future with shooting guard Kevin Martin on the trading block. Dalembert helps fill the Bucks’ void at center left by the trade of center Andrew Bogut to the Golden State Warriors at the trading deadline. Henson is a defensive-minded player, which fits in perfectly with Bucks head coach Scott Skiles’ system.

The Minnesota Timberwolves get forward Chase Budinger and the draft rights to Lior Eliyahu; the Houston Rockets draft forward Terrence Jones at 18.

Analysis: The Timberwolves need experience, which they get in Budinger, much more so than another rookie. Eliyahu is expected to play for their summer league team to audition for a roster spot. Budinger played for Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman in Houston his first two years in the league. Jones is a versatile forward who can help the Rockets in a variety of ways.

The Dallas Mavericks get guard Jared Cunningham (#24), forward Bernard James (#33) and forward Jae Crowder (#34); The Cleveland Cavaliers get guard Kelenna Azubuike Tyler Zeller (#17).

Analysis: The Mavericks’ backcourt is in transition and Cunningham gives them a versatile option who can help at both guard positions. James, a military veteran, and Crowder are defensive standouts. Azubuike could find playing time in a thin Cavaliers’ backcourt. Zeller gives the Cavaliers depth at center behind Anderson Varejao, who has missed 91 games due to injuries over the last two years.

The Miami HEAT get a 2013 first-round pick and center Justin Hamilton (#45); the Philadelphia 76ers get forward Arnett Moultrie (#27)

Analysis: The defending champion Miami HEAT pass on putting guaranteed money on the books by trading out of the first round. Hamilton is an athletic big man who can rebound and spread the floor with his jump shot. The pick is lottery protected from 2013-2015. If the HEAT don’t receive the pick by then they get a second round pick in 2015 and 2016. Moultrie has the size and skill to help the 76ers at both the power forward and center positions.

The Indiana Pacers get guard Orlando Johnson (#36); the Sacramento Kings get cash considerations.

Analysis:  Johnson is a safe selection who can help the Pacers offensively in the case that they lose guards George Hill or Leandro Barbosa in free agency. The Kings settle for cash since they already have 11 players under contract for next year.

The Brooklyn Nets get guard Tyshawn Taylor (#41); the Portland Trail Blazers receive cash considerations.

Analysis: The Nets’ point guard position is surrounded by uncertainty, which the proven Taylor helps slightly relieve. The Trail Blazers already added three rookies, so they opt for cash rather than a fourth.

The Brooklyn Nets get forward Tornike Shengelia (#54); the Philadelphia 76ers get cash considerations.

Analysis: Shengelia is a high energy forward who could join the Nets a few years down the line. The 76ers accept cash after getting their forward of the future in Moe Harkless at 15.

The Los Angeles Lakers get guard Darius Johnson-Odom (#55); the Dallas Mavericks get cash considerations.

Analysis: Johnson-Odom is a fierce, competitive combo guard who has a serious chance to make the Lakers’ roster next year. The Mavericks sell this pick back to the Lakers due to already adding three rookies.